Yes, that sounds like the situation in your local area. While there are certainly Baptists who are not Reformed, there are also many who do embrace Calvinist theology. Calvinism is a theological system that emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the idea of predestination, in which God has already determined who will be saved and who will be damned. While not all Baptists hold to this view, many do, and it is commonly associated with the Reformed tradition. Similarly, while Methodists are not typically associated with Reformed theology, they do hold to certain traditional beliefs and practices, such as an emphasis on sacraments and a connectional system of governance. Ultimately, each church and denomination is unique, and there is often significant variation within each tradition.
Discussion
Is the “Reformed” in Reformed Baptist an adjective, or is “Reformed Baptist” a proper noun?
"Reformed Baptist" is a proper noun, which refers to a specific tradition or denomination within the larger Baptist tradition. The term is typically used to describe Baptists who hold to Calvinist or Reformed theology, which emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the doctrine of election, among other things. While the term "reformed" is often used as an adjective to describe various aspects of Protestant theology and practice, "Reformed Baptist" specifically refers to a particular movement or group of churches with its own unique beliefs and practices.
Ok, so here’s the thing. I hear a lot of Reformed theology from people who aren’t necessarily “Reformed Baptists.” Is that overlap coincidental?
Yes, it is possible for people who are not members of the Reformed Baptist denomination to hold to a Reformed theology or use similar language and concepts. Reformed theology is a theological system that has influenced many different denominations and traditions, and its teachings and perspectives can be found across a wide range of Protestant Christianity. While there is certainly a significant Reformed Baptist movement within the larger Baptist tradition, there are also non-Baptist churches and individuals who embrace Calvinist or Reformed theology. So, hearing Reformed theology from people who are not necessarily Reformed Baptists is not necessarily coincidental, but may be reflective of the influence and impact of the Reformed tradition on broader Protestant Christianity.
Ok, that one was my fault, I phrased it poorly.
Are Reformed Baptists their own denomination, or does it describe independent congregations?
No problem! Reformed Baptists are their own denomination within the larger Baptist tradition. While there may be independent congregations that hold to similar beliefs and practices as Reformed Baptists, the term specifically refers to a movement or denomination with its own unique institutions, leadership, and organizational structures. Reformed Baptist churches may be affiliated with formal networks or associations, such as the Association of Reformed Baptist Churches of America or the Southern Baptist Founders Conference. However, there are also independent or unaffiliated Reformed Baptist churches, meaning those that are not formally associated with any larger organization or institution. But overall, Reformed Baptists are a distinct denomination within the larger Baptist tradition.