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 distinguishing characteristics, roots, growth and fruit. Special attention will be given to the Baptist understanding of the doctrine of the church, religious authority and freedom, baptism and the Lord's Supper. Students will learn how to do baptisms, weddings and funerals and will practice administering baptism coached by an experienced pastor. Students will learn the standards and procedures for ordination and write their doctrinal statement. Students will research the structure and governance practices and procedures of their denominational--for ABC/USA students this research may be done by attending the "Orientation to ABC Life Conference" at Green Lake, Wisconsin.

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

The course will meet for three hours a week for lecture and discussion. One class session will meet in a local Baptist church in order to practice administering baptism.

Brackney, William, ed. Baptist Life and Thought: A Source Book. Rev. ed. Judson Press, 1998.

Goodwin, Everett, ed. Baptists in the Balance. Judson Press, 1997.

Marring, Norman H. and Winthrop S. Hudson. A Baptist Manual of Polity and Practice. Rev. ed. Judson Press, 1991.

The New Testament (New International Version suggested)

Cook, Henry. What Baptists Stand For. London: Carey Kings gate Press, 1953.

Freeman, Curtis; James Wm. McClendon Jr.; and Villas da Silver. Baptist Roots. Judson, 1999.

Hudson, Winthrop S. Baptist Concepts of the Church. Judson Press, 1959.

Lumpkin, William. Baptist Confessions of Faith. Judson Press, 1959.

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

Stewart, Howard R. American Baptist and the Church. University Press of America, 1997.

1. Assigned reading must be completed in order to be prepared for class discussion.

2. A five-page paper on the Baptist concept of the nature and mission of the church.

3. A five-page paper on the Baptist perspective on religious authority and freedom.

4. A five-page personal statement of faith which can be submitted to an ordination council.

5. A five-page paper on the Baptist perspective on baptism and the Lord's Supper.

6. A five-page paper on the Baptist perspective on congregational church governance.

7. A ten-page research paper on the structure and governance practices and procedures of the student's denomination. Note: for ABCstudents who attend the "Orientation to ABC Life Conference" this assignment will be shortened due to hours required by the conference.

8. A one-page outline of New Testament book(s). Specific book(s) will be assigned on a basis to evenly divide the amount of writing yet include all the books of the New Testament.

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