how to become a baptist?

[Family man]

Being a newbie to this forum, I respect the idea that there is a “Baptist only” section, but I have to admit the lively debates are intriguing and look like a lot of fun.

So if I may ask, because I have only attended a Baptist church once (and that was when I was about 11 years old), (now 70) how does someone actually become a Baptist as opposed to some other kind (not real sure what word to use there) of Christian? Are there Baptists and then just “generic Christians,” or is that the wrong way to think about it? Do you have to have a certain kind of baptism to be considered Baptist or is in a name brand?

I’m asking genuinely, not trying to stir the pot. I’d just like to understand how Baptists see this.

 

[Ben1445]

I have seen folks who call themselves Baptist and claim that there is no Baptist church to attend but still claim the title.
In my opinion a people fellowship with people who believe like they do. Generally speaking, if you agree with Baptist doctrine, I would expect that you might be looking for a Baptist church. I don’t mean that you must. Just that, generally speaking Baptists go to Baptist churches because they agree with the doctrine.
There are some people who go as far as to say it doesn’t matter whether you call yourself Baptists or not so long as you believe the right doctrine.
In reality, it doesn’t matter what you call yourself as long as you believe truth. Truth defines the believer. But the question is are you looking to be a follower of Christ or a Baptist?
I’m a follower of Christ and I believe that Baptist doctrine is as close to accurate as it gets, otherwise I would be somewhere else.

I recognize that it is not necessary to be a Baptist to follow Christ.

There is my two cents. Someone will follow up with the Baptist distinctives, I’m sure.

I am out of time.

 

[KenH]

There are various kinds of "Baptists" with differing beliefs as to what the Bible teaches. I think that originally the name "Baptist" referred to folks who immerse as the method of baptism as opposed to the sprinkling or pouring as in the Catholic Church, and also that baptism is for those old enough to understand the Bible and to place their faith in Christ and His finished work to save His people from their sins.

Now, as an example, here are the articles of faith of Grace Baptist Church of Ruston, Louisiana, where I am a member:

Articles of Faith

 

[37818]

Being a newbie to this forum, I respect the idea that there is a “Baptist only” section, but I have to admit the lively debates are intriguing and look like a lot of fun.

So if I may ask, because I have only attended a Baptist church once (and that was when I was about 11 years old), (now 70) how does someone actually become a Baptist as opposed to some other kind (not real sure what word to use there) of Christian? Are there Baptists and then just “generic Christians,” or is that the wrong way to think about it? Do you have to have a certain kind of baptism to be considered Baptist or is in a name brand?

I’m asking genuinely, not trying to stir the pot. I’d just like to understand how Baptists see this.

1. Baptist is a persuasion.
2. That the New Testament documents are the sole authority in all matters of the Christian Faith and practice.

* I was lead to Christ as my Savior in the summer of 1962, by way of Faith Baptist Church of Canoga Park, California. [Was 14]
* I later received believer's immersion.
* In 1966 being 18 joined the US Air Force. Had to specify a religion. Christian was TOO generic. So I specified Baptist.
* In the summer of 1970, being discharged from active duty. I made the choice to join Faith Baptist Church of Canoga Park.
* In fall of 1978 moved my membership to Central Baptist Church of Pomona, California.
* Moved to Riverside county after approximately 2007.
* Attend other churches.
* Currently attending Highland Baptist Temple. California.
* I am Baptist by persuasion.

 

[Family man]

well there is baptist only forum on this site what is the qualification for the site to proclaim being
baptist?

 

[Armchair Apologist]

At the risk of over-simplification:

1. Get saved - become a Christian by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Get baptized - symbolizing your new life in Christ and your identification with God's people (the Church).

3. Read your Bible - If you faithfully read and study your Bible, you will become a Baptist.

 

[John of Japan]

At the risk of over-simplification:

1. Get saved - become a Christian by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Get baptized - symbolizing your new life in Christ and your identification with God's people (the Church).

By immersion, or you're not a Baptist.

3. Read your Bible - If you faithfully read and study your Bible, you will become a Baptist.

That is exactly what happened to famous Baptist missionary Adoniram Judson on the ship over to India. He planned to work with Baptist William Carey, so he wanted to be able to convince Carey to become Congregationalist, but instead became a Baptist himself!

 

[John of Japan]

Being a newbie to this forum, I respect the idea that there is a “Baptist only” section, but I have to admit the lively debates are intriguing and look like a lot of fun.

So if I may ask, because I have only attended a Baptist church once (and that was when I was about 11 years old), (now 70) how does someone actually become a Baptist as opposed to some other kind (not real sure what word to use there) of Christian? Are there Baptists and then just “generic Christians,” or is that the wrong way to think about it? Do you have to have a certain kind of baptism to be considered Baptist or is in a name brand?

