Dayton Area Baptist Association:  21 local churches  —

that fellowship together, and work mutually to reach the Dayton area for Jesus Christ.

American Baptist Churches (ABC) of Ohio

292 churches who are a unique expression of the Body of Christ, 20% of which are ethnic minority, including African American, Hispanic American, Japanese American, and Romanian. We are called to provide a network of resources, support, and fellowship, and to enable member congregations to implement shared ministries in faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "Ministry Is Job #1"

American Baptist Churches (ABC) USA

1.5 million members in 5,800 congregations that cooperate together in a world-wide effort of missions. "With 43 million other Baptists from around the world we share a common tradition which began in the early 17th century. That tradition has emphasized the Lordship and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, believer's baptism, the competency of all believers to be in direct relationship with God and to interpret the Scripture, the importance of the local church, the assurance of freedom in worship and opinion, and the need to be Christ's witnesses in society."

SRBC gives 20% of its income to missions work. We help support over 109 international missionaries in 28 countries, and about 30 national missionaries in the USA.

WHAT IS THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES USA?

It is the earliest Baptist denomination in the USA

Roger Williams is the renowned founder of the First Baptist Church of Providence, RI in 1638. Rhode Island was the first government founded on "the guarantee of absolute religious freedom."

It is has a long history of empowering all Christians to do ministry

The denomination was one of the earliest supporters of the antislavery movement and the right of women to vote. This was modeled in practical ways by electing and appointing gifted African Americans and women to places of leadership in the denomination and in important missionary work. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a prime example of Baptists working with vigor for equality and justice.

It is the only growing mainline denomination.

The ABC/USA has continued to grow because it has embraced a great diversity of people while continuing its emphasis on the Bible being the sole basis for our beliefs and practices.

It is a strong supporter of separation of Church and state.

We well remember the early years of prejudice and persecution toward the first Baptists imposed by local and national governments who promoted a particular religious group. We believe evangelism and discipleship are best accomplished by the irresistible work of the Spirit-led church rather than through government endorsements or support. While seeking to develop good citizens we have a healthy suspicion of reliance on, or and entanglements with the politics of the world.

WHY NOT JUST BE AN INDEPENDENT CHURCH?

 

We are an independent church! Every ABC/USA church is completely independent. There is no denominational control or hierarchy, as there is in many other denominations. Each church is self-governed and determines its own affairs.

 

For example:

 

• Every ABC/USA church chooses its own pastor
• Every ABC/USA church owns its own buildings and assets
• Every ABC/USA church determines its own programs

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF AFFILIATING WITH THE ABC/USA?

 

1. It allows us to identify with other Christians around the world who are known for their commitment to the Bible. Unlike many other groups, the ABC/USA has no man-made "creed". The Bible is our only authority.
2. It allows our church to participate with one of the best missionary organizations in the world. We support missionary work in 28 countries around the world through a philosophy that seeks to educate and empower local pastors and Christians to lead their own churches. Our missionaries were trend setters in decreasing dependence on and control by American missionaries.