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Local church autonomy, two ordinances, and congregational polity.

For Baptists the church is not the building or the hierarchy; it is the gathered congregation of baptized believers covenanted together under Christ. Each church is autonomous, governs itself by the whole membership, and celebrates two ordinances, baptism and the Lord's Supper. This page maps that ecclesiology and its tensions.

Baptist ClaimA true church is a local, gathered congregation of professed believers, organized by covenant, practicing baptism and the Lord's Supper under Christ's rule.

Main ReceiptsFirst London Confession (1644), Second London Confession (1689), Broadmead Records, New Hampshire Confession (1833).

Live DisputeBaptists debate the visible and invisible church, the nature of ordination, the role of elders and deacons, and how much authority associations may exercise.

Component Map

6 pieces that have to be kept distinct.

Gathered ChurchThe church is composed of visible saints joined by faith and covenant, not by geography or infant membership.

Local Church AutonomyEach congregation is a complete church under Christ; no outside body may rule it.

Congregational PolityThe membership votes on doctrine, officers, membership, and discipline; the congregation is the final court.

Two OrdinancesBaptism and the Lord's Supper are the two gospel ordinances; Baptists deliberately avoid the term sacrament for them.

Church OfficersScripture gives the church pastors and deacons; ministers are raised up by the Spirit and recognized by the church.

Discipline and CovenantChurches keep covenant through admonition, restoration, and, when necessary, exclusion from membership.

Receipt Trail

Start here before drawing conclusions.

First London Confession (1644)The confession's articles on the church and its two ordinances.

Broadmead Records (1640-1687)A working church book tracing worship, discipline, and persecution in one congregation.

New Hampshire Confession (1833)A moderate American Baptist statement on the church and its ordinances.