A Baptist Manual of Polity and Practice


Book Description

Originally published in 1962, A Baptist Manual of Policy and Practice was written to bring together traditional Baptist positions and practices and the modifications adopted over the years. The first revised edition, published in 1991, maintained this objective and with contemporary and inclusive language added new insights and new understandings. This 50th Anniversary edition, while retaining the original's basic aim of describing the general church practice of Baptists (especially American Baptists) in the context of their biblical and theological foundations, was prepared with several additional goals in mind: Respond to profound shifts in Baptist polity that have occurred since 1991 Address new challenges, especially that of an increasingly fragmentary and secular culture Emphasize the trend toward a looser and more locally focused form of ministry Freshen the book's general style and tone Book jacket.




Principles and Practices for Baptist Churches


Book Description

This classic is organized as follows: I. A Christian Church II. Church Officers III. Church Ordinances IV. Church Membership V. Church Discipline Private Offenses Public Offenses VI. Cases of Appeal VII. Church Business Order of Business Rules of Order VIII. Christian Doctrine Articles of Faith Covenant IX. Optional Standing Resolutions X. Baptism Considered Meaning of the Word The Baptism of Jesus Much Water Needed Philip and the Eunuch The Testimony of Scholars Apostolical Allusions The Witness of History For Thirteen Centuries As to the Greek Church The Design of Baptism A Sufficiency of Water The Rise of Sprinkling XI. The Lord’s Supper Open and Close Communion One and the Same Rule The Baptist Position Pedobaptist Close Communion The Power of Sympathy Three Facts Explained Pedobaptist Witnesses XII. Infant Baptism Not of Scriptural Authority When Did It Rise? Why Did It Rise? Household Baptisms XIII. Church Government XIV. Church Officers




Baptists Through the Centuries


Book Description

Through this new edition, Bebbington orients readers and expands their knowledge of the Baptist community as it continues to flourish around the world.--John Briggs, President of the Baptist Hictorical Society "Baptist Quarterly"




Baptist Ways


Book Description

This extensive resource traces significant aspects of Baptist history from the seventeenth through the twentieth centuries. It surveys basic beliefs, events, and experiences evident in Baptist communities. Leonard explores the effect of the Baptist identity on not just America, but on the world, and includes the emergence of English, British, Irish, and Caribbean Baptists, to name a few. Also skillfully covered is the influence of the Baptist faith in the United States, including the development of African American Baptists and the numerous denominations that emerged in the twentieth century.




Down by the Riverside


Book Description

Can history be entertaining and actually fun to read? Readers of Down By the Riverside respond with an overwhelming "yes." This study guide will enable individuals and small group participants to build on the book's content as they reflect on such questions as "What does it mean to be Baptist?" and "How does my Baptist orientation influence my perspective on other beliefs?" Those who use this resource in association with the book will not only get an overview of Baptist history, but they will come to a renewed appreciation for uniquely Baptist principles and perspectives. People will have the opportunity to explore and discuss both the positive contributions and the potential liabilities of a Baptist perspective on Christian faith.




Distinctly Baptist


Book Description

What makes the Baptist witness unique in the Christian tradition and in the world? When Baptists celebrated the 400th anniversary of their distinctive tradition in 2010, the faculty of the George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University delivered a unique chapel series to proclaim the Baptist identity. Beginning with those sermons and expanding upon them, this book offers this generation a relevant understanding of Baptist faith and identity, based on the proclamation of 14 classic and emerging distinctivesÂżfrom soul competency and the priesthood of believers, to local church autonomy and congregational polity, to religious liberty and separation of church and state. Also includes chapters on vocation and calling, Christian mission, and social justice! Intended first to encourage and equip Baptist preachers, Distinctly Baptist will also be a useful tool for Baptist identity studies in congregations and seminaries alike as we disciple new generations of Baptists in an increasingly post-denominational culture.




A Peculiar Church


Book Description

"Jonathan A. Malone provides an excellent presentation of how Baptist theology emerged in the church historically and practically. This book is divided into three parts: first, the challenges and methodology associated with creating a Baptist Theology; second, worship and ordinances; and third, other aspects of church life and ministry such as baptism and funerals. A pivotal point in Malone's "doing theology" is rooted in convictions, which he describes as "centrally held statements out of which a theology emerges." Read this book to learn more about how Baptist theology is reflective of the responses of God's people to God's Word"--




Reformation and Modern Rituals and Theologies of Baptism


Book Description

Presenting a comprehensive survey of the historical underpinnings of baptismal liturgies and theologies, Bryan Spinks presents an ecumenically and geographically wide-ranging survey and discussion of contemporary baptismal rites, practice and reflection, and sacramental theology. Writing within a clear chronological framework, Bryan Spinks presents two simultaneous volumes on Baptismal Liturgy and Theology. Early and Medieval Rituals and Theologies of Baptism summarizes the understandings of baptism in the New Testament and the development of baptismal reflection and liturgical rites throughout Syrian, Egyptian, Roman and African regions. In this second volume, Reformation and Modern Rituals and Theologies of Baptism, Spinks traces developments through the Reformation, liturgies in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and explores important new ecumenical perspectives on developments of twentieth-century sacramental discussion. Present practices of Baptist, Amish, as well as Methodist, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed and Anglican denominations are also examined.




Total Praise


Book Description

Total Praise! is an ideal orientation resource for those new to the African American Baptist church. Author Lora-Ellen McKinney provides basic information pertaining to distinctly Baptist beliefs, expressions of faith, and worship traditions in the African American context. The material in each chapter of this one-of-a-kind resource is organized into a Q- & -A format, which along with the "That's What I'm Talking About" and "Thinking through Your Choice" sections, makes this book easily accessible to individual readers and usable in group settings. Includes appendices with descriptions of the major black denominations and organizations, as well as a list of recommended resources. - Publisher.




Baptist Roots


Book Description

This in-depth examination of baptist theology provides insight into the contemporary issues related to baptist identity.