2026 – Resolution on Our Baptist Heritage

WHEREAS the Scriptures enjoin us, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” (II Thessalonians 2:15); and

WHEREAS over centuries, believers in Christ within the Baptist tradition have held to the Bible as the inerrant Word of God and the sole authority for the church; and

WHEREAS these forebears diligently searched the Scriptures to understand its commands for each believer’s relationship with God, other believers, and the state. They faithfully stood for the Gospel and the Scriptures, often in the face of persecution.

WHEREAS these forebears observed that the New Testament lays out believer’s baptism by immersion, and they baptized believers when the practice was unpopular and even punished. They recognized that the local church consists of regenerate, voluntary members, and that true faith in Christ and membership in His church cannot be enforced by the state.

WHEREAS these forebears acknowledged the individual priesthood of the believer to commune directly with God, and they strove for freedom of religion for all.

WHEREAS beginning early in the North American colonial period, Baptist believers preached, planted churches, and served as missionaries on this continent. Many of these believers involved themselves in the political process or in war to fight for liberty, and many Baptist chaplains ministered and preached to military members. When liberalism advanced in the denominations, many stood for the fundamentals of the faith and separated to promote pure doctrine.

WHEREAS Bible-believing Baptists in North America and around the world continue to hold fast to Jesus Christ and the truth of the Scriptures;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the members of the Independent Baptist Fellowship of North America, meeting in conference at The Baptist Church of Danbury in Brookfield, Connecticut, June 23-25, 2026, do mark the heritage of believers who have come before us, thank God for their example, and pledge to continue standing on the Scriptures and preaching the Gospel.