Baptists vs. Christians — What's the Difference?

Baptists are a Christian denomination emphasizing believer’s baptism by full immersion, signifying a public declaration of faith and obedience to Christ. On the other hand, Christians represent a broad group of people who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, encompassing a wide range of beliefs and denominations beyond the Baptist church.

The governance within Baptist churches is predominantly congregational, meaning each church operates independently and makes decisions through the congregation's members. This structure emphasizes the local church's autonomy and the priesthood of all believers. Conversely, other Christian denominations may adopt hierarchical structures, such as the Episcopal governance seen in the Catholic, Orthodox, and some Protestant churches, where bishops and other church leaders have authority over a number of churches within a specific region.

Baptists traditionally adhere to a set of beliefs outlined in various confessions of faith, such as the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, which emphasizes the authority of the Bible, salvation through faith alone, and the church's nature. While Christians across all denominations value the Bible as the word of God, interpretations and additional sources of authority, such as tradition, reason, and experience, play a significant role in shaping their theology and practices. For example, the Catholic Church also considers the teachings of the Church Fathers and decisions of ecumenical councils as authoritative.

Baptist worship services tend to be simpler and focused on preaching and congregational singing, reflecting their emphasis on the Bible's direct teaching and personal faith. In contrast, worship in other Christian traditions can vary widely, from the highly liturgical and sacramental services in the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican churches to the charismatic and informal services found in many Pentecostal and non-denominational Christian communities.

Despite these differences, Baptists and all other Christian denominations share core beliefs in the divinity of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, the resurrection, and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. The diversity within Christianity reflects the breadth of interpretation and practice that has developed over two thousand years of Christian history, while Baptists contribute a distinct perspective within the larger Christian tradition, particularly regarding baptism and church governance.