Alright, that information came from correspondence with someone from Founders organization.
I think it is alright if I post part of that conversation.
Quote
The 1689 has a statement that protects the administration but is not as narrow as the WCF. In Chapter 28: Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, Para. 2 says:

These holy appointments are to be administered by those only who are qualified and thereunto called, according to the commission of Christ.

Notice that it doesn't say ministers specifically. I think this is significant in that it is a deliberate rewording of the WCF at this point. To help us understand what the authors had in mind, I think we can refer to their view of the preaching of the Word (26: Of the Church, Para. 11):

Although it be incumbent on the bishops or pastors of the churches, to be instant in preaching the word, by way of office, yet the work of preaching the word is not so peculiarly confined to them but that others also gifted and fitted by the Holy Spirit for it, and approved and called by the church, may and ought to perform it.

Notice that this ministry is not restricted to pastors but is still regulated by the church. I have asked a number of Reformed Baptist pastors over the years about this, and the general view has been what I articulated below.
I must admit that when I read the words of that quote from 1689, the words “who are qualified and thereunto called,”; my thought didn’t go to deacons, they went to elders. However, that doesn’t seem like it is the opinion of the so called experts within Reformed Baptist circles.
I think the most important aspects are that baptism is an ordinance of the Church and that it should be administered under the authority of an elder.
Tom

Last edited by Tom; Mon Dec 09, 2013 11:58 PM.