Baptist churches

Where it came from

Emerged from English and Dutch separatist movements in the early 17th century, with the first Baptist congregation around 1609. Baptists grew rapidly in North America and became one of its largest Protestant traditions, spreading worldwide through missions. Historically they have been strong advocates of religious liberty and the separation of church and state.

What it holds

• Authority: Scripture alone
• Salvation: by faith; each person must decide personally — it cannot be inherited
• Baptism: only for those old enough to profess faith themselves, by full immersion
• Communion: usually understood as a memorial rather than a change in the elements
• Governance: congregational — members vote on major matters; churches are equal partners with no hierarchy
• Spiritual gifts: mostly conservative, but practice varies widely

What a service is like

Usually plain: singing, prayer, Scripture reading, and a substantial sermon (often 30–45 minutes). Most have no fixed liturgy and the atmosphere is informal. Baptisms are significant occasions and many buildings have a baptistry pool. Communion frequency varies from weekly to quarterly.

How it relates to others

Doctrinally close to other evangelical bodies; the distinctives are baptism and congregational independence. Because there is no central authority, Baptist churches differ greatly from one another — from very conservative to quite open.

Common questions