While we share basic biblical convictions that have been held by Christians for millennia, we as Canadian Baptists have particular beliefs that make us distinct from other churches and denominations. These distinctive's play a key role in our theology, how we organize and structure ourselves, and the ways in which we choose to participate in God’s mission on earth—locally and globally.

We believe that Jesus Christ is the head of the church and ruler over us—personally and as a community. Every area of our lives and the life of the church should be subject to Christ. This confession is the earliest confessions of the church and is central to the Christian faith.

Romans 10:9–13; Ephesians 1:22–23; Acts 2:22–40; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Philippians 2:9–11; 1 John 2:3–6

We believe that the Bible is the “god-breathed” and fully trustworthy story of God’s ongoing redemptive work in the world—centred on Jesus Christ. It is therefore our supreme authority for what we believe & how we live.

2 Timothy 3:14–17; 2 Peter 1:21; Acts 1:16; Hebrews 4:12; Psalms 119:89; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35

We believe everyone has the freedom to choose for themselves whether to worship and follow God or not and that they are ultimately accountable to God for their use of that freedom.

Genesis 1–3; John 3:16-21; 1 Corinthians 12:12–26; Romans 14:13; Galatians 5:13–25

We believe that everyone is able to approach God directly and that Christian ministry belongs to every believer—not just a select few. As members of one body, we believe that God has given every believer gifts for the purpose of building up the church, and so seek to empower each other to use our gifts and talents for God’s glory.

1 Corinthians 12–13; 1 Peter 2:4–10; Romans 12:1; Isaiah 61:6; Romans 15:16

We believe that Baptism is a rite for those who have personally chosen to follow Jesus. It serves as a testimony and expression of their personal faith and experience of God’s grace in their life and is the first step in obedience to Christ as our Lord.

Matthew 28:16–20; Act 2:36–41; Matthew 3:13–17; 1 Peter 3:19–21; Galatians 3:23–29; Ephesians 4:1–5; Romans 6:3–8; Colossians 2:9–12; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11; John 3:1–21

We believe that each individual church should be made of believers and that, by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, they can govern their communities well. However, our self-governance is always in the context of relationship whereby we voluntarily open ourselves up to accountability to other churches. On the basis of shared theological convictions, we choose to “associate” or “affiliate” with other churches for our good and the good of God’s Kingdom.

Revelation 2–3; 1 Corinthians 6:1–8; Acts 6:1–7; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 5:1–5,12–13; Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:1–16; Acts 13:1–3

We believe that because God has given each person personal freedom of choice, all people should be free to believe and practice their religious convictions according to their own consciences, without undue government interference. 

Romans 12–13; John 18:28–40; 1 Peter 2:11–15; Ephesians 2:19; Philippians 3:20