Book Description
"This crystal-clear book offers to any who will listen invaluable, detailed guidance on how and why to move toward a true culture of excellence in hospital care. It isn't easy, but, as their results show, it's a journey well worth taking."—Donald M. Berwick, MD, president and CEO, Institute for Healthcare Improvement

The Baptist Health Care Journey to Excellence presents tested principles and best practices to help improve your corporate culture and customer satisfaction, which will lead to loyalty, stability, sustained productivity, and profitability in your own organization. Order your copy today!Download Description
An insider’s look at corporate culture at one of Fortune’s Top 100 Best Companies to Work for in America

A business can purchase, imitate, or replicate most of its elements, but when a business places its competitive advantage with its people, it can become the market leader. The Baptist Health Care Journey to Excellence illustrates how Baptist Health Care went from a customer satisfaction rating of less than 20 percent to being consistently ranked in the 99 percent range. Written by the man who made it happen, this book sets benchmarks and best practices for organizations to measure themselves against by creating a service-centered culture that cares first and foremost about customer satisfaction.

Al Stubblefield (Pensacola, FL) is President and CEO of Baptist Health Care Corporation, a position he has held since 1999. He is on the board of directors of the American Hospital Association, VHA Southeast, and the National Committee for Quality in Health Care, and is Chairman of the Regional Policy Board 4. Geoffrey Colvin is Editorial Director of Fortune magazine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Sounds good on paper, but.......................
Very inspiring, yes. Alot of truth also, but to implement it, another story.I think one reason why it worked so well at Baptist hospital, was because of their faith-base.I really believe that's part of it.You go up against a mountain though when you try to light fires under people and they just don't catch.You can't make people to be motivated.It has to start at the top and work it's way down.Otherwise, you'll be frustrated and dejected.

The Baptist Health Care Journey
I think there is much to learn from the culture Baptist Health Care has been able to create and sustain.

hard copy good...electronic copy very bad.
Still waiting for the hard copy...the electronic copy was not useable.The idea is a good one the execution is not up to par.Most other eBook sites offer an option for Adobe (.pdf) format so it can be viewed while off line, Amazon does not.You can only view or print a single page at a time with Amazon, also not very useful.

Fantastic book
Great book, well written.Hard to argue with their results.Many practical ideas.

A great read.
I enjoyed every page of their journey. It was fun to read and a great learning experience about how to truely engage your employees and help them behave as owners of the company. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Baptist Roots:Getting at the Truth of Our Heritage
This has to be the best, all inclusive study on "Baptist Heritage" that I have found.While enlightening in areas of Baptist roots, it also does a wonderful job dispelling many of the myths that have crept into the Church as to our beginnings.It is a must for anyone interested in the beginnings of the Baptist Church and the forming of our doctrinal statements of faith.

Good but not exact
This book is very well written.McBeth has laid a good foundation if you are interested Baptist History.The only problem I have found is McBeth allows his own personal views to skew what he calls history and what he has decided to include in this book.Rather than giving a full account of what History says about Baptist, McBeth tells most of the story.Other than that, VERY well written and easy to read.Don't be intimidated by the number of pages.McBeth focuses on a few things that you can skip and not miss anything.Hope you enjoy reading this book and will look further into history.McBeth mentions a good book to give you another side of Baptist History; "The Trail Of Blood".It is out of print but you can still find some copies out there.While it also is not exact it gives you another side.Good Luck and God Bless!

Enjoyable Read of Baptist History
I was required to read this book for a seminary course and instead of being intimidated by the size of the book, I found it to be an extremely enjoyable read on how Baptists have flourished over the years in spite of persecution, church splits, and other challenges.

McBeth traces the origins of Baptists in the early 1600s from England and Holland and chronicles their history up to the late 1900s.

Among the more interesting topics covered include:

1.Baptist beginnings in Europe.
2.Baptist beginnings in America and the part they played in the Great Awakenings.
3.The struggle for religious libery in early America.
4.The split of the Baptists in the 1840s that eventually led to the Southern Baptist Convention.
5.The formation of several types of Baptist groups (Southern, Primitive, Independent, American, National, Landmark, etc.).

