How did you come to be a Baptist?

[NotEnoughFaith2BeAtheist]

Just curious.

Were you born into a Baptist family (like me)? Did you convert later in life?

NEF2BA

[DiscipleOfIAm]

No, I was born into a Restoration Movement Church, aka "Christian Churches". I married a pentecostal and have an atheist for a sister!

My family and I, after a long search (very long), finally found a church to call home. It holds the same beliefs and teachings we believe to be truely Biblical. That church is an IFB church. I started to notice during my journey that my beliefs were closely to that of Baptist beliefs, so it is fitting that we ended up where we did!

God Bless!

[JPPT1974]

I was born a Southern Baptist
Since my family was born that way, mainly my mother.

[rosemerry]

I was non-denominational then methodist and now I'm baptist. I think I'm sticking with baptist. Otherwise heh, it looks like I don't have a very good track record.

[MatthewPoole]

I came from a Mixed background. My Mother is Baptist. as was her Mother. My Father is a backslidden Holiness/Pentecostal.


I was saved in a Indepentent Fundmental Baptist Church, I had been saved about 1 1/2 years, when the Pastor of that Church ran off with another woman in the Church. I changed schools, (Which were ran by the Churches mentioned here) and started attending an Assembly of God Church. That was 21 years ago. The Week after Easter of 2004, I came to a place where I just felt that I just couldn't continue in the Pentecostal movement any longer, due to some strong person Doctrinal and personal convictions. and after of 21 years of being confused, and basically lying to myself, I decided to be true to what I truly am, and that's a Fundemental Baptist. :) and Believe me, it's a very good thing. Are IFB's perfect? hardly, Truman Dollar, Jack Hyles and "Dr." Phil Kidd have proven that. But that doesn't sway me a bit. I am searching for a Church, that's really doing what the word of God says we're suppsoed to do. and that's win souls.


.............and that's my story.. :angel:


MH

:preach:

[Flynmonkie]

Born into a family Southern Baptist, Granddaddy was a Methodist turned Deacon in a Southern Baptist Church. In the south, in their little town, there really wasn't much of a difference between the two, six of 1-- ½ dozen of the other. During my late childhood early teens stepfather was Catholic and remains so to this day but my family (mother etc) moved to Independent Fundamental Baptist out of the SBC after my grandfather died. I attended (very legalistic – no pants even for gym, no makeup, etc…) "Christian" schools from grades pre-k through 5th or so. I am now a member of an SBC Baptist church. I feel this is where God has called me to be. :)

[thepianist]

Just curious.

Were you born into a Baptist family (like me)? Did you convert later in life?

NEF2BA

Yep, I was born into a Baptist family. My daddy was an evangelist who preached all over the nation. Amazing, after growing up - there is no other denomination that interests me. I actually believe the Baptist denomination is the closest to what we should have.

[SammeyDW]

I was born into a Northern Baptist family.
Raised in a 'Bible first' family, and church.

[arunma]

I stumbled into the Baptist church by accident. I became a Christian about two and a half years ago, and coming from a non-Christian family, I didn't know the first thing about church. I mentioned to a friend at the university that I was looking for a church to attend, and she suggested that I try out her Baptist church. I did so, and I loved it. Despite trying other churches as well, I ended up sticking with the Baptist church. So now, here I am.

[TwinCrier]

I wasn't raised in any denomination as my parents were of the popular notion of their generation that kids should choose for themselves. My mom came from a Catholic background, my dad from Methodists. My boy friend and then husband came from a family that was non-denom, with penecostal leanings. When I moved to Texas some independant Baptists came to my door with a tract. I also found a church in Alaska and NC that were Ind. Bapt. and found the teachings to be totally scriptureal and seemingly unchanging, which is what I look for in a faith.

[rosemerry]

I think my church is independent baptist. I thought I heard him say that much. There are certain things I don't like but I think that's a personality clash not something with faith/bible teaching.

[Dmckay]

My parents "sent" us to church so the we would "get" some religion. The one that I spent the most time at prior to their divorce was a Southern Baptist Church. I believe that it was about 1 1/2 years. During one worship service the Pastor gave an invitation which I understood. I tried to go foreward, but I was stopped by one of the ushers, ushered out with the admonition that, "We don't allow little boys to run around in here without their parents. At age nine, my parent divorced, and church was no longer a priority for them They sent us haphazardly to any church that was close enough.