I’m asking genuinely, not trying to stir the pot. I’d just like to understand how Baptists see this.

One is a Baptist if one holds to the "Baptist distinctives." There are some different lists, but here is a quick list:

1. Salvation by grace through faith alone; no works added. So, there must be a regenerate church membership.
2. The Bible as the sole rule for faith and practice.
3. Only two ordinances (no sacraments) the Lord's Supper (with no salvific power), and baptism by immersion only, as a public testimony of one's salvation, but never as a part of salvation.
4. The separation of church and state, meaning that no government has a right to rule religion.
5. The autonomy of the local church; that is, Baptists have no headquarters but that of Christ in Heaven. He rules each local church.
6. Soul liberty, or the priesthood of the believer. Clergy has no right to rule over the doctrines of individual believers as the Catholics do. However, each believer must adhere to the teachings of the local church he or she belongs to.

 

[JonC]

Being a newbie to this forum, I respect the idea that there is a “Baptist only” section, but I have to admit the lively debates are intriguing and look like a lot of fun.

So if I may ask, because I have only attended a Baptist church once (and that was when I was about 11 years old), (now 70) how does someone actually become a Baptist as opposed to some other kind (not real sure what word to use there) of Christian? Are there Baptists and then just “generic Christians,” or is that the wrong way to think about it? Do you have to have a certain kind of baptism to be considered Baptist or is in a name brand?

I’m asking genuinely, not trying to stir the pot. I’d just like to understand how Baptists see this.

"Baptist" is descriptive. One does not be kme a Baptist but is a Baptist if they believe the "Baptist distinctives".

Here is the fun part. Baptists do not agree on anything, much less what these distinctives are.

On this board if you hold to believer's baptism then you most likely would be a Baptist.

 

[Armchair Apologist]

By immersion, or you're not a Baptist.

Goes without saying bro! Is there any sort of baptism?

That is exactly what happened to famous Baptist missionary Adoniram Judson on the ship over to India. He planned to work with Baptist William Carey, so he wanted to be able to convince Carey to become Congregationalist, but instead became a Baptist himself!

Interesting how such things work out!

 

[Armchair Apologist]

* In 1966 being 18 joined the US Air Force. Had to specify a religion. Christian was TOO generic. So I specified Baptist.

I came to faith in Christ in 1981 but was raised Roman Catholic from birth.

When I joined the Navy back in 1982, I knew very little about Christian doctrine but what I did know was that the faith I now possessed hardly refected my Roman Catholic upbringing so I spent a little bit of time making my selection here as well.

Had there been a selection such as "saved, born again child of God," I probably would've selected that but unfortunately, this was not an option. During my High School years, I smoked dope, drank beer, and chased skirts with many of my buddies who were "Fine Southern Baptists" so I did not think this accurately reflected my core Christian beliefs. I thought about selecting "Reformed" not having the slightest clue what this meant but I knew that my life had been radically transformed by the power of God! I ultimately ended up selecting Roman Catholic because it was "What I knew" and selecting "No Religious Preference" pretty much meant you were atheistic or agnostic.

During my training in Millington TN, I got hooked up with a bunch of rowdy "Independent Baptists" (KJVO, Ruckmanites, Etc.) who preached the same gospel I had received and told me that all Southern Baptists were apostate and that I needed to stay away from them so I was baptized in that church. I also went down to Personnel Support right away and got my religious preference changed from "Roman Catholic" to "Baptist Other."

I am now a member of a Baptist Church that so happens to be SBC but I have retained many of the good things I learned as IFB. If anyone asks me today, I just tell them "I am a Baptist." If I filled out the form today, I think I still would chose "Baptist - Other."

 

[Jerome]

well there is baptist only forum on this site what is the qualification for the site to proclaim being
baptist?

With regard to posting in our Baptist-only forums:
Baptists proclaim being Baptist by selecting "faith: Baptist", when registering to be on this website.
Those who select "Non Baptist Christian" are welcome to post in our "All Christians" forums.

 

[John of Japan]

During my training in Millington TN, I got hooked up with a bunch of rowdy "Independent Baptists" (KJVO, Ruckmanites, Etc.) who preached the same gospel I had received and told me that all Southern Baptists were apostate and that I needed to stay away from them so I was baptized in that church. I also went down to Personnel Support right away and got my religious preference changed from "Roman Catholic" to "Baptist Other."

Dad pastored Southside Baptist Church (IFB) in Millington 1962-1965. The church is no longer there, but we had a lot of sailors come from the base and get saved. One was a young black man, and that being the South the leaders of the church strongly objected. But Dad was from Pennsylvania and didn't care, being glad the young fellow trusted Christ. They eventually fired Dad for no good reason.

 

[Jerome]

Dad pastored Southside Baptist Church (IFB) in Millington 1962-1965.