Whether you are Baptist or not, after reading this gem you will have a greater appreciation for the Baptist heritage!

Read and enjoy!

McBeth's Magic
Having spent the entirety of his life in Christian service both within and outside Baptist circles, and, as McBeth says, "In a quarter-century of teaching Baptist History...," Dr. McBeth has certainly devoted himself to his work within the Church and the academy.The magnitude of this book is indicative of the scholarship that McBeth has invested in a book of this sorts, yet its size does not overwhelm the reader.If necessary, McBeth uses the extra space to explain the concepts and technical 'jargon' of the oft-misunderstood Baptist theology and history.
Readers of this volume ought to come away with a solid, general understanding of the beginnings of Baptists during the 1600s in England, the spread of the Baptist-Christian flavour to the European continent, as well as to The United States of America.McBeth's handling of Baptist history is balanced between Continental Europe as well as the American context, from which McBeth has invested his life.

Comprehensive and Personal
Without a doubt, this is the most definitive work on the history of Baptists. McBeth leaves no stone unturned in developing a portrait of a faith tradition born out of persecution and intolerance. A tradition born with an affinity for personal freedom, i.e. competency before God. McBeth's work has aided me greatly in understanding why I am Baptist and what that means. At a time in which many Baptists are struggling with a crisis of identity, this book can serve as a rescue. Don't let the size of the book intimidate you. Think of it as crawling into grandpa's lap and hearing the stories of old. More than the book I appreciate the man behind it. He was one of the greatest teachers I ever studied under, and one of the most genuine professor I ever encountered. ... Read more

Book Description
Respected leaders point a way forward in the key debates within the Southern Baptist Convention, one of the largest denominations at more than 16 million members. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Book Endorsements
"In a day when many believe the most important ingredients to effective ministry are intellect, intensity and insight this volume restores our faith in the fact that it is really integrity in the local church.Integrity is rooted in our private lives, reflected in our personal lives, reinforced in our professional lives and ultimately revealed in our public lives as churchmen.Restoring Integrity...read it and reap!"

O.S. Hawkins
President/CEO
Guidestone Financial Resources
Southern Baptist Convention


"My favorite verse in the Bible is found in Proverbs 20:7, which magnifies integrity. The church will be blessed by our Heavenly Father in direct proportion to its integrity. This book will chart the path that leads to the place of knowing His hand on the church's work. What we are in the inward parts is what matters most."

Johnny Hunt
Pastor
First Baptist Church of Woodstock
Woodstock, Georgia

"Restoring Integrity in the Church. Formidable Assignment! Formidable scholars! Formidable proposals! I believe the Lord will use this book by committed conservative scholars to return our churches to New Testament integrity."

Jerry Vines
Pastor Emeritus, First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL
Two-time President, Southern Baptist Convention
and President, Jerry Vines Ministries


"The loss of a biblical vision of the local church - indeed the collapse of biblical ecclesiology in many congregations - is the greatest threat to the Baptists.Restoring Integrity is a book urgently needed and well timed.The writers of this book are some of the brightest theologians and scholars in Baptist life today, and they are deeply committed to the recovery of integrity in Baptist life and in Baptist churches.We have needed this book for a long time."

R. Albert Mohler, Jr.
President
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A Good Hymnal -- Mix Of Traditional And Contemporary
This rendition of the Baptist Hymnal, published by the Southern Baptists, is more traditional than most modern hymnals.It does include several spirituals and a lot of songs by Broadman press composers I never have heard of elsewhere.There also are a few contemporary songs and praise choruses.

But for those who like the old hymns, and don't mind some of them missing a verse or two, this is a good book.

One strength -- the Christmas section is larger than most other hymnals.

