scriptures life by creating from them a spark of understanding in the individual. From that understanding He calls us to a personal relationship with Him. Those who respond in faith to God's call, identify with His story and commit themselves to a life of discipleship. For them, the Bible becomes more than a reliable record of God's revelation in the past. It is the authoritative tradition from which we view the horizons of life in both time and eternity. Baptists believe in the divine inspiration and human authorship of the Bible. Congregational Autonomy Mainstream Baptists believe in congregational autonomy which means that every local congregation is under the direct Lordship of Christ. They are opposed to ecclesiastical hierarchies. Their churches are not subordinate to the rule of any denomination, convention, association, fellowship or any other religious body. They believe that Christ is in and is the head of every congregation of his people. Their churches operate democratically because they believe every other form of church government infringes on the Lordship of Christ. Every member is responsible for seeking and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they participate in the deliberations and work of the church. Each member has equal right to voice their convictions and to vote according to their conscience when the congregation makes decisions. They trust the spiritual discernment of the majority and act on it. They also realize that majorities can be mistaken and act with respect toward the consciences of a sometimes-prophetic minority. Cooperative Missions Mainstream Baptists are committed to extending the good news about what God has done in Christ to all the world. They believe that every Christian is a missionary. They believe that calls some persons to devote their lives to special ministries. Recognizing that the needs of the world are great, they cooperate and partner with other Christians and churches to support vocational missionaries with their prayers, their encouragement, their labors, and their financial assistance. External links of cooperating agencies/organizations Mainstream Baptists Official Website ABP – Associated Baptist Press Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) was established in 1823. Includes Virginia Baptist Mission Board Baptist women in ministry Baptist General Convention of Texas Baptist History and Heritage Society (formerly the Southern Baptist Historical Society) Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs Baptist Life Baptist Medical Dental Fellowship Baptist Standard (Texas) Baptists Today CBF – Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Global Women Mercer Center