What Makes Us Different?

God Exalting

We believe that “the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever,” and we don't mind stealing that phrase from the Presbyterians (because Scripture said it first just in different words). Everything involved in our fellowship and worship focuses on reminding us that He is the premier and pinnacle of all things, and our goal in everything ought to be His glory. It is our deepest desire to know Him and to grow in holiness in response. [1]

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Scripture at the Core

Scripture is without error, and it is complete and whole; therefore, these are the fundamental rules of what we believe. The Bible is God's Word, and through it, the Church has access to every spiritual truth and principle necessary for living in godliness and holiness. Therefore, our preaching, teaching, counseling, worship, and evangelism should be drawn from scripture, and we should have an intimate knowledge of it. [2]

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The Five Solas of the Reformation

Reformed Baptists return to the rallying call of the Reformation — the “Five Solas”: Scripture Alone, Christ Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone, and the Glory of God Alone. These principles found in Scripture and consistent with the early church fathers are not simply a bumper-sticker catchphrase, but actually form the foundational framework through which we operate. [3]

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Covenantal

When looking at the big picture of the Bible, we see a consistent story that tells the plan of God to save one People from all tribes and nations, unified in the New Covenant. This New Covenant, established in Christ's sacrifice, is the final, spiritual, and unbreakable covenant that fulfills all the “forms and shadows” of the old covenants.[4]

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Confessional

While there are a handful of historical Baptist confessions, Reformed Baptists typically rely heavily on a historical church Confession (doctrinal statement), including the First (1644) or Second (1689) London Baptist Confession of Faith or the 1833 New Hampshire Confession. This guards against novelty in doctrine and anchors us to historical accountability in our views. While church tradition is not authoritative, we acknowledge it as a beneficial guide and a connection to a heritage of believers who made real sacrifices to honor God in passing down generational truth. [5]

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Biblical Church Structure

Reformed Baptists believe in independent churches rather than hierarchies like those of other Reformed denominations. The Bible defines the offices of the church, and we follow the pattern of a plurality of elders and deacons. The elders' responsibility to the congregation is to shepherd (teach and model), oversee (administrate), and protect. The deacons serve the church and its members practically in various ministries. Church membership involves a serious and accountable commitment to God, the church leadership, and the brothers and sisters in the body. We believe scripture portrays local churches that actually “do life” together, cultivating rich relationships among their members. [6]

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God's Sovereignty

We affirm that Scripture is clear about God's sovereignty over all things, including salvation. Since men are dead in sin and cannot save themselves, it takes an unwarranted act of God to regenerate those He has given to the Son. We see that God's redemptive plan (the cross and His people) was set in place before the foundations of the earth. [7]

 

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Footnotes & Annotations

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[1] God Exalting

• 1 Corinthians 10:31 — “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 

• Psalm 73:25–28 — True joy and satisfaction are found in God Himself. 

• Colossians 1:18 — Christ is preeminent in all things. 

• Romans 11:36 — All things exist from, through, and for God’s glory. 

• Philippians 3:8–10 — Paul counts everything loss compared to knowing Christ. 

• 1 Peter 1:15–16 — Believers are called to holiness because God is holy. 

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[2] Scripture at the Core

• 2 Timothy 3:16–17 — Scripture is God-breathed and sufficient for equipping believers. 

• Psalm 19:7 — The law of the Lord is perfect and trustworthy. 

• 2 Peter 1:3 — God has granted everything necessary for life and godliness. 

• 1 Thessalonians 2:13 — The Word received is truly the Word of God. 

• Acts 20:27 — Faithful ministry proclaims the whole counsel of God. 

• Psalm 1:1–2 — The righteous delight in and meditate on God’s law. 

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[3] The Five Solas

• 2 Timothy 3:16–17 — Scripture Alone. 

• Acts 4:12 and 1 Timothy 2:5 — Christ Alone as mediator and Savior. 

• Ephesians 2:8–9 — Salvation by Grace Alone. 

• Romans 3:28 and Galatians 2:16 — Justification through Faith Alone. 

• Romans 11:36 and 1 Corinthians 10:31 — All things exist for God’s glory alone. 

• Acts 2:42 and Ephesians 2:20 — The Church is grounded in apostolic doctrine. 

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[4] Covenantal

• Revelation 5:9 — Christ redeems people from every tribe and nation. 

• Galatians 3:28–29 — God’s people are united in Christ. 

• Jeremiah 31:31–34 — Promise of the New Covenant. 

• Hebrews 8:6–13 — Christ mediates a better covenant. 

• Luke 22:20 — Christ establishes the New Covenant through His blood. 

• Hebrews 13:20 — The New Covenant is everlasting. 

• Colossians 2:16–17 and Hebrews 10:1 — Old Covenant shadows fulfilled in Christ. 

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[5] Confessional

• 1 Timothy 6:3–4 — Warning against strange doctrines and unhealthy teaching. 

• Hebrews 13:9 — Do not be carried away by diverse teachings. 

• 2 Timothy 1:13–14 — Hold fast the pattern of sound words. 

• Jude 3 — Contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. 

• Mark 7:8–13 — Human tradition must not override Scripture. 

• Hebrews 13:7 — Remember faithful leaders and imitate their faith. 

• 2 Timothy 2:2 — Truth is to be passed down faithfully across generations. 

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[6] Biblical Church Structure

• Philippians 1:1 and 1 Timothy 3:1–13 — Biblical offices of elders and deacons. 

• Acts 14:23 and Titus 1:5 — Churches appoint multiple elders. 

• 1 Peter 5:1–3 — Elders shepherd willingly and by example. 

• Acts 20:28–31 — Elders oversee and protect the flock. 

• Titus 1:9 — Elders defend sound doctrine. 

• Acts 6:1–4 — Deacons serve practical needs within the church. 

• Hebrews 13:17 — Believers submit to faithful spiritual leadership. 

• Matthew 18:15–17 — Church accountability and discipline. 

• Acts 2:42–47, Galatians 6:2, and Romans 12:10–16 — The local church lives in close fellowship, mutual care, and love. 

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[7] God's Sovereignty

• Psalm 115:3 and Daniel 4:35 — God rules over all things according to His will. 

• Ephesians 1:11 — God works all things according to His purpose. 

• John 6:37–39 and Romans 9:15–18 — Salvation rests in God’s sovereign mercy. 

• Ephesians 2:1–3 and Romans 3:10–12 — Humanity is spiritually dead and unable to save itself. 

• John 6:44 — No one comes to Christ unless drawn by the Father. 

• Titus 3:5 — Salvation comes through regeneration by the Holy Spirit. 

• Ephesians 1:4–5 and 2 Timothy 1:9 — God’s saving plan was established before creation.