Though the name Baptist is often misused, a Baptist Church is best defined by what it believes.  The primary beliefs and practices of a Baptist church can be easily remembered through the acrostic BAPTISTS.  Though they may not have always used the name “Baptist”, churches which have held to these distinctive beliefs have existed since the time of the apostles.

B is for Bible, our final authority (II Timothy 3:16).

A is for Autonomy, the independence of the local church (Colossians 1:18).

P is for Priesthood, the position of all believers (I Timothy 2:5).

T is for Two Ordinances, Baptism and Lord's Supper (Acts 8:36-38, I Corinthians 11:23-24)

I is for Individual Soul Liberty (Romans 14:5).

S is for Saved and Baptised Church Membership (Ephesians 2:8, Acts 8:36-38).

T is for Two Offices, Pastor and Deacon (I Timothy 3:1-13).

S is for Separation of Church and State (Mark 12:17, Acts 5:29).