Baptist Foundations: Church Government for an Anti-Institutional AgeFrom B&H Academic
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Baptist Foundations: Church Government for an Anti-Institutional AgeFrom B&H Academic
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Ours is an anti-polity age, perhaps more than any other time in the history of the church. Yet polity remains as important now as it was in the New Testament. What then is a right or biblical polity? The contributors to this volume make an exegetical and theological case for a Baptist polity. Right polity, they argue, is congregationalism, elder leadership, diaconal service, regenerate church membership, church discipline, and a Baptist approach to the ordinances. Each section explores the pastoral applications of these arguments. How do congregationalism and elder leadership work together? When should a church practice church discipline? How can one church work with another in matters of membership and discipline? To be read sequentially or used as a reference guide, Baptist Foundations provides a contemporary treatment of Baptist church government and structures, the first of its kind in decades.
Baptist Foundations: Church Government for an Anti-Institutional AgeFrom B&H Academic- Amazon Sales Rank: #233758 in Books
- Published on: 2015-06-15
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 9.00" h x 1.10" w x 6.00" l, .0 pounds
- Binding: Hardcover
- 432 pages
About the Author Mark Dever is senior pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington DC; president of 9Marks; and adjunct professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jonathan Leeman is editorial director at 9Marks, occasional lecturer at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Must read on Baptist church polity By Joey Parker Baptist Foundations: Church Government for an Anti-Institutional Age is an important new book edited by Mark Dever and Jonathan Leeman. I think that this book is important for a couple of reasons. Probably the most obvious is found in its subtitle: Church Government for an Anti-Institutional Age. A quick survey of the culture in America will show a growing dislike for institutions. Many youth in our country look negatively on any group or organization that, in their mind, tells them how to think. There is also the issue of attachment. Much of this country is against long term attachment. One only needs to look at the divorce rate and a lack of loyalty between companies and employees to see this fact. Sadly, this anti-institution mentality has crept into the church as well. It is not hard to find some new church sprouting up somewhere that seems to be quicker to say what they are not (i.e. we aren't connected to all those traditional churches and denominations) than what they are (i.e. clearly expressing the truths of the Christian faith) and droves of people come running. What is sad about this mentality is that younger Christians buy into this mentality and completely disconnect themselves from historical Christianity. Also, because of a lack of understanding of church polity many of these churches/Christians have little idea of what a church is actually supposed to look like. This brings me to the second important reason for this book to be written. Baptist Foundations serves as an excellent textbook that examines church polity in five sections that I will briefly outline below. This book ought to be used in churches and seminaries alike to ground believers in a proper understanding of historic baptist polity.What is right polity? "The contributors of this volume make an exegetical and theological case for a Baptist polity. Right polity, they argue, is congregationalism, elder leadership, diaconal service, regenerate church membership, church discipline, and a Baptist approach to the ordinances." These two sentences clearly express the intent of this book. Baptist Foundations is divided into five parts: 1) Congregationalism 2) The Ordinances 3) Church Membership and Discipline 4) Elders and Deacons and 5) The Church and Churches. Part one traces the historical roots and biblical foundations for Congregationalism. This section is quite helpful in laying solid biblical and historical roots for the remainder of the book to expand upon. Part two is an excellent look at Baptist and the Lord's Supper. Tom Schreiner looks at the biblical support for these ordinances while Shawn Wright examines them from a Church History and Theology standpoint. Part three on Church Membership and Discipline is certainly a vital chapter for our "anti-institutional" age. This section covers who should be a church member, why they should be a church member, what this involves and a helpful look at church discipline. Church discipline is an often neglected topic and one that gets fair treatment here. Part four covers elders and deacons. In many Baptist circles plurality of elders and diaconal service has been substituted for one pastor and a deacon board that acts as pseudo-elders. The contributors lay a solid historical and biblical foundation for a proper understanding of the offices of elder and deacon. Part five examines how the local church operates as a unified body and how it can remain independent and yet not isolated. Here Leeman's conclusion that we share the same Christ, the same commission and the same confession is spot on.This book is one that should find its way into every Baptist church. Elders and deacons would do well to read and study this book together and glean wisdom from it's contributors. Excellent book!I received a copy of Baptist Foundations from B&H Academic in exchange for an honest review
