Baptist Beliefs & Christian Identity

Our church’s foundational beliefs and practices as Baptists and Christians.

Our Beliefs

At Second-Ponce, we approach ministry with the belief that the Holy Spirit empowers local churches to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. To that end, we value the “four fragile freedoms” as defined by Baptist historian Walter B. Shurden.

Baptists believe that the Bible is a foundational record of God’s revelation to humankind. Both individuals and congregations are free to read and interpret the Bible under the Lordship of Christ and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Baptists are not beholden to any creeds or reliant on mediators outside of Scripture.

Bible Freedom

Soul freedom affirms that each person is created in the image of God and is therefore able and responsible—not by force or coercion from a doctrine, clergy or the government—for their own direct relationship with God. Baptists believe people may only come to Christ on their own volition. Soul freedom is sometimes called the “Priesthood of Believers.”

Soul Freedom

Church Freedom (or the autonomy of the local church) is the historic belief that local churches are free, under the Lordship of Jesus, to determine their membership and leadership, to order their worship and work, to ordain whomever they perceive to be gifted for ministry (regardless of gender) and to participate in the larger Body of Christ (other churches and other denominations).

Church Freedom

Religious freedom is the historic Baptist affirmation of freedom OF religion, freedom FOR religion, and freedom FROM religion. The earliest Baptists championed the separation of church and state in the American colonies and, later, the United States. Churches and individuals should be free to worship in whatever manner they choose and with whomever they choose. All people, no matter their religious background, should be free from any coercion to worship, and free from the intervention of the state in matters of religion.

Religious Freedom

Christian Practices

  • Baptism

    As Baptists, we participate in and perform “believer’s baptism” which means individuals who have made a personal decision to follow Jesus are baptized. Our practice is full immersion in water, symbolizing the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While baptism is important as a public declaration of faith, Baptists do not believe it is necessary for salvation.

  • The Lord's Supper

    In Baptist tradition, the Lord’s Supper, or Communion, refers to a symbolic act of worship where followers of Christ partake of bread and cup to remember Jesus' death on the cross through the symbolism of his broken body and spilled blood. Communion unites us as one body in Christ’s commission to continue His ministry. At Second-Ponce, we invite anyone who claims Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior to participate in this quarterly ritual.

Joining the Church

We welcome you to make a commitment to Christ and our community of faith! During the Sunday morning worship service, we provide the opportunity to officially join Second-Ponce during the Hymn of Response. At any time during the song, simply walk to the front of the Sanctuary where our senior pastor or one of our ministers will greet you. If you're uncomfortable being "in the spotlight," but still want to join–that's ok! Speak with one of our ministers and they'll walk you through an alternate plan.

Types of Membership

  • Profession of Faith: Publicly declare your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and make a personal commitment to Jesus Christ

  • Transfer of Membership: Officially leaving the membership of another church and joining Second-Ponce. We will notify your previous church that you have joined. 

  • Watchcare: Reserved for those who are seeking a temporary church home while maintaining membership elsewhere.

Have questions?

We’d love to walk you through questions or more information about our beliefs and practices. Send us an email and start the conversation.