Introduction
Distinctives
Carlton Oaks Baptist Church Distinctives
Our distinctives are specific beliefs and practices that set Carlton Oaks Baptist Church apart within the broader body of Christ. Rooted in the conviction that the Bible is our ultimate authority, these principles guide how we interpret Scripture, lead our congregation, administer sacraments, and approach worship. They ensure faithfulness to God's Word, foster spiritual growth, and help us fulfill the Great Commission. Many are reflected in the Baptist Faith and Message, 2000.
Key Distinctives:
Biblical Eldership: Carlton Oaks upholds the Baptist distinctive of "Two Offices," recognizing elders and deacons. The church emphasizes biblical eldership, which involves a plurality of qualified leaders overseeing the congregation.
Church Discipline: In line with the distinctive of "Saved, Baptized Church Membership" and the autonomy of the local church, church discipline is vital for maintaining the purity and doctrinal integrity of the church body.
Church Membership: Carlton Oaks emphasizes "Saved, Baptized Church Membership," which ensures that the church is comprised of individuals who have given a credible testimony of faith in Christ.
Marriage and Sexuality: The church upholds biblical teachings on marriage, affirming the sanctity of marriage as a union between one man and one woman, consistent with the traditional Baptist understanding.
Divorce and Remarriage: Carlton Oaks takes a conservative, biblically grounded stance on divorce and remarriage, seeking to align with scriptural teachings on these matters.
Evangelizing Children: Reflecting the Baptist emphasis on personal faith and believer’s baptism, the church stresses the importance of evangelizing and nurturing faith in children.
The Gift of Tongues: Carlton Oaks holds a cessationist view regarding the sign gifts, including tongues, believing they ceased with the apostolic age. This stance aligns with the church's belief in the "Sufficiency of Scripture."
Lordship Salvation: The church affirms lordship salvation, emphasizing that Jesus is both Savior and Lord, which calls for a high view of Scripture and personal commitment to Christ.
The Role of Women: While not a distinctively Baptist doctrine, Carlton Oaks upholds complementarian views, reserving certain church offices for men in accordance with their interpretation of biblical teachings.
Roman Catholicism: The church historically opposes Roman Catholic doctrines that contradict Baptist distinctives, such as the authority of the Pope and hierarchical church structure, in favor of the "Priesthood of the Believer" and "Biblical Authority."
The Sufficiency of Scripture: Central to Carlton Oaks' faith is the belief in the sufficiency of Scripture, which aligns with the Baptist distinctive of "Biblical Authority," affirming that the Bible is sufficient for all matters of faith and practice.
The Sovereignty of God: Emphasizing a doctrine commonly embraced by Reformed Baptists, Carlton Oaks affirms the sovereignty of God, acknowledging His control over all things as central to their theology.