One of the most common questions we are asked is, "What's the difference between a Baptist church and any other church?" This question is understandable in this part of England, because there are just a few Baptist churches nearby. Although a Baptist church may be new to some people, Baptists are not new to this area. According to an old Congleton town map, there was a Baptist Chapel in Congleton during the 1800's. Perhaps one aspect of Baptist history that many people are unaware of is that 'Baptists' are 'British.' In fact, the title 'Baptists' first appeared during the 1600's in Wales. Prior to this, Baptists were known by many other names but the title 'Baptist' is the one that has lasted.

Throughout its history, the Baptist church has been identified by what it believes. These core beliefs can be listed in the simple acrostic: BAPTISTS

B -Biblical Authority. Baptist people believe the Bible to be the sole authority for faith and practice.

A -Autonomy of the Local Church. By this it is meant that each Baptist church is self governed and self supported.

P -Priesthood of the Believer. This is one of the most valued Baptist distinctives. It simply means that each believer has access to God because of their faith in Jesus Christ. The child of God can pray at any time, in any place, for any reason. The believer has the ability to read and study the Bible for himself and can discern God's will for their life without the aid of any other human representative to God.

T -Two Church Ordinances. Historically Baptist people have held to two ordinances: Believer's Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Both of these were commanded to be observed by Jesus Christ and both symbolise His redemptive work. Following the New Testament pattern, baptism is by immersion and reserved for believers after a credible profession of faith. It is a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. The Lord's Supper was instituted during Christ's final meal with His disciples as part of the Passover Meal. Jesus taught them that the unleavened bread and the 'fruit of the vine' were symbolic of His body and blood. Baptists observe the Lord's Table in remembrance of Jesus' death on the cross for our sin. These ordinances have no saving merit in them, but are observed as a memorial to the salvation Jesus Christ has already provided.

I -Individual Soul Liberty. This distinctive has been expressed in various ways but  ultimately represents the God given ability of all people to make choices. God allows people the freedom of choice, a freedom that carries with it awesome responsibility. We are accountable for our choices. If we exercise our freedom to obey God there is life. If we use our freedom to deny Him the consequence is death (Gen 2, 3).

S -Saved Church Membership. Baptists believe that only saved persons—those who have attained salvation through faith in Christ as their Saviour—should be members of a church. Conversely, Baptists also believe that all saved persons should be members of a church. While becoming a Christian is an individual response of faith, growing as a Christian is enhanced by fellowship with other Christians. The Christian life was designed not as a solo endeavour but as a fellowship experience, with a church being the primary fellowship.

T -Two Church Officers. Baptists through the years have affirmed two scriptural officers for a New Testament church, pastor and deacon. Baptists believe the Bible teaches that all Christians are called to serve and minister to others in Christ's name, but some are called and gifted by God to function in specific roles of ministry, such as pastors and deacons. Generally speaking, pastors (also referred to as elders and bishops) care for the spiritual needs of the church, while deacons care for the practical needs.

S -Separation of Church and State. Baptists believe that both government and the church were created by God and both have unique purposes. Government is to provide law and safety as well as act for the benefit of its citizens. Christians are to honour and pray for government officials, pay taxes and obey the law so long as obedience to those laws are not contrary to God's will. The Church, including other Christian entities established for religious purposes, also has a specific mission. The Church should not rely upon the government to accomplish its purpose.  Ideally, the relation of church and state is mutually beneficial. For example, the state is to provide order and safety; while the church contributes to a positive social order by helping to develop law-abiding, hard-working, honest citizens.