We believe that the Bible must be central in the life of the individual and the church. We further affirm each Christian's right, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, to bring his/her insight into the interpretation of God's word.

We believe in the autonomy of every local church. We further believe that churches are free, under the Lordship of Christ, to determine their membership and leadership, to order their worship and work, to ordain whomever they perceive as gifted for ministry, and to participate as they deem appropriate in the larger Body of Christ.

We believe in "a free conscience, a free church, and a free state." We further affirm freedom of religion, freedom for religion, and freedom from religion. Baptists were leaders in the movement to guarantee religious freedom to all who live in this great land.