Definition

Proper noun A denomination within Protestant Christianity characterized by its belief in baptizing only professing believers (believer's baptism, typically by full immersion), its emphasis on the autonomy of the local congregation, and the authority of Scripture.

Usage

The term "Baptist church" refers to a specific congregation or to the collective denomination. It is used as a proper noun and is often capitalized.

Examples * She has been a member of the Baptist church on Main Street for twenty years. * The Baptist Church has a significant presence in the southern United States. * Their theology is consistent with that of the Baptist church.

Advanced Usage

• "Landmark Baptist Church": A term used by some congregations emphasizing a particular view of church succession and local church authority.
• "Full Gospel Baptist Church": A movement within the Baptist tradition that incorporates charismatic practices.

Variants and Related Words

• Baptist (noun/adjective): A member of a Baptist church, or relating to Baptist churches or their doctrines.
  • He is a Baptist. They follow Baptist theology.
• Baptistry (noun): The pool or tank in a church used for baptism by immersion.

Synonyms

• Baptist denomination: A more formal term for the collective group of Baptist churches.
• Believers' church: A broader theological term describing churches that practice believer's baptism, which includes but is not limited to Baptist churches.

Related Phrases

• Baptist polity: Refers to the congregational system of church government practiced in Baptist churches, where each local congregation is self-governing.
• Baptist distinctives: The key theological principles that characterize Baptist churches, such as believer's baptism, soul liberty, and separation of church and state.

Related Idioms

• "As sure as a Baptist baptism": An informal, regional idiom emphasizing certainty, alluding to the definitive and public nature of believer's baptism by immersion. (Note: This is not a widely standardized idiom but exemplifies how the concept can be used figuratively.)

Noun

1. any of various evangelical Protestant churches that believe in the baptism of voluntary believers