DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to give a general introduction to Baptists--their history, distinctive doctrines and denominational polity. Its aim is to provide the student with a working knowledge of Baptist roots, growth, fruit, and distinguishing characteristics. Special attention will be given to the Baptist understanding of the doctrine of the church, baptism and the Lord's Supper. Students will learn how to do weddings and funerals and will practice administering baptism and the Lord's Supper coached by an experienced pastor. They will learn procedures for ordination and write their doctrinal paper. ABC/USA students will learn denominational structure and mission by writing a research paper or attending the conference, "Orientation to American Baptist Life" at Green Lake, Wisconsin. Students from other Baptist groups will research their own denominational procedures.

Satisfactory completion of this course will provide the student with the necessary information to feel a part of the Baptist family and be equipped for ordination and ministry among Baptists.

The course will meet for three hours a week for lecture and discussion. The class will not meet at Fuller Seminary on October 20 during the Seminarian's Conference at Green Lake.

Beyer, Douglas. The Family of God. Valley Forge: Judson, 1990.

McBeth, Leon. The Baptist Heritage. Broadman, 1987.

Shurden, Walter B. The Baptist Identity: Four Fragile Freedoms. Smyth & Helwys, 1993.

We Are American Baptists. ABCUSA Office of Communication, latest edition. (ABC students only.)

Brackney, William. Baptist Life and Thought. Valley Forge: Judson, 1983.

Cothen, Grady C. and James Dunn. Soul Freedom. Smith & Helwys, 2000.

Freeman, Curtis; James Wm. McClendon Jr.; and Velloso da Silva. Baptist Roots. Valley Forge: Judson, 1999.

Lumpkin, William. Baptist Confessions of Faith. Valley Forge: Judson, 1959.

We Baptists. Baptist World Alliance, Providence House Publishers, 1999.

1. Assigned reading must be completed before class discussion.

2. A five-page paper on the place of covenants, creeds, and confessions of faith in a Baptist Church.

3. Annotated Order of Worship giving the reason for each line item in the liturgy.

4. A five-page doctrinal statement which can be submitted to an ordination council.

5. A ten-page research paper on denominational structure and mission OR attendance at the Seminarian's Conference. All travel, housing, food, and conference expense will be paid by ABC/USA. ABC students must register early for this conference. See Dr. Neil Frey, ABTC, for details.

None.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Pastoral Ministry and Theology (MIN 6).

None.