What does it Mean to be Baptist?

The Greek Word for Baptism means "Immersion"

     In some regions of the country, Baptists are looked at as a cult.  The media has portrayed groups like Westboro Baptist (fairly accurately), but those sects have nothing to do with the historical meaning of the Baptist roots.

     Some people have asked us why the term "Southern" Baptist is in our name.  Our answer - Baptist is such a broad range, and Southern Baptists are a unique and particular brand of those.

The following is a summary of 7 crucial points to the understanding of being a Southern Baptist Church.

1. "B" stands for Believer's Baptism.  Baptists were originally called "Ana-Baptizers" (meaning re-baptizers), because they were baptizing all those who were once baptized as infants.  Remaining true to the Biblical text, the word translated baptize means "immersion."  And secondly, according to Acts 2:38, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins," baptism occurs after one has placed their faith in Jesus Christ.
2. "A" stands for Autonomy of the Local Church.  The term "Independent Baptist Church" is an oxymoron, because every Baptist Church (including Southern Baptists) are independently governed. In the Baptist realm, there is no higher governing organization that the local church itself which dictates how long a pastor can stay, how money must be spent, or even how each church must interpret certain scripture.  As the Protestant Reformation was evolving, churches were breaking from Authoritarian, or even Theocratic rule, whereas one group or individual would declare that they were speaking on behalf of God.  
3. "P" stands for Priesthood of the Believer.  For many years of Christianity, people were told that they did not have the right to interpret the Bible.  Many of them were not allowed to have their own copy of the Bible, and only the priest could declare to them what God was saying.  As a Baptist, you have the same right to read, believe, and interpret scripture as the Pastor does.  We admit that any man can be wrong, and therefore preventing blind corruption from taking place.  Secondly, you have the right to pray and ask forgiveness of sins without going through a middle man.  Jesus was already the middle man who interceded on your behalf, and forgiveness is offered through him.  Thirdly, you as a believer have the right to pray for other people, witness, and minister to the sick.  You don't require a special ordination to lead someone to Christ, or to read scripture for a group of people.  As 1 Peter 2:9 declares, "You are a Chosen People, a Royal Priesthood."
4. "T" stands for Two Ordinances.  Ordinance basically means a symbol; something representing Grace as opposed to a sacrament: something which imparts grace.  These two ordinances are Baptism, and the Lord's Supper.  You are not saved through the act of Baptism, because it is an outward symbol of an inward change.  Taking part in Communion is a reminder of the sacrifice of Jesus, and that we are now partakers in the fellowship of Christ.  It is also done within the context of Community.  Whereas Baptism is an individual event which brings you in the unity of community, Communion is a Corporate event which reminds the individual of the Body.
5. "I" stands for Individual Soul Liberty.  The only one accountable for your Soul to God is You.  You cannot pronounce anyone else saved, and therefore no one else can pronounce you saved.  You can not "save" someone else after they have died by praying for them, or giving money in their name to get them into heaven.  Soul Liberty means no one has the authority to impute the forgiveness of sins except God himself.
6. "S" stands for Separation of Church and State.  What this means is that we stand behind the constitution in that the government shall not establish a state religion or require any person in office to be a certain religion.  This does not mean that Bible classes can not be offered in schools, that students can not pray or read their Bible in school, and that politicians can not speak about their faith.  The Church and the state should never merge as a controlling entity (as we have seen in history).
7. "T" stands for Two Offices.  The two offices in a baptist church are the Pastor and the Deacons.  Now there can be many more staff, such as worship leader, youth minister, etc.  but the group that direct the leadership of the church falls upon the Pastor (overseer) and Deacons (Servants)  The qualifications of a Pastor are listed in 1 Timothy 3:2, and the qualifications for Deacons are listed in 1 Timothy 3:8.  

Most non-denominational churches are thoroughly Baptist in practice.  But then again, because every Baptist church is independently governed, these areas may differ from church to church.  Friendship supports all seven of these foundations.