Why do Baptists baptise by immersion?

Baptists immerse because they see baptism as a picture of dying and rising with Christ (Romans 6), and they baptise those old enough to profess faith for themselves rather than infants. It follows a personal decision to trust Jesus.

Are Baptists Protestant?

Yes. Baptists are a Protestant family who hold to Scripture as the final authority and salvation by grace through faith. They are distinguished within Protestantism chiefly by believer's baptism and the independence of the local church.

Do all Baptist churches believe the same thing?

They share core convictions, but Baptists are diverse, from Southern Baptists to independent, Reformed, free-will, and many other groups. Each church governs itself, so worship style and emphasis vary from place to place.

Christian Traditions

What Is a Baptist Church?

Baptists are one of the largest Protestant families in the world, especially in North America and Africa. Their name comes from their most treasured conviction: baptism is for those old enough to profess faith in Christ for themselves, and is done by full immersion in water as a picture of dying and rising with Jesus. Baptists prize the authority of Scripture, the freedom and responsibility of each believer before God, and the independence of the local congregation, which governs its own life.

What they believe and treasure

Baptists treasure a personal, deliberate faith. Because they believe baptism should follow a real profession of trust in Christ, they baptise believers, not infants, and do so by immersion. They hold the Bible as the final authority for faith and life, and they cherish 'soul competency', the conviction that every believer can come to God directly through Christ, read Scripture, and answer to him personally.

Baptist churches govern themselves. Each congregation calls its own pastor and orders its own life, often cooperating with others in wider fellowships such as conventions or associations. Baptists have also been historic champions of religious liberty, the freedom of every person to follow conscience without coercion. They keep two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, as commanded signs of the gospel.

What they share with all Christians

Baptists confess the faith of the whole Church. They worship the one God and hold to Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, as the only Saviour, received by faith.

“But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.”

1 Corinthians 8:6

“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Romans 10:9

These are the words of the one faith the Nicene Creed puts on the lips of every Christian: one God, one Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. On this the whole family stands together.

What is distinctive

What is distinctive is believer’s baptism by immersion and the independence of the local church. Where Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Lutherans, and Methodists baptise infants of believing families, Baptists wait for a personal profession of faith. Most Baptists understand the Lord’s Supper as a memorial rather than a change in the bread and wine.

These are honest differences within the family, and Christians hold them in good conscience. Baptists themselves vary widely, from Southern Baptists to many other conventions and independent churches, so emphases differ from one congregation to the next.

What to expect if you visit

A Baptist service is usually warm, informal, and centred on the preaching of the Bible. Expect congregational singing, prayer, and a substantial sermon; music may be traditional hymns or contemporary, depending on the church. Many buildings have a baptistery, a pool for immersing new believers. The Lord’s Supper is shared from time to time as a memorial. Dress is often casual, visitors are genuinely welcomed, and you can simply come as you are.

Find a congregation near you

If a Bible-centred, congregation-led church appeals to you, there is very likely a Baptist church nearby. The surest way to understand any tradition is to go and see, to sit with the people, hear the Scriptures read, and meet the Christ they gather around. You are welcome.

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Come and see

Behind every tradition is the same living Person. Denominations are the many rooms of one house; the door into all of them is Jesus Christ himself, and he still draws near to everyone who comes with an open heart. The Gospel of John is a gentle place to begin, and it costs you nothing but a little quiet and an honest look.

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Jesus Christ is Lord.

Frequently asked questions

Why do Baptists baptise by immersion?: Baptists immerse because they see baptism as a picture of dying and rising with Christ (Romans 6), and they baptise those old enough to profess faith for themselves rather than infants. It follows a personal decision to trust Jesus.
Are Baptists Protestant?: Yes. Baptists are a Protestant family who hold to Scripture as the final authority and salvation by grace through faith. They are distinguished within Protestantism chiefly by believer's baptism and the independence of the local church.
Do all Baptist churches believe the same thing?: They share core convictions, but Baptists are diverse, from Southern Baptists to independent, Reformed, free-will, and many other groups. Each church governs itself, so worship style and emphasis vary from place to place.

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