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. A Landmark Book on Baptist Church Polity By Dr. James A. Glasscock Review of “Baptist Foundations: Church Government for an Anti-Institutional Age.” This book is surprising for several reasons. The level of scholarship that appears is high quality, as nine professors or pastors are qualified for biblical, theological, and historical disciplines they bring to the task. Another reason is the editors editing of the book makes the reader think only one author is involved. Clearly that is not the case. A final reason is “Baptist Foundations” is organized in a thoughtful way. “Baptist Foundations” is divided into seventeen chapters in order to lay a proper foundation for a recovery of Baptist church governance or polity and the proposed reintroduction of the office of elder to recover of ordained elders in the hierarchy of Baptist congregations. This may be difficult if the desire is denominational uniformity on polity issues. Part of the anticipated difficulty is the unassailable fact that Baptist congregations are congregational in the scheme of church order. Each congregation is autonomous and self-governing. In the long course of church history, congregationalism is one of three forms of church government – [1] Episcopal, a church governed by bishops, [Roman Catholic, Episcopal, United Methodist];and [2] Congregationalism, a church related to a local congregation [Baptist, Disciples, Church of Christ, and others], and [3] Representative Democracy, a church or denomination governed by elders [Presbyterian, Church of Scotland, Reformed Churches]. “Baptist Foundations” prepares for the recovery of elder by exploring Baptist heritage and roots. Part 1 is a discussion of the historical roots of congregationalism and requires two chapters. Part 2 treats the Ordinances [not sacraments] - Baptism and the Lord's Supper – and this covers five chapters. Part 3 discusses church membership and discipline. In this section, three chapters are required. Part 4 explores the ministry of elders and deacons. Some limited practical issues of deacon ministry are proposed. While one may grant the biblical warrant for this limited proposal, church history in some polity suggests a larger role is possible. Indeed, the ministry of the deacon and the elder could be expanded creatively without damage to the New Testament witness of church governance. More on this later Part 5 concludes with “a congregational approach in unity, holiness, and apostalicity: Faith and Order. The closing chapter deals with “a congregational approach to Catholicity,” defined as Independence and Interdependence.” After reading the book and rereading parts of the book, I commend this study to pastors and churches that may wish to examine the biblical, historical, and theological roots of Baptist policy or government. I foresee a lively discussion if this is done. After study, congregations may wish to change their by-laws to reflect the return to the past for guidance in the future in an age that eschews institutional life. Or simply not rock the local boat. Regardless, of the present mood against institutional Christianity, “Baptist Foundations” may set the agenda for the denominational seminaries and churches. In spite of the disclaimer of a sub-title, this fine work does support a form of institutional denominalism in “an anti-institutional age.” The book itself sets out a daunting task that will be required in order to change congregations in the Southern Baptist Convention. I wish those who venture on this sea of change to be in a sea-worthy boat that has been tested for leaks and cracks before departure. As part of the testing of the ship for leaks and cracks before the craft sails, there are unspoken issues that are left untouched in his study. The unspoken issues do not detract from the book itself, as published , but call attention to old resources that will prove constructive for a successful launch and smoother sailing on Baptist waters. Two matters of interest that authors bring to my attention are “regenerate” membership and “church discipline.” I understand the biblical concept of a “regenerate membership.”I was converted at the age of 14 in a Baptist revival. The New Birth or conversion or regeneration is not foreign to me. If one recognizes the historic relationship between the Anabaptist movement in the 16th century and contemporary Baptists in America, these salutary words of Paul T. Fuhrmann, of Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Virginia, concern Martin Bucer and the Anabaptist, forerunners of the modern Baptists. “Martin Bruce, a 16th century Reformed Church pastor in Strasbourg, first struggled with the Anabaptists. . . The Anabaptists wished to form congregations of perfect men, while Bucer believed the Church should take in the multitudes and minister especially to sinners.” On the other hand, Bucer was influenced by the Anabaptist cardinal role of the work of the Holy Spirit and brought this