Baptists defy simple descriptions. They do not fit into neat categories. Diverse in many ways, Baptists are defined, not by a single doctrine, but by a group of beliefs and practices. Taken as a whole, these make Baptists a distinct fellowship of Christians. Materials abound concerning Baptists. This leaflet offers only a brief overview. Who are Baptists? Baptists are a diverse people. Racially, Baptists are—“red, yellow, brown, black, and white.” Once predominately white, Baptists are now a virtual kaleidoscope of human hues. Economically, Baptists vary from paupers to billionaires. They live in hovels and mansions. They exist on welfare checks and thrive as entrepreneurs. Politically, Baptists cover practically the entire spectrum. In some countries Baptists serve in a variety of government positions while Baptists in other countries endure severe government persecution. Educationally, Baptists range from illiterate people to brilliant scholars. Baptists include those who have no formal schooling and also those who have climbed to the highest rung of the academic ladder. Religiously, Baptist congregations worship formally and informally. They are found in groups described as both conservative and liberal. Culturally, Baptists vary greatly. They differ in diet, apparel, and customs. Neither mode of clothing nor style of hair identifies a Baptist. Baptists speak numerous languages and dialects. Where Are Baptists Found? Baptists can be found throughout the world. Baptists live, worship, and minister in more than a hundred countries. The Baptist World Alliance maintains as complete a record as exists, but exact statistics on Baptists are difficult to determine. It is estimated that approximately 50 million baptized believers are members of Baptist churches worldwide. Millions more who are not members participate in and benefit from these churches. The largest concentration of Baptists is in North Americawhere an estimated number of 35 to 40 million Baptists live. The second-largest concentration of Baptists is found in Africa, where approximately 7 million Baptists reside. The third-largest group of Baptists lives in Asia, with over 4.5 million members. The fourthmost-sizeable Baptist population is found in South America, with more than 1.5 million members. Baptists exist in smaller but nonetheless meaningful populations in the Caribbean Islands, Central America, the Middle East, and Europe. “Every Baptist ought to know why he is a Baptist, and to know it from the specific commands of God’s Word. Not to have such knowledge is for our churches to be harmed in every way.” George W. Truett, pastor, First Baptist Church of Dallas, 1897-1944
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