It is important to distinguish between those who attend a Baptist church without becoming a member of the church, and those who join the church. Central among our belief is the principle that there is no external act that can bring about salvation (the Baptist definition of being a Christian). Baptists make it abundantly clear that becoming "saved" comes by faith alone. It has nothing to do with baptism, church membership, good works, or anything else except one accepting Jesus Christ as one's personal savior.
Baptists define the church as a congregation of baptized believers in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The primary external qualification for membership in a Baptist church is a public profession of faith in Jesus, followed by water baptism.
This acronym summarizes our belief:
Biblical authority
Autonomy of the local church
Priesthood of the believer
Two ordinances (Believer's Baptism and Communion)
Individual soul liberty
Separation of Church and State
Two offices of the church (Pastor and Deacon)
In addition, we believe in a literal Second Coming of Christ.