One comment, though -- the cover picture is wrong!At my church, the covers are supposed to be red!(Though I've seen some with blue covers as well.Maybe I should start a new denomination based on hymnal cover colors, LOL!!!)

Above average... Modern.... but missing a few gems.
Don't get me wrong... I thoroughly enjoy the selection of songs in this hymnal, both old classics and new contemporary, but it's missing some of my favorites from childhood for some reason or another... such as:

Almost Persuaded,
Another Day is Dawning,
Bring Them In,
Bringing in the Sheaves,
Let the Lower Lights Be Burning,
Every Day With Jesus,
Thanksgiving,
Our Best,
His Way With Thee,
Where We'll Never Grow Old,
Jesus Loves Even Me,
Peace, Be Still!,
Must I Go and Empty-Handed,
The Haven of Rest,
O Holy Night,
The Unclouded Day,
Seal Us O Holy Spirit,
Some Sweet Day,
Take Me As I Am,
That Will Be Glory For Me,
The Light of the World is Jesus,
The Lord Bless Thee and Keep Thee,
Sweet Peace the Gift of God's Love,
We Three Kings,
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks,
Why Do You Wait,
Work for the Night is Coming

All of those listed are MIA (missing in action), and they're GREAT hymns! If not for these exceptions, it would have received a 5 out of 5 from me...Maybe on the next update/version they will add these back in? Who knows?

Conservative but Modern Hymnbook
This 1991 hymnal is meant for Baptists.It you are not a Baptist, especially Southern Baptist, you may not like this hymnal.Yet, this hymnal has retained the best-loved hymns in the Southern Baptist hymnictradition, but has broadened the repertoire to include well-loved hymnsfrom other denominations. Theologically, the hymnal is a bitcontradictory, which I believe shows disagreement within the Baptistictradition concerning Arminianism ("I Have Decided to Follow Jesus") versusCalvinism ("Not What These Hands Have Done").The language updates are abit conservative concerning the "thees" and "thous," yet it does not foistinclusive language at the expense of theology and poetry.The musicalarrangements are traditional so they lend themselves well for 4-partharmony.The hymnbook is arranged in an almost church-year format, whichis a welcome addition.In short, this hymnal is thoroughlyconservative yet modern.

The Baptist Hymnal 1991the best hymnal in publication.
The Baptist Hymnal contains not only all of the wonderful old standards, but contains many of the more recent hymns or Christian Songs.It also contains an excellent section of responsive reading.This hymnal is by farthe most thorough in Christian Music. ... Read more

Product Description
Most North American churches take a pragmatic approach to church life. We are concerned with being relevant to the culture and ultimately growing at a steady rate. While these issues are certainly legitimate, they also create a danger that our churches will be shaped more by these extrabiblical goals than by the biblical mandate of God. Utilizing the Scriptures, theology, and Baptist history, this comprehensive work addresses all aspects of the church—both theological and practical. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great book on the Church
This is a great book. I bought this book as apart of an Ecclesiology course Dr. Hammetts teaches. He is an expert on this topic. This is an awesome book for any minister, but I would strongly encourage any church leader to pick it up.

Good Work on Baptist Ecclesiology
Hammett has done the church a service with this book.He does a great job laying out the essentials of a baptist ecclesiology, interacting very fairly with contemporary issues.One thing lacking in this book is the redemptive-historical focus of the church.One can find Clowney's book on the church supplemental at this point, although Clowney is working from a Reformed perspective with a mixed nature of the church.Also, see Schreiner and Wright's new one, "Believer's Baptism."