I attended Lutheran, Methodist, Roman Catholic and Pentecostal churches. I even took catechism at both the Roman Catholic and Lutheran churches. One of the things that stuck in my craw was the attitude of each of these churches that they were the on-and-only true church of G-d and that the rest were all going to hell. By the time I was 13, I was finished with church and very bitter about Christian attitudes. I'm afraid that I gave Christians who tried to witness to me were given a very hard time.

When I reached 18 I enlisted in the Army. Part of inprocessing resulted in my being given a Gideon's Bible. I carried it with me for the next few years including two years in Vietnam. I read from if occasionally, but then I read all the time, anything I can get my hands on. After returning from Vietnam I was stationed at Ft. Carson in Colorado. Shortly after moving there a friend who knew how much I read gave me a book. When I saw that it was on Bible Prophecy I threw it at the wastebasket, missed, and it fell behind the couch.

That winter I was snowed in for several days and had nothing new to read. I was like a junkie needing a fix, searching the house for a book I hadn't read. I found the book on Bible prophecy and started reading it. I couldn't go very far before I had to pull out my old Gideon's Bible to read some of the passages that this book quoted, in context. (Yes, I was OCD about passage context even then) By the time I was about halfway through the book I was firmly convinced that there was NO way that the prophets could have written the things that they did unless they were guided or instructed by G-d.

I began buying and reading any adn all books that I could find on Bible prophecy. At one time (before the market dumped all kinds of let's cash in on the market books on the scene) I had in my personal library almost every book written on Bible prophecy since the early 1800s. I was a pre-Mill, pre-Trib literal interpretationist before I really knew what those terms meant. I began to notice errors, or contradictions in the books I was reading. Many were so glaring in their errors that I began to consider learning the original languages just so I could study the Bible for myself and not have to depend on or trust the work and errors of others.

When I got out of the service and started looking for a church, I made a list of all the things that I already believed to be doctrinally correct from Scripture. So each church I attended I asked for a copy of their doctrinal statements. As it happened the first Church that I found that had doctrinal beliefs similar to what I had learned from Scripture was a Conservative Baptist Church. The Pastor was a Bob Jones graduate, and was very sound in his teaching.

He was the man I went to for advice on how to learn Greek and Hebrew. He asked why I wanted to take on that kind of study. When I explained to him what I was thinking, he said it sounded to him like I was being called to the ministry. He spent the next 3+ hours trying to talk me out of it. Our discussion just solidified what the Holy Spirit had been working in my mind, and I realized that there was nothing else that I could really do with my life and be truely happy. Within 3 weeks I found myself teaching the College Career Sunday School class (my Pastor explained that this would force my to grow and learn faster than anything else as they would constantly be sharpshooting at me) and working with the leader of the Youth Group.

I have been a Baptist ever since, attended Baptist Bible College and Seminary and have taught on both levels. I am listed in my IDent box as non-denominational for two reasons, first–CBs consider themselves a movement and not a denomination. Secondly, the CB movement is going the way of the world more and more, so I no longer officially associate with the Association. I still preach and hold seminars in CB churches which I know to be doctrinally sound, but they are becoming fewer in number every year.

I still hold and believe in the historic heritage of Baptists and their positions doctrinally, but I am coming to realize more and more that the Reformed Baptists are closer to our original roots than most Baptist churches are today.

[thehayesman]

I was born into a family that attended a Southern Baptist (SBC) church. My parents continue to attend there. Since moving to college I have joined two other baptist churches, and am currently a member at a Foursquare church. I find that the people of the congregation are the most important aspect of a church. If you are called to that church, it doesn't matter what denomination its in, since each individual church is different. :amen:

[DeaconDean]

I was born and raised a Baptist. That's all I know. That's all I want.

[rosemerry]

What is CB?

[Flynmonkie]

What is CB?
Conservative Baptist :)

[rosemerry]

Thanks I'm not used to all these abbreviations yet.

[SOTK]

I am a Reformed Baptist (a Calvinist). I attend a North American Baptist Church. I became a Baptist after meeting a woman who became my wife. I tried a few non-denominational Churches as well as Nazarene churches before settling with Baptist. I am a conservative and a fundamentalist who believes in baptism. It was destined that I become Baptist! :D

[Diane_Windsor]

How did you come to be a Baptist?

