Who's to say that one is not a Baptist?

[Tom Butler]

No, because Paul was a Baptist -- a Baptist missionary.

I love it, Michael. You're right even when you don't think you are.

 

[HeirofSalvation]

This hasn't happened very often in our church, but here's how we handled it.

A young couple began attending our church, and eventually expressed a desire to join us. They previously attended a non-denominational church. So when they presented themselves as candidates for membership, we asked them to supply us with their previous church's doctrinal statement and by-laws. They did, and except for the fact that it did not carry the name Baptist, it was baptistic in nearly every area. With some minor exceptions, our own church could have adopted it. In other words, we considered it a true New Testament church.

So, we determined that they had been scripturally baptized in a church of like faith and order, and thus gladly welcomed them into our fellowship. If I remember correctly, we accepted them by statement rather than transfer of membership.

On the other hand, many years ago, we had a lady to sought membership who had been previously in a Free-Will Baptist Church. We required her to be baptized, because she did not come from a church of like faith and order (even though called Baptist).

Unfortunately, these days, some Baptist churches don't exercise much judgment regarding eligibility for membership. Sprinkled? No problem. Poured? No problem. You believe in apostasy? No problem.

:thumbsup::thumbsup::applause:

 

[Jerome]

Would you consider this church "baptistic"/of like faith and order:

Child baptism is a sacrament of the church that recognizes the parents' intention to raise their child in the faith and instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ, with the hope that the symbolism of baptism will one day prove true in the soul of the child. This sacrament also affirms the congregation's responsibility to be a supportive community of faith. In recognizing the redemptive work of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3,4) infant baptism trusts that through the faith of the parents and the presence of the Holy Spirit, children will be sealed in God until the day they personally accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Child dedication is a celebration of the church that recognizes many of the same things as child baptism, while placing greater emphasis on the child's decision to receive Christ and to be baptized when he or she is old enough to understand what that means.

Here at ------ ----- we honor both traditions. Perhaps for spiritual or family reasons, different people will be drawn to one or the other. When considering the choice, keep in mind that the significance of this milestone comes through the decision to faithfully dedicate one's life to the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

[Tom Butler]

Would you consider this church "baptistic"/of like faith and order:

No, I would not.

To describe baptism, child or otherwise, as a sacrament is something totally foreign to most Baptist churches, or even baptistic churches. Baptists do not consider baptism as sacramental. It is a symbol for professing believers only.

Further, believer's baptism is not just a tradition. It is a scriptural mandate.

 

[Jerome]

That's from Strobel's church.

 

[HeirofSalvation]

That's from Strobel's church.

And....then Thomas is absolutely right....and Mr. Strobel....(so-called) was therefore either ignorant or lying if he identified himself as a "quasi-Baptist"....It may then be the case that (at leat as modern parlance is concerned)....that self-identification as a "Baptist" should be mandatory....as the Mod seemed to demand, because anyone who would freely belong to a Church with this Statement of Faith, is then NO Baptist....again, as the Mod stated. Even considering the word "Sacrament" in reference to Baptism should raise a serious flag.

This, that I quote vindicates the Mod for throwing someone out on their "Plachenko"

we honor both traditions.

That is NOT a Baptist.

 

[MNJacob]

Would you consider this church "baptistic"/of like faith and order:

Where did this come from?

 

[annsni]

Where did this come from?

Apparently Mr. Strobel's church.

 

[Jerome]

Yes, Cherry Hills Community Church (Presbyterian EPC)

 

[MNJacob]

I must have missed something. How is Cherry Hills connected with Mr. Strobel?

 

[annsni]

I must have missed something. How is Cherry Hills connected with Mr. Strobel?

It's his church.

http://www.baptistboard.com/member.php?u=44296