Do you happen to know anything about a Memphis Baptist Bible College operating at Thrifthaven Baptist Church at that time?

http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/1633,09-Sep-1962.pdf

Mentioned in the thread on Baptist Bible Colleges

"Baptist Bible College" List

I know of three still going by "...Baptist Bible College" in 2026: Clear Creek Baptist Bible College (Pineville, Kentucky) Faith Baptist Bible College (Ankeny, Iowa) Fruitland Baptist Bible College (Hendersonville, North Carolina) Faith's main constituency is GARBC; the other two are Southern...

www.baptistboard.com

 

[Armchair Apologist]

Dad pastored Southside Baptist Church (IFB) in Millington 1962-1965. The church is no longer there, but we had a lot of sailors come from the base and get saved. One was a young black man, and that being the South the leaders of the church strongly objected. But Dad was from Pennsylvania and didn't care, being glad the young fellow trusted Christ. They eventually fired Dad for no good reason.

Small world, that was the Church where I was baptized! Right off Raleigh-Millington rd. There is still a Church there and it is still IFB (and KJVO). My wife and I stopped by there some years ago and talked to some of the members who were working on the property. I believe it is called "New Hope Baptist Church" but I am not sure if this is an entirely new church or the same congregation with a different name?

I was there in 1983 when Ed Morris was pastor and he was the one who baptized me. Michael Pearl was the pastor before him and he was still in the area running a coffee house on Navy Road reaching out to young Sailors such as myself. Bro. Pearl seemed like a really nice guy but I was told he was really "out there" with his doctrine but not really certain how or where at the time. I did some "guitar picking" with him a couple of times and he showed me a few Beatles songs that he rewrote with Christian lyrics.

One of my best friends during that time was a black Marine who also attended the church. There was quite a bit of prejudice regarding "mixed marriages" and I think they pretty much made it clear that they were not welcome there. One married sailor spent several weeks trying really hard to befriend the rest of us and become a part of the Church while he was waiting for his wife who was arriving later. When we finally met her, she was a very pretty black lady (he was white) and that was the last we ever heard of them! They actually had me believing that mixed marriages were sinful which later prevented me from marrying a beautiful Filipina lady I would meet a couple years later. God has a real sense of humor though because he brought her right back into my life after the divorce from my first wife and we have now been married for 12 years!

 

[John of Japan]

Do you happen to know anything about a Memphis Baptist Bible College operating at Thrifthaven Baptist Church at that time?

http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/1633,09-Sep-1962.pdf

Mentioned in the thread on Baptist Bible Colleges

"Baptist Bible College" List

I know of three still going by "...Baptist Bible College" in 2026: Clear Creek Baptist Bible College (Pineville, Kentucky) Faith Baptist Bible College (Ankeny, Iowa) Fruitland Baptist Bible College (Hendersonville, North Carolina) Faith's main constituency is GARBC; the other two are Southern...

www.baptistboard.com

I visited the church back in the day, and knew the pastor, but I don't remember anything about a Bible college there. As far as I remember, the church was SBC, but leaned IFB, so that would explain their felt need to have a Bible college.

 

[Ben1445]

Bro. Pearl seemed like a really nice guy but I was told he was really "out there" with his doctrine but not really certain how or where at the time.

I have heard this also but have not spent any time to confirm or deny it.

Is anyone aware of and able to name and cite doctrinal issues?

 

[Armchair Apologist]

Do you happen to know anything about a Memphis Baptist Bible College operating at Thrifthaven Baptist Church at that time?

http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/1633,09-Sep-1962.pdf

Mentioned in the thread on Baptist Bible Colleges

"Baptist Bible College" List

I know of three still going by "...Baptist Bible College" in 2026: Clear Creek Baptist Bible College (Pineville, Kentucky) Faith Baptist Bible College (Ankeny, Iowa) Fruitland Baptist Bible College (Hendersonville, North Carolina) Faith's main constituency is GARBC; the other two are Southern...

www.baptistboard.com

I interacted with the Thrifthaven crowd quite a bit as well. Went into their Serviceman's Center just off the base one day and I'm pretty sure the worker must've thought I was lost because I was wearing mirrored sunglasses that day! Very stoic bunch. I don't think I ever saw any of them smile.

 

[JonC]

Goes without saying bro! Is there any sort of baptism?

@John of Japan is partially correct.

Immersion is important, but so is de-immersion. If you don't come back up you are not a real Baptist.

 

[Armchair Apologist]

I have heard this also but have not spent any time to confirm or deny it.

Is anyone aware of and able to name and cite doctrinal issues?

I have checked out his "No Greater Joy" website and even tried reaching out to him. Listening to a few of his messages, it seems to me that he gets dangerously close to "Open Theism" if not already there. I'm not sure if this was their objection though. This was my personal, recent observation. He also has some extreme views regarding the "rod of correction" but these are things that are all over the internet about him.