Superb Baptist Ecclesiological Study
Hammett has produced a superb work.In harmony with other historical and ecclesiological works like Mark Dever's 9 Marks of a Healthy Church, this book expands where readers wish Dever's book would have done.Hammett is also kind to some of the ecclesiological concepts in Rick Warren's Purpose-Driven Church.And in few areas where Warren's and Dever's works contrast, Hammett remains neutral.A wonderful balance of theology, church history, and suggested practices for contemporary churches, this is a must read for church leaders - clergy and laity. ... Read more

Book Description
This exhaustive 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 and provides one of the most comprehensive resources on Baptist history available. 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. Students, teachers, professors, and pastors alike will find in Leonard's resource an exceptional history that provides a foundation for this enduring faith. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Baptist Ways: my opinion
Baptist Ways: a History. Bill J. Leonard, Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 2003. Paper, 480 pages. ISBN 0-8170-1231-1
Bill J. Leonard is dean and professor of church history at Wake Forest University Divinity School, Winston-Salem, NC. He is the editor or author of fifteen books.

In his introduction, Mr. Leonard discusses the problem of defining a people as diverse as the Baptists. His approach views Baptist history through "eight dialectics", seeing "classic distinctives as dynamics moving in tandem across a wide spectrum of belief and practice." (p. 16) He briefly recites various views of Baptist origins. Since Leonard believes the Baptist denomination is an outgrowth of English Puritanism, he begins in the 17th century and brings Baptists forward chronologically to the present. The book consists of 16 chapters, for the most part moving back and forth between British and American Baptists, introducing other areas at appropriate times.

Leonard's book currently is the most up-to-date single volume Baptist history available. It provides recent information not available in older works. It widens the scope far beyond British and American Baptists to take a closer look at other Baptists around the globe. While Leonard is an American Baptist most familiar with the American Baptist experience, he warms to the task of presenting the international scene. The colossal task of a single volume Baptist history requires a well-written story that engages the reader. Despite the problems inherent in telling a story over several centuries and across several continents, I found the story of Baptist Ways to be skillfully interwoven. Nevertheless, the end of the book has a little feel that perhaps Leonard has run out of time and space, and just had to quit.

Baptist Ways emphasizes Baptist women, their work, societies and other auxiliaries. This information is often not available to any extent in such a work. In addition to providing historical information and recognizing the work of Baptist women, it also provides a background for current controversies over the ordination of women. I would have enjoyed reading a little less of this and a little more of some things and groups not mentioned at all by Leonard. On the other hand, despite laying the groundwork for telling the modern women's ordination controversy, Leonard fails to follow up on that sufficiently.

A book of this size runs the risk of some lack of clarity, which happens at times. For examples: After noting the formation of the Six-Principle Calvinistic Baptist Association in New England in the 1750s, Leonard reports that the Warren Association (founded in 1767) was the first Baptist association in New England (p. 123). Noting "Primitive Baptists also have a presence in Canada" (p. 244), Leonard does not clarify for the uninitiated whether these are the Arminian Primitive Baptists or the Predestinarian Primitive Baptists. The number of Baptist sub-denominations is overwhelming, and it is not surprising that Mr. Leonard would fail to clarify them all and/or make a few hard to explain statements.

It is surprising that such an important work by major denominational publishing house has quite a few typographical/printing errors. My copy (ordered in 2007) has several. Most are of the non-invasive type. The really ugly ones are three paragraphs on page 244 and two on pages 251-2 that were damaged by a "computer glitch". These sections are not unreadable, but nearly so. My edition contained a small errata sheet stuck into the pages. Hopefully these errors, as well as issues of lack of clarity, will be addressed in future editions.

One could question the advisability of attempting a single volume history of Baptists. It seems to be one of those things we can't live with or without. With a few reservations, I recommend this book to the lover of Baptist history. In the end we may all learn with Edwin Gaustad that "It is true that Baptists embrace religious liberty -- in their best days for all of humankind. It is also true that Baptists embody religious liberty -- in their worst days in the unending multiplicity of denominational tags and labels and nicknames." (p. XII)

beautifully done
A fine book, intelligent, informed and creatively executed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

both historical and practical approach
Provides good overview on the historical and theological development of Baptist churches in the first 3 chapters and the eigth chapter (which specifically deals with Baptism and Communion). Chapters 4-7 describe the traditional views of Baptist organization. These chapters may be very useful for newly established congregations. For congregational leaders of older churches looking for new ways to organize ministry, these chapters are helpful for an understanding of past processes. The last 3 chapters describe how congregations may fit into larger structures of the church on earth.

