American Baptists believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, and that
the Bible is the divinely inspired word of God that serves as the final written
authority for living our the Christian faith.
For American Baptists the local church is the fundamental unit of mission
in denominational life.
American Baptists partake of two ordinances: believers' baptism and the
Lord's Supper.
American Baptists believe that the committed individual Christian can and
should approach God directly, and that individual gifts of ministry should
be shared.
American Baptists take seriously the call to evangelism and missionary work.
American Baptists support religious freedom and respect the expressions
of faith of others.
American Baptists acknowledge that God's family extends beyond our local
churches, and that God calls us to cooperative ministries.
American Baptists have been called to be Christ's witnesses for justice
and wholeness within a broken society.
American Baptist Churches USA celebrates the racial, cultural and theological
diversity witnessed within its membership.
American Baptists heed the biblical call to renewal and the need for a vital
witness in a new millennium.
(Taken from the 2002 American Baptist Planning
Calendar, Resource & Staff Directory)