What Is a Baptist? Distinctives, Autonomy, and Cooperation

In this listener-inspired episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh tackle a foundational but often misunderstood question: What is a Baptist? They walk through the core distinctives that define Baptist belief and practice—such as believer’s baptism, congregational governance, and local church autonomy—and explain why these matter deeply to the life and mission of Overland Church.The pastors also clarify how Overland Church relates to larger Baptist networks, including the Longs Peak Baptist Association, the Colorado Baptist General Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). They shed light on what it means to be an autonomous church that is still connected through cooperative ministry and giving, and they address common misconceptions about the SBC with grace and honesty.Whether you're new to Baptist life or just curious about how Overland fits into a larger family of churches, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of biblical cooperation in mission.