While the history of the Baptist church dates back hundreds of years, some people disagree on its exact origin. The question that’s become the driving force behind the origin debate is: Who was the first to practice believer’s baptism, or baptizing people once they had confessed their faith in Jesus? Looking to answer this question, scholars have arrived at three potential origin theories.

Origins

Succeeding from John the Baptist

While all Baptists would agree the New Testament preaches believer’s baptism, some scholars argue that the first Baptist churches began with John the Baptist, Jesus, and His apostles. They would also support the idea that they can trace an unbroken line of Baptist churches all the way back to the New Testament. 

Succeeding from 16^th Century Protestantism

During the Reformation in the 16^th century, many religious denominations sprouted. The reformers sought to take the religious control out of the hands of the Pope, knowing that many people would seek their own interpretations and denominations.

One of these groups, the Anabaptists, formed during this time. Literally meaning “re-baptizing,” the Anabaptists taught that people must forsake their infant baptism and be baptized again as a proclaiming believer. 

Succeeding from 17^th Century Puritanism

The majority of scholars agree, however, that the Baptist movement sparked from 17^th century Puritanism. Out of the Reformation period came a group of Separatists, or Puritans, who refused to conform to the ideas of the established church. Arguably one of the biggest, and one of the most well-known, differences between Puritans and the Church was the Puritans’ rejection of infant baptism and belief in believers’ baptism. 

Spread to America

In the 17^th century, Puritans in London began to be persecuted for their nonconformist beliefs. They left England and sought new beginnings in America, particularly Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. 

Some persecution, however, spread into the states. Roger Williams preached about anti-establishment in Massachusetts and exiled himself from the state to remain free from the Puritans. He established the colony of Rhode Island and founded what was likely the first Baptist church in America in 1638.

Seeking religious freedom, many followed Williams, and the Baptist denomination spread quickly throughout Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. Many of the constitutional founding fathers were either Baptists or influenced by Baptists. This ensured the idea that separation of church and state would be in the framework of the nation, so people would not be persecuted for their faith in the future.

Visit Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church in Dickinson, TX, to learn more about the history of the Baptist Church. Since 1998, Reverend Kevin Reeves and his staff have sought to lead believers in worship services, Sunday school classes, and Bible studies. Call (409) 218-9339 to speak with a church staff member or visit their website for more information on events and service times.