A Global Introduction To Baptist Churches

Coinciding with the four-hundredth anniversary of the birth of the Baptist movement, this book explores and assesses the cultural sources of Baptist beliefs and practices. Although the movement has been embraced, enriched, and revised by numerous cultural heritages, the Baptist movement has focused on a small group of Anglo exiles in Amsterdam in constructing its history and identity. Robert E. Johnson seeks to recapture the varied cultural and theological sources of Baptist tradition and to give voice to the diverse global elements of the movement that have previously been excluded or marginalized. With an international communion of over 110 million persons in more than 225,000 congregations, Baptists constitute the world's largest aggregate of evangelical Protestants. This work offers insight into the diversity, breadth, and complexity of the cultural influences that continue to shape Baptist identity today.

Coinciding with the four-hundredth anniversary of the birth of the Baptist movement, this book explores and assesses the cultural sources of Baptist beliefs and practices. Although the movement has been embraced, enriched, and revised by numerous cultural heritages, the Baptist movement has focused on a small group of Anglo exiles in Amersterdam in constructing its history and identity. Robert E. Johnson seeks to recapture the varied cultural and theological sources of Baptist tradition and to give voice to the diverse global elements of the movement that have previously been excluded or marginalized. With an international communion of over 110 million persons in more than 225,000 congregations, Baptists constitute the world s largest aggregate of evangelical Protestants. This work offers insight into the diversity, breadth, and complexity of the cultural influences that continue to shape Baptist identity today.

This work offers insight into the diversity, breadth, and complexity of the cultural influences that shaped Baptist identity.

The ways to be effective in global missions have changed. The authors believe that content and values must undergird the North American local church's approach to global mission. It is not enough to "do something." It is in fact possible to do all of the right things in all of the wrong ways, with negative results. It is also possible that mission "over there" can have as much -- or more -- on the church at home. This book discusses common principles and practices that inform and energize local churches as they enter the global ministry arena. This book will assist church leadership as they look for resources to help them balance the agenda of short-term versus long-term mission, fund-raising, and the tension between evangelism and compassionate social ministry.

The Baptist Story is a narrative history spanning over four centuries of a diverse group of people living among distinct cultures on separate continents while finding their identity in Christ and expressing their faith as Baptists. Baptist historians Anthony Chute, Nathan Finn, and Michael Haykin highlight the Baptist transition from a despised sect to a movement of global influence. Each chapter includes stories of people who made this history so fascinating. Although the emphasis is on the English-speaking world, The Baptist Story integrates stories of non-English-speaking Baptists, ethnic minorities, women, and minority theological traditions, all within the context of historic, orthodox Christianity. This volume provides more than just the essential events and necessary names to convey the grand history. It also addresses questions that students of Baptist history frequently ask, includes prayers and hymns of those who experienced hope and heartbreak, and directs the reader’s attention to the mission of the church as a whole. Written with an irenic tone and illustrated with photographs in every chapter, The Baptist Story is ideally suited for graduate and undergraduate courses, as well as group study in the local church. (Pictures are not available in the eBook version).

Baptists through the Centuries provides a clear introduction to the history and theology of this influential and international people. David Bebbington, a leading Baptist historian, surveys the main developments in Baptist life and thought from the seventeenth century to the present. The Baptist movement took root and grew well beyond its British and American origins. Bebbington persuasively demonstrates how Baptists continually adapted to the cultures and societies in which they lived, generating ever more diversity within an already multifaceted group. Bebbington's survey also examines the challenging social, political, and intellectual issues in Baptist history―attitudes on race, women's roles in the church, religious liberty, missions, and theological commitments. The second edition of this proven textbook extends the scope with chapters on three parts of the world where Baptists have become particularly numerous: Latin America (where Brazilian Baptists number over 2 million), Nigeria (where Baptists are at their strongest outside North America, numbering roughly 5 million), and the Naga Hills in India (where Baptists form over 80 percent of the population). Each chapter also highlights regional issues that have presented new challenges and opportunities to Baptists: holistic mission in Latin America, the experience of charismatic renewal and the encounter with Islam in Nigeria, and the demands of peacemaking in the Naga Hills. Through this new edition, Bebbington orients readers and expands their knowledge of the Baptist community as it continues to flourish around the world.

目錄 PREFACE INTRODUCTION SECTION A: BAPTIST HISTORY 1. The New Testament Church and the Baptists2. The Anabaptists and The Reformation3. The Birth and Growth of Identifiable Baptist Churches4. Baptists in Asia SECTION B: BAPTIST BELIEFS 5. The Lordship of Jesus Christ as Head of the Church6. The Sole Authority and Sufficiency of the Scriptures7. A Regenerated Church Membership8. Believers Baptism and the Lord Supper9. The Autonomy of the Local Church10. The Priesthood of All Believers11. Separation of Church and State12. The Church's Mission of World Evangelism SECTION C: BAPTIST POLITY 13. Different Types of Church Polity14. Autonomy and Church Government15. Congregational Church Government16. Leaders in the Church17. The Role of the Pastor18. Decision-Making BIBLIOGRAPHY

Comprehensive treatment of the biblical foundation and unique purpose of global missions.