doctrine into the life of the Reformed Tradition in Strasbourg. As a pastor, I observed authentic births in faith that were sustained until the end of their life's journey. Yet, on the other hand, regrettably, I also observed there are those whose faith did not mature or last [The Parable of the Sower, Matthew 13:1-9, Mark 4:1-9, and Luke 8:4-8] fell by the wayside in spite of pastoral efforts on the part of the pastor or some lay member. How does a pastor or elder read or discern the heart? Not easily, in my experience, because regular attendance or dutiful “church work” is no guarantee of growth in wisdom, grace, or spirituality. Guilt over some past sin may serve as the foundation for the zealousness in church work. The wise teaching pastor will always explore the reasons for the compunction of the church workaholic. [Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 10:38-42]. Also, based on my experience as a pastor and also as an evangelist, I find George MacLeod, founder of the Iona Community of Scotland, accurate in detail when in his sermon, was based on the parable of the sheep and goats at the Judgment, the goats be surprised they are not sheep and the sheep will be surprised they are not goats. I often think of this juxtaposition of sheep and goats in dealing with persons in the pew and in a church. Sheep and goats. The pastor cannot always discern the difference. Presbyterian theologian, Robert McAfee Brown's “The Significance of the Church” contributes a charming insight about church life from a 3rd century A.D. manuscript. Comparing the church to an ark, Brown quotes the manuscript: “Were it not for the storm on the outside, one could not stand the smell on the inside [of the church].” I have pondered those words often in sticky church moments. When anger accumulates, psychological wounds fester, and no grace is granted,forgiveness is out of the question, and some go to their tents justified and other mystified by the blowup, though not redeemed by grace just yet, we plod on in a ministry of forgiveness and reconciliation. Yet, in spite of all the church storms and ecclesiastical turbulence “outrageous misfortune flesh is heir to”, there is wisdom in the words of the late Carlyle Marney, a Southern Baptist: “The church is the womb in which persons happen, and they recognize one another. “ The writers of “Baptist Foundations” faithfully discharged their assignment with wisdom and discernment in light of the biblical, historical, and theological materials. It seems to this reviewer that the authors of the essays are in agreement about church discipline, though the term is not clearly defined.I believe Martin Bucer would note the sharp difference between himself and the Anabaptists who wanted to form a perfect church as the authors of this fine work. Intend to do. In order to deal with church discipline, I suggest the editors of the book develop a companion volume to deal with church discipline and how it can be integrated into orderly Baptist congregation life. For pastors and lay leaders who want to explore the possibility of a return to elder ship in a Baptist congregation, I suggest a study of these books will lay a proper foundation for community or church life and growth. The first choice is William A. Clebsch and Charles R. Jaekle, “Pastoral Care in History Perspective: An Essay with Exhibits.” This volume is rich with representative materials, beginning with Primitive Christianity and concluding with the insights of William James. The companion essays are rich in content and imaginative in suggestions. Of special interest is the section on “The Four Pastoral Functions:Healing, Sustaining, Guiding, Reconciling.” A second volume that merits consultation and careful reading is John T. McNeil's “A History of the Cure of Souls.” Published in 1951, the book illustrates what constitutes the guidance of souls for the wisdom of Israel onward. On the whole, I am amazed how much data McNeill incorporates in this study that is a reward in and of itself. Indeed, he is a trusted guide to those who care for and guide souls in congregations and in contemporary church gatherings. McNeill's study is an extended and exhaustive essay in the practice of church discipline. Equally significant and important are Southern Baptist professors of pastoral ministry, include Wayne T. Oates [Southern Seminary], C.W. Brister [Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary], and Samuel Southard [Southern] contributed seminal works on the ministry of the pastor and the ministry the laity. I warmly commend C.W. Brister's “Pastoral Care in the Church” [1963]. His model of ministry influenced my ministry of care in the local church and, indirectly, lead me to write the dissertation of ”The Diaconate in the Reformed Tradition.” Those congregations I served were blessed through his ministry of books, the seminars that he and Gloria, his beloved wife and companion,lead. And do not overlook the pioneer work of Wayne T. Oates. “The Christian Pastor” is a singular achievement and deserves reprinting and a new audience as valuable resources for equipping pastors and elders and deacons and the entire congregation in tasks of pastoral ministry. I highly recommend Oates's book “Beneath the Mask.” There are troubled souls in congregations that need healing or, in some