Remember the old saying that goes, "You can take the girl out of the SBC, but you can't take the SBC out of the girl." They're right :D Even though now I am formally a member of the UMC and my theology is more Wesleyan then Baptist I still to a large extent consider myself a Southern Baptist. I now see my Baptist identity more through of a cultural lens. I was born and raised as a Southern Baptist, I have a strong SB heritage, I went to Baylor (Sic'em Bears!), I still love singing hymns, I'm a Southerner, etc.

I may be Methodist now, but I'll always be a Southern Baptist. It is such a large part of my family's legacy that it is kind of in my blood.

DIANE
:wave:

[Dmckay]

Thanks I'm not used to all these abbreviations yet.
Don't worry about it. At the rate they are going Conservative Baptists probably won't be around long anyway.

[Maeyken]

I was born, raised, and baptized in the Mennonite church. However, I'm marrying someone who's gonna be a baptist pastor, so I'll attend the same church as him, and join it once he gets a church.

[NotEnoughFaith2BeAtheist]

I was born, raised, and baptized in the Mennonite church. However, I'm marrying someone who's gonna be a baptist pastor, so I'll attend the same church as him, and join it once he gets a church.

Cool, hope you have a happy wedding! :thumbsup:

[Peppermint Patty]

I was not raised in a Christian home at all. When I became a Christian as an adult, I began attending a non-denominational church. I now identify myself as a baptist because I have become a member of a baptist church, and my beliefs and preferences fit well within the baptist community. :)

[rkymtnjesusfreak]

I was born and raised in a somewhat rarely attending Presbyterian family. I was saved at the age of 28 and we began attending a SBC that my hubby found by listening to the pastor on the radio. We have since moved from CO to KS and left our SBC that was located in Denver. We tried 6 SBC's in our new town (actually my hometown) upon arrival and ended up at an Independent Fundamental Bible church! Our church in Denver was so biblically sound that we just assumed that we would automatically be drawn to a SBC here. However, most of the ones that we attended seemed more interested in either filling the seats (to pay for an enormous new sanctuary) or just staying on schedule and keeping the sermon short enough as to not intrude too heavily into your Sunday!!! I don't know, maybe my husband and I are freaks, but I like to let the pastor have all the time he needs! Who knows what God may lay on his heart right in the middle of a sermon.

Anyway, we are now members of a non-denom but still baptists at heart!!:wave:

[mlqurgw]

I was raised Primitive Baptist and when I was old enough to drive I didn't go anywhere, except into profligate sin. At that time I thought that if God had an elect peopel He would save me even if I didn't care anything at all about Christ or the Gospel. One day, after I was married, a man came to my door selling a Nave's study set of the Bible and for some odd reason I bought it. I put it up in the closet and didn't get it out except rarely when I had a question as to what the Bible said about something. Years went by but one day God caused me to see my sin and my utter need of mercy and pointed me to Christ. I then took out that Bible and began to study and read. I joined a PCA church and even preached there on occasion. But I questioned the difference in Baptists and Presbyterians. After much prayer and study I went back to my roots. Then I realized they were not truly preaching the Gospel and began a long struggle with what it is to preach the Gospel. Now I am an independant Baptist who believes and preaches without apology the doctrines of salvation by the sovereign grace of God in Christ alone. I remain a Baptist because I am fully convinced that the Baptist distinctives are the most Biblical.

[HumbleMan]

I was saved later in life (six years ago) in a conservative Church of God (Cleveland). A good friend of my wife had invited us to a revival they were having. After a week of preaching, and reflecting on my so-called life, I answered an altar call, fell to my knees, and asked Christ to live in me.

I had the advantage (at least in my way of thinking) of reading the bible (for the first time in my life) without the hindrance of a preacher's personal interpretation.

To make a long story short, early last year, I left the church due to issues I had with the new pastor's integrity and financial transparancy. There was a large Baptist (SBC) church closer to home, and we had watched the pastor on TV many times, and had learned quite a bit from him, so we visited the church.

We were not only impressed with the message being preached, but with the way the church was being run. Our kids (3 and 18m) actually started asking to go to church. The church sent out 68 missions trips last year, and are on schedule to send 76 this year. We dedicated $500,000 of our budget to send to the coast for Katrina relief (this is from our working capital, not money collected in "special offerings").

I realize that although this church has it going on, others in the SBC, or any Baptist, may not. But for the time being, we are happy, learning, loving, giving, and recieving here.

