Baptist Identity Resources
The Baptist Identity Resources series offers a rich collection of resources on topics related to Baptist identity, crafted for individuals, small groups and congregations to explore and discuss.
These resources from respected Baptist historians spotlight core Baptist principles and beliefs. Topics include: Priesthood of All Believers (Dr. Carolyn Blevins), Believer’s Baptism (Dr. William Brackney), Liberty of Conscience (Dr. Charles Deweese), Voluntarism (Dr. Glenn Hinson), Congregationalism (Dr. Carol Crawford Holcomb), A Passion for the Gospel (Dr. Bill Leonard), The Bible (Dr. Claude Howe), and Turning Points in Baptist History (Dr. Walter Shurden).
The Priesthood of All Believers — Dr. Carolyn D. Blevins
The Priesthood of All Believers is a core principle of Baptist doctrine. What does “the priesthood of all believers” mean? Why is this idea so important to Baptists, and where did they get it? Dr. Carolyn D. Blevins explores these questions and more in this resource.
Download The Priesthood of All Believers resource.
Believer’s Baptism — Dr. William Brackney
Believer’s Baptism has long been a distinctive mark of Baptists. But what does it truly signify, and how did it develop over time? Dr. William H. Brackney delves into the historical and theological roots of believer’s baptism, examining its profound impact on Baptist identity.
Download Believer’s Baptism resource.
Voluntarism — Dr. E. Glenn Hinson
What does it mean to say that “God alone is Lord of the conscience”? Dr. E. Glenn Hinson explores voluntarism, a foundational principle of Baptist identity, emphasizing religious liberty, personal responsibility, and the inherent dignity granted to each individual by God.
Download Voluntarism resource.
Congregationalism — Dr. Carol Crawford Holcomb
Dr. Carol Holcomb explores Congregationalism, focusing on the scriptural roots and theological bases of congregational polity centered on Christ’s Lordship, affirmations of church freedom founds in confessions of faith, and best applications of this Baptist principle in congregational contexts.
Download Congregationalism resource.
Liberty of Conscience — Dr. Charles W. Deweese
Dr. Charles Deweese examines the biblical foundations of liberty of conscience and its 400-year history of Baptist support, discusses potential dangers like creedalism, and discusses the importance of this core principle for Baptists today.
Download Liberty of Conscience resource.
A Passion for the Gospel — Dr. Bill Leonard
The earliest Baptists understood themselves to be on mission, emphasizing that all believers bear witness to God’s grace. Dr. Bill Leonard highlights early missionary work, Baptist support for religious liberty, and ongoing theological and organizational challenges.
Download A Passion for the Gospel resource.
The Bible — Dr. Claude L. Howe
The Bible holds a central place in Baptist faith and practice. But why do Baptists prioritize Scripture and how has this emphasis shaped 400-years of Baptist identity? Dr. Claude L. Howe explores the historical and theological roots of the Baptist commitment to biblical authority in this resource.
Turning Points in Baptist History — Dr. Walter B. Shurden
Dr. Walter Shurden highlights six turning points in Baptist history: The Believers’ Church (1609), Free Conscience (1612), Baptism by Immersion (1641), Cooperative Christianity (1707), Missionary Responsibility (1792), and Social Justice (1955).