The The BaptistsBaptists

HistoryHistory• 15351535 – 10 Anabaptist executed in England – 10 Anabaptist executed in England

• Anabaptist influence in England (Dutch and German)Anabaptist influence in England (Dutch and German)

• 16091609- English refugees in Amsterdam lead by John Smyth.- English refugees in Amsterdam lead by John Smyth.– Begin to practice “believers baptism”Begin to practice “believers baptism”– They bring these beliefs back to EnglandThey bring these beliefs back to England

• ““A late offshoot of the English Reformation, Baptists A late offshoot of the English Reformation, Baptists represented a variety of Puritanismrepresented a variety of Puritanism”-New Catholic ”-New Catholic Encyclopedia 1967Encyclopedia 1967

• 16381638- English “Baptist” Church splits- English “Baptist” Church splits– Calvinist (Particular) wing- “limited atonement”Calvinist (Particular) wing- “limited atonement”– Moderate (General) wing – “general atonement”Moderate (General) wing – “general atonement”

• 16781678- General Baptists create an Orthodox Creed which is - General Baptists create an Orthodox Creed which is used for the next 100 years.used for the next 100 years.

HistoryHistory• Faith spread to Scotland and Wales through English Civil Faith spread to Scotland and Wales through English Civil

wars (1641-60) as Baptists took prominent roles in wars (1641-60) as Baptists took prominent roles in Cromwell army.Cromwell army.

• 1638 – Roger Williams forms first Baptist Church in United 1638 – Roger Williams forms first Baptist Church in United States in Rhode Island.States in Rhode Island.

Roger Williams (1603-1684)- A man who was controversial both in England and America for views of religious freedom. Eventually became governor of a city of Providence and promoted religious freedom.

HistoryHistory• 1707- Philadelphia Baptist Association1707- Philadelphia Baptist Association

– Assembly that could eject churchesAssembly that could eject churches• 1800s1800s

– National Society of Foreign MissionsNational Society of Foreign Missions– Many separate groups formedMany separate groups formed

• Free Will Baptists- maintain Arminian theologyFree Will Baptists- maintain Arminian theology• Old School (Primitive) Baptists – held to predestinationOld School (Primitive) Baptists – held to predestination• Landmark Baptists – “Baptists comprised the only true Landmark Baptists – “Baptists comprised the only true

church”church”• Southern Baptist Convention – rejected “social method” Southern Baptist Convention – rejected “social method”

of supporting missions; formed boards responsible for of supporting missions; formed boards responsible for missionmission

• 1964 – 90% of Baptists belonged to four largest groups1964 – 90% of Baptists belonged to four largest groups– Southern BaptistsSouthern Baptists– American BaptistsAmerican Baptists– The 2 National Baptist ConventionsThe 2 National Baptist Conventions

History in MinnesotaHistory in Minnesota

• Oldest existing Baptist Church in Minnesota: Houston Oldest existing Baptist Church in Minnesota: Houston Baptist Church Baptist Church – August 18, 1853August 18, 1853– Sister Church: Clear Lake Village Church in IowaSister Church: Clear Lake Village Church in Iowa

• Oldest existing church in Baptist General ConventionOldest existing church in Baptist General Convention

• 1850 – Believers baptism banned in Sweden1850 – Believers baptism banned in Sweden– Party traveled together to Iowa lead by F.O. NilssonParty traveled together to Iowa lead by F.O. Nilsson– 21 Baptists traveled north to La Cross by boat and then 21 Baptists traveled north to La Cross by boat and then

walked 23 miles to Houston.walked 23 miles to Houston.