[Imblessed]

Was raised Quaker and when I finally started going back to church after a 7-8 year hiatus, we(husband and I) went, naturally, to a Quaker church. Unfortunately, it was not a good church(and it had nothing to do with it being Quaker), and we spent more time then not trying not to feel guilty about using any excuse not to go on Sundays. Unfortunately is was the only Quaker church anywhere, so we started looking at other denominations.

We ended up at a community church that was planted from a Baptist church in town and is essentially baptist without the name on the sign. We love the church, the people, the solid teaching, the outreach, the music....basically everything about it. My husband and I have grown and matured there more than I had thought possible.

While I still cherish my Quaker background, I can no longer consider myself a true Quaker. I'd have to say my personal beliefs line up very well with the Reformed Baptists.

[Argent]

SBC born and bred. Was a very selfish and disobedient son for many years, but our Father welcomed me home with open arms.

[mesue]

I attended a works based church. I grew up in that church and didn't know any better until I started reading the Bible. The Holy Spirit began to show me that I didn't have a right relationship with the Lord. Now I do.

:bow: :bow: Praise God for His goodness, mercy and grace!!! :clap:

[Stinker]

I was a member of the Church of Christ up until last year. It was the result of you posters at this forum that convinced me that the Baptists were more scriptural as to how one gets saved. So....if you can't beatem....joinem!

[collegekid4christ]

I came from a baptist family, and after much searching, I decided that the baptist faith was the closest to my own beliefs.

[JPPT1974]

I was born a Baptist
In any Baptist churches all of my life
Never change denominations
Will live this way until I go to my grave
And will believe like this until I do die!

[SOTK]

I was born a Baptist
In any Baptist churches all of my life
Never change denominations
Will live this way until I go to my grave
And will believe like this until I do die!

Amen! :clap:

[SonOfThunder]

I was raised as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and now I am attending a Baptist church, although I am not Baptist .......... yet

it's been just over a year now and still there.

James

[SOTK]

I was raised as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and now I am attending a Baptist church, although I am not Baptist .......... yet

it's been just over a year now and still there.

James

Keep going! :thumbsup:

[Dmckay]

I just want to mention something that I am noticing in many of the responses that has me concerned. When I first moved to Denver I began attending a small SBC that was located within walking distance of my house. The first day we attended services we learned that it was the last day of service for their longtime Pastor, and that a student at Denver Conservative Baptist Seminary was going to be taking over for the retiring Pastor.

There were several adult Sunday school classes, but none of them were very well attended. The gentleman who was teaching the class that we attended was an usher in the in the Church and didn't feel comfortable teaching the class. He told me that the only reason that he was teaching the class was because there was no one else willing to teach. After a month, I ended up teaching the class, and after another monththhis class was the only Adult SS Class and we were meeting in the auditorium, due to the attendance. You have to understand that I am not some great, all-knowing teacher, the difference was that I had had some training in teaching and communications.

I was approached, and asked to attend a meeting of the Church board after the eevening service one Sunday evening. I was asked if I would be willing to train their teachers, and help them bring all their Sunday School teachers up to a higher level. While speaking with them I agreed to help, and offered several suggestions that would begin to show results right away. One of those suggestions was that they consider changing the curriculum that they were currently using for one that was more Bible-based, and that offered many teaching hints and suggestions that would help the current teachers to improve their teaching right away.

You would have thought that I was suggesting that they all offer their first-born as burnt offerings to Satan by the response that this suggestion engendered. I was told in no uncertain terms that the curriculum that they were using was Southern Baptist curriculum, they were a Southern Baptist church, that they had been born Southern Baptists and would die Southern Baptists and they certainly weren't going to use any curriculum that didn't have the approval of the Southern Baptist Convention.

I have nothing against Southern Baptists. I teach in southern Baptist Churches all the time. I have many friends who are Southern Baptist pastors. But I do have a problem with the mindset that one is born a Baptist, raised a Baptist and will always be a Baptist. We are born in sin, no matter what church our parents might choose to take us to as we are growing up. When we surrender our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in our lives we become Christians not Baptists. We may fellowship with a particular Baptist Church or Baptist Convention whether CB, GARB, SBC, General Baptists, etc., but we are saved, not by the church we attend but by our relationship to Jesus Christ.

Now, maybe many of you who have made statements above like I was born a Baptist, and will always be a Baptist, are not thinking that you're saved by being affiliated with a Baptist Church, but is your commitment to Jesus Christ? or is it to your Baptist Church, right or wrong? I am not trying to suggest that anyone here isn't saved, but I am saying that you really need to know to whom your commitment is supposed to have been made.