Signs of the Presence: Toward an Eastern European Baptist Sacramentalism

The Baptist movement is often interpreted through the lens of rationalism because of its declared anti-sacramentalism, particularly within the Eastern European context. Yet the reality is that many churches engage with the mystery of divine presence and have done so since the origins of the movement. In this study, Dr. Sergii Sannikov explores sacramentalism, focusing on the theology of baptism, the eucharist, and the laying on of hands in the Eastern European Baptist tradition. Analyzing the seven most common Baptist views on baptism, Sannikov demonstrates a robust baptismal theology as a divine-human encounter. He traces the eucharist’s historical roots and examines its different cultural and theological understandings to help readers see the fullness of the Lord’s supper while avoiding mistaken understandings of its ordinances. Sannikov goes on to examine various aspects within Baptist church life, such as the laying on of hands, ordination, imposition of the sick, and blessing marriages and children, in addition to preaching and worship. Filled with rich scholarship and practical application, this book highlights that church activity is much more than bare symbolism – it is the very real presence of Christ in the life of the church, inviting every believer to experience divine encounter.