Spiritual LifeSpiritual Life• ““The Baptist consider the Scripture to be the sufficient and The Baptist consider the Scripture to be the sufficient and

exclusive rule of faith practice.”exclusive rule of faith practice.”– General creeds are mere declarations of prevalent General creeds are mere declarations of prevalent

views.”views.”– Northern States- New Hampshire Confessions – 1833 –Northern States- New Hampshire Confessions – 1833 –

more moderatemore moderate– Southern States & England – Philadelphia Confessions Southern States & England – Philadelphia Confessions

1688 – more Calvinistic1688 – more Calvinistic

• Main element is the personal profession of faithMain element is the personal profession of faith– Believers Baptism (“symbolically regenerates”)Believers Baptism (“symbolically regenerates”)

• Each church has absolute autonomyEach church has absolute autonomy

Lighthouse Baptist ChurchLighthouse Baptist Church

• Formed 1986Formed 1986

• Pastor BjoknePastor Bjokne

• Independent BaptistsIndependent Baptists

• Don’t consider themselves Don’t consider themselves Protestants but BiblicistsProtestants but Biblicists

Lighthouse Baptist ChurchLighthouse Baptist Church• Larger Liberian communityLarger Liberian community• 130-5 regularly attending members130-5 regularly attending members• Avg. age 40Avg. age 40• Sister churches in surround communitiesSister churches in surround communities

– But not tied to anyBut not tied to any• Worship:Worship:

– SundaySunday• Sunday School 9:30amSunday School 9:30am• Worship 10:30amWorship 10:30am• Evening Worship 6:00pmEvening Worship 6:00pm

– Wednesday (during the summer)Wednesday (during the summer)• 6:45pm6:45pm

– Lords SupperLords Supper• Once a monthOnce a month• Focuses on examining life and reflecting on gifts of Focuses on examining life and reflecting on gifts of

GodGod

Place of WorshipPlace of Worship

Copyright Theresa 2005

Place of WorshipPlace of Worship

• One main entrance located One main entrance located at front of buildingat front of building

• Outside is painted blueOutside is painted blue– Blue is the color of Blue is the color of

spiritualityspirituality

• Building design is very Building design is very traditionaltraditional– Design is based off of Design is based off of

the Lutheran King of the Lutheran King of Kings churchKings church..

Assembly SpaceAssembly Space

Assembly SpaceAssembly Space

• Space emphasizes Space emphasizes movementmovement

• Movable chairs for Movable chairs for flexibilityflexibility

• Podium placed at the Podium placed at the front front

– Faces congregationFaces congregation

• Overhead Projector used Overhead Projector used to outline service.to outline service.

– Screen was started a Screen was started a couple years ago.couple years ago.

Assembly SpaceAssembly Space

• Small space created Small space created intimate community.intimate community.

• Large isles promote fluid Large isles promote fluid movement and add to ease movement and add to ease and change of function.and change of function.

• Chairs are movable for Chairs are movable for different applications.different applications.

Reserved SpaceReserved Space

• Front left reserved for the pastor and familyFront left reserved for the pastor and family– Front row provides easy access for pastor to podium. Front row provides easy access for pastor to podium.

• Back right row reserved for University of St. Thomas Back right row reserved for University of St. Thomas Students.Students.– Reserved seats were perfect for us to take notes and Reserved seats were perfect for us to take notes and

pictures in a way that did not detract from the service.pictures in a way that did not detract from the service.– Provided an unobstructed view of proceedings.Provided an unobstructed view of proceedings.

Worship practicesWorship practices

• Worship service done in EnglishWorship service done in English

• No liturgical calendarNo liturgical calendar– Have main Christian holidaysHave main Christian holidays– Decorate for the seasonDecorate for the season

• Only use Bible in Worship serviceOnly use Bible in Worship service– Hymn Book: Hymn Book: Great Hymns of Faith 1968Great Hymns of Faith 1968

• Programs: Bible Study, Junior Youth, Singles, and Programs: Bible Study, Junior Youth, Singles, and Outreach.Outreach.

• Collections: Furnish outreach programsCollections: Furnish outreach programs

ConstitutionConstitutionOrdinancesOrdinances1.1. We believe that there are two, The Lords Supper & We believe that there are two, The Lords Supper &

Believers baptism. These have nothing to do with Believers baptism. These have nothing to do with salvation.salvation.

