Rowland and Jan Croucher wrote:

I believe (perhaps naively) that an _appreciation_ of Baptist distinctives/identity/history doesn't mean we have to be stuck back there. In these days of greater understanding of the faith-journeys of others, the 'distinctives' matter less and less: they're best viewed as part of the mosaic of our one-in-Christness...

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Gary wrote:

Agreed, but what does it mean for Baptist identity? Is it merely an appreciation of history, or is it something more? Blessings

Gary

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I replied:

Hi Gary and lurkers,

Re Baptist Identity

I think it means three things:

1. Yes, appreciation of our history, sorry *histories*.

2. A sense of belonging - with people around the world whose Christian commmonness doesn't extend much further than the nickname 'Baptist'. (Try to make a list of 'distinctives' which Baptists and no one else holds, apart from historical precedent!)

3. More importantly (I think): a sense of belonging to people called Baptists - in all their variety - _in Victoria_! A derivative from that is the help we can give one another, through formal networks (eg. BUV, VBMN)

and informal ones (localised prayer/support groups). Which is why an annual retreat is important, the School of Ministry hosted by Whitley is important, RevUps are important - together with other BUV and School of World Mission etc. initiatives...

Here's an 'acid test': how often are you prayed-for by another pastor in the BUV? How do you know?

Rowland Croucher