NBC Beliefs, Policies and Practices

Our foundational principles and guiding standards

Core Beliefs

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The Nigerian Baptist Convention holds to the fundamental truths of the Christian faith as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. We believe in:

1. The Scriptures

We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, the all-sufficient rule of faith and practice. The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments are verbally inspired by God, inerrant in the original writings, and the supreme and final authority in all matters of faith and conduct.

2. God

We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Godhead possesses equally all the attributes of deity and the characteristics of personality.

3. Jesus Christ

We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His substitutionary and atoning death on the cross, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and His personal return in power and glory.

4. The Holy Spirit

We believe in the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit, that He convicts of sin, regenerates, indwells, baptizes, seals, and empowers believers for service, and guides them into all truth.

5. Salvation

We believe that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. It is the free gift of God, not by any merit of works, but solely by the shed blood of Christ.

6. The Church

We believe the Church is the body of Christ, a spiritual organism made up of all born-again believers. The local church is an autonomous congregation of baptized believers, observing the ordinances of Christ.

Church Policies

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Membership

Membership in the Nigerian Baptist Convention is open to all who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord, have been baptized by immersion, and subscribe to the beliefs and practices of the Convention.

Governance

The Convention operates under a democratic polity where each local church is autonomous but cooperates with other churches for missions, education, and benevolent work. The Convention meets annually to conduct business and set policies.

Leadership

Church leadership is based on biblical qualifications. Pastors and deacons must meet the scriptural standards outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Leadership positions are open to both men and women who meet these qualifications.

Financial Stewardship

We believe in faithful stewardship of all resources entrusted to us. Churches are encouraged to practice biblical tithing and generous giving to support the work of the Kingdom, including missions, education, and humanitarian aid.

Practices

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1. Baptism

We practice believer's baptism by immersion in water. This symbolizes the believer's identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism is a prerequisite for church membership.

2. The Lord's Supper

We observe the Lord's Supper (Communion) regularly in remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. This ordinance is open to all baptized believers who are in right standing with the Lord and their church.

3. Worship

Our worship services are Christ-centered, Bible-based, and Spirit-led. We embrace both traditional and contemporary expressions of worship that glorify God and edify believers.

4. Missions and Evangelism

We are committed to the Great Commission. Every believer is called to share the Gospel locally and globally. We support home and foreign missions through prayer, giving, and personal involvement.

5. Christian Education

We emphasize lifelong Christian education through Sunday School, Bible study groups, training institutes, and seminaries. All members are encouraged to grow in the knowledge of God's Word.

6. Social Concerns

We believe the Church has a responsibility to address social issues such as poverty, injustice, health, and education. We engage in humanitarian services, community development, and advocacy for the vulnerable.

Doctrinal Statement

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The Nigerian Baptist Convention affirms the Baptist Faith and Message (2000) as its doctrinal statement. This confession of faith summarizes our understanding of Christian doctrine and serves as a guide for our churches and institutions.

Key doctrinal emphases include:

• The absolute Lordship of Jesus Christ
• The authority of Scripture as the final rule of faith
• The priesthood of all believers
• The autonomy of the local church
• The separation of church and state
• Religious liberty for all people
• The two ordinances: Baptism and the Lord's Supper

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