2.2. We oppose calling them sacraments, which indicates that We oppose calling them sacraments, which indicates that there is some grace given by them. there is some grace given by them.

John 14:6 says Jesus is the only way of grace. [These 2 John 14:6 says Jesus is the only way of grace. [These 2 ordinances are to be done in remembrance NOT for ordinances are to be done in remembrance NOT for forgiveness ( I Cor. 11:24, 25)forgiveness ( I Cor. 11:24, 25)

3.3. We believers in believer’s baptism not infant baptism. We believers in believer’s baptism not infant baptism. (Acts 2:41, 42 & 8:36 – 39)(Acts 2:41, 42 & 8:36 – 39)

Article VIII – Affiliated OrganizationArticle VIII – Affiliated OrganizationThis church reserves the right to affiliate with any other This church reserves the right to affiliate with any other Christian organization which holds to our doctrinal Christian organization which holds to our doctrinal practices. In no wise shall we become a permanent practices. In no wise shall we become a permanent member of any organization, and we shall always reserve member of any organization, and we shall always reserve the right to withdraw our affiliation.the right to withdraw our affiliation.

SacramentsSacraments• 2 Ordinances/ “Sacraments”: Baptism and Lords Supper.2 Ordinances/ “Sacraments”: Baptism and Lords Supper.

• Lords Supper once a month: not routineLords Supper once a month: not routine– Sometimes done around campfireSometimes done around campfire

• Baptism: total immersionBaptism: total immersion

• Sacraments are a means of grace- ordinances only Sacraments are a means of grace- ordinances only symbolic (only Jesus can give grace.symbolic (only Jesus can give grace.

– MarriageMarriage- 3 instructional sessions, no charge for - 3 instructional sessions, no charge for wedding (suggested donation for pianist)wedding (suggested donation for pianist)

– Orders: He went to seminary, and that is standardOrders: He went to seminary, and that is standard

• Congregation gets to know the individualCongregation gets to know the individual

• Sister churches question – but ultimately not decision Sister churches question – but ultimately not decision makersmakers

• If there is time a symbolic laying of handsIf there is time a symbolic laying of hands

Worship ServicesWorship Services• Begins with Sunday SchoolBegins with Sunday School

– With brief overview given at beginning of ServiceWith brief overview given at beginning of Service• No formal procession (sang 2 hymns)No formal procession (sang 2 hymns)• Watched a movie on Metro Woman’s CenterWatched a movie on Metro Woman’s Center• Team affirmation and Happy BirthdayTeam affirmation and Happy Birthday

– Very informalVery informal• Bow their heads for prayerBow their heads for prayer• CollectionCollection• Another prayer – week’s eventsAnother prayer – week’s events• ““brother Greg” spoke about service projectbrother Greg” spoke about service project• 33rdrd graders sang excused graders sang excused• More singing – A cappellaMore singing – A cappella• Gospel (King James version of Bible) Deut.15:15-21Gospel (King James version of Bible) Deut.15:15-21

– ““homily” and lengthy reflection – Bible’s in every pewhomily” and lengthy reflection – Bible’s in every pew• Closing prayer (in song)Closing prayer (in song)• Bowed head – impromptu prayer and dismissalBowed head – impromptu prayer and dismissal• Potluck dinnerPotluck dinner

MusicMusic

• In EnglishIn English

• Piano and A cappella Piano and A cappella

• Hymnal (Bible) in Hymnal (Bible) in every isleevery isle

• Participation Participation encouragedencouraged

• Musical directorMusical director

• Organized ChoirOrganized Choir

• Music tied to Biblical Music tied to Biblical readings and homilyreadings and homily

Potluck ConversionPotluck Conversion

• Potluck conversion went Potluck conversion went well.well.– Good foodGood food– Good conversationGood conversation– Good peopleGood people– Good timeGood time