Understanding Our Heritage
Each Protestant denomination, in our case Baptist, rose out of an attempt by some to recover Biblical ideals. In the 1600's, a group of English people began to separate themselves from the established churches of England and formed the Baptist movement. Their distinctive beliefs include:
Baptism of Believers by Immersion: Early in church history a belief arose that a baby who died without being baptized had no hope of eternal life. The practical choice was made to sprinkle infants with water. Several Protestant groups reformed other ideas and practices, but were resistant to changing their baptism practice to conform with the Biblical meaning. "Baptism" is a Greek word which is translated as "immersion." The New Testament practice was to fully immerse a person in water who had personally made a commitment to give their live to Jesus as Lord. With that in mind, OBC has a "baptistry" (a large tank) in our church building which can be filled with warm water so that those who want to be baptized (immersed) can do so. Robes are provided for privacy. For more information on being baptized, please contact Pastor John at 517.887.0988 or [email protected].
Rejection of All Creeds: Several church groups insist that their members ascribe to a creed of belief in order to be a part of their denomination. Baptists have traditionally rejected man-made creeds. Instead, we maintain that the Bible is the sole basis for our faith and practice.
Autonomy of the Local Church: In Baptist practice, each church is independent. The decisions for that church are made by the members. Decisions are made democratically - one vote for each member. It is believed that God can reveal His will through the people of His church. Though independent, Baptist churches in the denomination work together to support missions because more can be accomplished through cooperation between other Baptist churches. Denominational organizations exist for the sole purpose of carrying out this common mission. Denominational officials do not have authority over the local churches. OBC is a part of the American Baptist Church of Michigan.
Each Protestant denomination, in our case Baptist, rose out of an attempt by some to recover Biblical ideals. In the 1600's, a group of English people began to separate themselves from the established churches of England and formed the Baptist movement. Their distinctive beliefs include:
Baptism of Believers by Immersion: Early in church history a belief arose that a baby who died without being baptized had no hope of eternal life. The practical choice was made to sprinkle infants with water. Several Protestant groups reformed other ideas and practices, but were resistant to changing their baptism practice to conform with the Biblical meaning. "Baptism" is a Greek word which is translated as "immersion." The New Testament practice was to fully immerse a person in water who had personally made a commitment to give their live to Jesus as Lord. With that in mind, OBC has a "baptistry" (a large tank) in our church building which can be filled with warm water so that those who want to be baptized (immersed) can do so. Robes are provided for privacy. For more information on being baptized, please contact Pastor John at 517.887.0988 or [email protected].
Rejection of All Creeds: Several church groups insist that their members ascribe to a creed of belief in order to be a part of their denomination. Baptists have traditionally rejected man-made creeds. Instead, we maintain that the Bible is the sole basis for our faith and practice.
Autonomy of the Local Church: In Baptist practice, each church is independent. The decisions for that church are made by the members. Decisions are made democratically - one vote for each member. It is believed that God can reveal His will through the people of His church. Though independent, Baptist churches in the denomination work together to support missions because more can be accomplished through cooperation between other Baptist churches. Denominational organizations exist for the sole purpose of carrying out this common mission. Denominational officials do not have authority over the local churches. OBC is a part of the American Baptist Church of Michigan.