case, confrontation in love and care. Useful in a recovery of the caring tasks of the pastor and a development of a caring congregation is the E. Brooks Holifield “A History of Pastoral Care in America.” The strength of this book is that it charts how we got to ministry is today by looking how we got to this point. The subtitle says it all: “From Salvation to Self-Realization.” Other Southern Baptist writers who merit great respect and interest include Robert E. Naylor, “The Baptist Deacon.” Naylor was president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for many years and a voice in the denomination. Naylor's book title explores the ministry of the deacon and should not be neglected as a resource today. Of considerable merit is Hershel H. Hobbs's “What Baptists Believe.”Hobbs appears to fit deacons into the context of a fitting polity and requires robust beliefs to achieve the ministry of the congregation. Finally, I have often thought that congregations who subscribe to a Covenant are missing an educative opportunity in their worship services. Baptist congregations miss a golden opportunity educate and rehearse what the congregation believes. If the Covenant is too long, sections may be introduced and rotated to cover the beliefs of the congregation. When the Covenant is used in this way, children, youth, parents, and older adults will remember who they are together, to whom they belong together in the fellowship, and who they represent inside the church auditorium or in the world. Fortunately, as a child I learned the Lord's Prayer, the Apostles' Creed, and the Doxology. The worship service is where I heard and learned by heart these treasured supports of faith. Now in my 80th year, these symbols of faith guided my path in dark times. I suggest a said Covenant on Sundays in a Baptist congregation would do as much for the faithful and would give the congregation a way of looking at itself. In conclusion, what I have added in the way of recommendations for a successful launch of the return to Baptist roots that is neither novel or subversive. Nor do these recommended works run counter to the materials in “Baptist Foundations.” I hope the recommend books are salutary in the launching in the ship, as those who undertake the launch use the books to check for leaks and cracks while in dry dock. I commend “Baptist Foundations” to pastors and congregations for study. A amicable discussion among members and pastors and deacons and perhaps then elders will be therapeutic in Baptist life. And to those of other denominations who are interested in church policy.James A. GlasscockB.A., B.D., Th.M., D.Min., Ph. D. [abd], and Diploma in Jurisprudenceand Human Rights [Strasbourg].Honorably Retired, Presbyterian Church [U.S.A.]Reviewer's Note: My dissertation, approved by the faculty of Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, is “The Diaconate in the Reformed Tradition,” 1975. The dissertation explores the history of the Diaconate in Reformed and Presbyterian policy. The final chapters deal with way of training laity in the work of the Diaconate.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. This book will help you think biblically about key issues of church structure. By Steven J. Dresen Jr. It’s been a good year for Baptists. In Baptist Foundations: Church Government for an Anti-Institutional Age edited Mark Dever and Jonathan Leeman pastor’s a church leaders have been provided material that will help them think through issues of church structure and practice in a biblical manner.This book is comprised of five parts covering congregationalism, ordinances, church membership and discipline, officers in the church, and the unity of the local church and cooperation with other local churches. Each of the contributors to the volume have extensive backgrounds in writing on the issues of Baptist polity. While many book on the church published are geared toward a more pragmatic than biblical understanding of the church, each of the authors has sought to conform their understanding of Baptist polity to the Bible. Pastorally I found Shawn Wright’s chapter on Baptism very helpful for me especially as he addresses the issue of baptizing children addressing the possible risks of either baptizing or withholding baptism. Thomas White’s chapter has also helped me to think through in more detail issues surrounding church discipline, which is something sadly lacking in many churches I have known.The editors and contributors had a challenge in writing this because in reality there isn’t a lot of current consensus among Baptists in how a Baptist church is to be structured. What the authors have done is to first look to the Bible as the authority for how the church is to be structured and run and then demonstrated historically how Baptists have demonstrated these biblical distinctives. There is much to commend this book especially in light of the confusion surrounding basic elements of church structure found in Baptist life today.If you are a leader in your church read this book, allow these authors to help you think through these issue for the good of your church and for God’s glory.Disclosure: I received this book free from B&H Academic for providing this review. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.
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