What We Believe

Second Baptist Church is a community that stresses freedom. We do not ask our members to sign a creed or any specific statement of faith.

Our emphasis on freedom doesn't mean that we don't take belief seriously, or that we think that all beliefs are basically equal. At Second Baptist, we organize our common life around the belief that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord.

Furthermore, we embrace what C.S. Lewis called "mere Christianity," namely that Jesus Christ is the pre-existent Son of God, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, was crucified for the sins of humanity, was buried and bodily resurrected and now reigns in heaven with the Heavenly Father.

We do, however, work hard to maintain a loving spirit toward those who differ from us in these beliefs. As one ancient Christian leader said centuries ago: In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; In all things, charity.

If you'd like to take a detailed look at the confession of faith that best resembles our community's understanding of this "mere Christianity" (and certain Baptist manifestations of it) you may also want to examine the 1963 Baptist Faith and Message.

Or for some answers to a few specific questions about how Second Baptist is different than some Baptist churches, take a look at some frequently asked questions.