A Sacred Trust

The study that culminated in this sermon series has been among the most rewarding, not only in my ministry as a pastor but in my life as a Christian. Through studying and preaching the Baptist distinctives, I have come to cherish more dearly my heritage as a Baptist and the sacred trust of Baptist doctrinal beliefs. I have also grown toward the goal of developing and expressing the mind of Christ in my own life. The response of the congregation, moreover, was overwhelmingly positive. During the eight Sundays of the series, noticeably larger than usual numbers of worshipers lined up to express thanks for the sermons or interest in the subject. Others called or visited the pastor’s study to discuss Baptist heritage and identity and share excitement at the opportunity to increase their knowledge. Requests for the Sunday services on tape increased well beyond the usual numbers, and evaluations conducted after the series showed strongly positive results. Typical comments from church members included “I’ve learned a lot,” “Now I’m armed with answers,” and “Now when somebody asks why I’m Baptist, I can say more than 'I was raised in a Baptist church.' Now I can explain biblically what I believe."

This book is offered as a help to those who wonder just what beliefs do set apart Baptists from other Christians, and in the hope that it might encourage other pastors to undertake the study and development of their own messages on the distinctive Baptist beliefs. Generations of Christians have found the Baptist faith to be the most effective means of obeying Christ “in all things whatsoever” and have faithfully proclaimed and passed down that faith to those who followed. May we be good stewards of such a sacred trust!