Baptist Vocabulary #2

Alien Immersion

a term referring to baptism administered by non-Baptists. The term was popularized by J. R. Graves and the Landmark Baptist Movement, which insisted that only Baptist churches were true churches and only baptism administered in the context of the local Baptist church is valid.

Baptismal Font

a vessel containing water used for baptism. The advent of infant baptism influenced the design as an elevated basin in which a child could be immersed. In some traditions it is an ornate vessel mounted on a pedestal, while in others it is a simple small cup viewed only during baptism.

Baptist World Alliance

an international fellowship of Baptist organizations, first formed in 1905. The primary purpose included safeguarding and maintaining religious liberty, propagating Baptist principles and tenants of the faith, gathering and disseminating Baptist news, and coordinating relief efforts when they arise.

Baptistry

term referring to the place of baptism. It is often a large tank utilized by churches practicing immersion. In churches within the Baptist tradition, it is located behind the pulpit and platform in the back of the church.

Call to Ministry

an inner summons that some Christians experience that leads them to prepare for and pursue pastoral ministry, missionary service, or similar Christian vocation. The candidate who senses this purpose for their life seeks confirmation from a local church body who assesses their character and qualifications.

Church Covenant

a written pledge focusing on conduct and lifestyle which church members voluntarily make to God and one another.

Conversion

turning from sin to Christ. Turning from sin is repentance, and turning to Christ is faith. So, it is shorthand for repentance and faith.

Dual Alignment

the practice in which a Baptist congregation maintains an official relationship with two or more denominations. In this arrangement the congregation participates in several denominational systems and is considered a member of each of these denominations.

Dunkers

Also known as German Baptist Brethren, they practiced baptism by immersing the person three times forward. They practice pacifism, foot-washing, and observe the Lord’s Supper once a year.

Invitation

a time in evangelical revivals and worship services when individuals are invited to make specific “decisions for Christ” and declare those decisions publicly. Also known as the “altar call,” some Baptist churches use this occasion to call for repentance from ongoing sin, rededication to Christ, or answering the call to ministry.

Ordination

the practice of setting a person apart for specific ministry, typically pastoral, elder, or deacon ministries, through laying on of hands. This practice is typically preceded by an interview with select members of the church who affirm the candidates call and commission to ministry.

Regeneration

God’s giving new life in Christ. Before rebirth, we were dead in sin and unable to revive ourselves (Eph 2:1). In grace God made us alive with Christ (vv. 4–5). He caused us to be born again.

Testimony

giving a verbal description of how one came to faith in Jesus Christ. Such accounts often include what a person’s life was like before becoming a Christian and how their life has changed since Christ came into their life.

Trinity

almighty God’s eternal existence in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father is the First Person, the Son the Second Person, and the Spirit the Third Person. These three persons are one God and are inseparable, sharing the same essence. We distinguish the persons from one another but do not confuse them.