The right was to do things.
If you are wondering how to organize or formulate a certain ministry this is a great tool for proper direction. It's a must read for Baptist pastors, ministers and leaders. There is a way to day everything, and then there is a right way! This will show you the right way. ... Read more

Book Description
A look at the nature, officers, doctrines, ordinances, government, discipline, and duties of a Baptist church organization. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A Candid & Relevant View
Drs. Bush & Nettles provide an eye-opening historical presentation of the alterations in the Baptist view of the inerrancy of Scripture over roughly 4 centuries.It is an immaculate, surgical dissection of the progressive decline of the most fundamental of positions Baptists can hold: the veracity and accuracy of the one document establishing their faith, and the faith of all true Christians: the Bible.

While examining other issues within the framework of Baptist theology, all issues of difference among Baptists devolve to the fundamental principles of whether the Bible addresses those issues directly or indirectly; and can we trust what it says.If it is truly the word of God and has been passed through history without error, as Baptists have historically believed, then all matters of life and practice must ultimately be ruled by the Biblical view.

Theirs is a powerful call back to the key, first issue - the first presuppositional commitment - Baptists and all true Christians must finally decide; that is, what and who their authority will be.This is also a glimpse into the seminal thought processes of Dr. Thomas J. Nettles as he, with others in the Southern Baptist and Reformed Baptist community, developed a strategy to return modern-day Southern Baptists to their historical theological roots in the doctrines of grace, or Calvinism.That strategy has been to pray, to open the Bible to many, to tell the truth about the historic faith regardless of personal cost, and to teach all who would listen, all who have ears to hear.

(That in itself is an incredible story of a significant level of success, from all outward appearances at least, in returning a denomination to doctrinal soundness.Though none would claim that it has been completely successful in returning the entirety of the denomination to doctrinal purity, the gradually growing return to the faith of their Baptist and Reformed fathers has been a fascinating display of the power of God in working through his people.Many - myself included - chose to leave the Southern Baptist Convention, convinced history has demonstrated clearly that denominations on a downgrade never recover; and yet there are signs that the Southern Baptist return to historic Christianity - historic Baptist beliefs - is taking place.)

Every Baptist should make this part of their library; every pastor should read this with understanding and decide which side they are on.Every church should use this book to check their own position and recall a cornerstone of the Protestant Reformation: 'Sola Scriptura' (Scripture alone).

Bold and Challenging
Again Drs. Nettles and Bush write in an authoritarian manner by going to primary sources for their information.Liberals may not like this book due to the fact that the majority of Baptists have always held a high view of the inspiration of Scripture.Some would naturally discredit this book but Nettles and Bush anticipate that by going to the primary sources (some dating even to the 1600's), as opposed to the secondary sources so often used by people today. For those interested in the documentary hypothesis and its detrimental effect on scripture, chapter eight will be of imdespensable value.Nettles and Bush evaluate the impact of German philosphy on the Higher Critical movement.This book should be on the shelf of all historians of Church and Scripure.

Disturbing
The most interesting and enlighening subject in this book was in the very first part (chapture two, to be exact) when the two separate groups of Baptists are discussed. All my life (life-long baptist) I was told that every person had free-will to chose for himself whether or not to believe in Christ as his savior. I did not know that there was a group of Calvinist Baptistwho held to predestination. It seems that many in the Baptist Church are espousing that doctrine again. The authors have done every Baptist a great service writing this book. It should be read and re-read by every Baptist if not every Protestant. Very disturbing but very informative book.

A Must Read for All Southern Baptist Pastors
If you missed the original edition of this book in the 1980's then you have a great reading experience ahead of you.Dr. Bush and Dr. Nettles explain in this book why Baptists have changed their view of the Bible overthe years.

If you don't understand why there are so many opinions anddisagreements among Southern Baptists today then read this book and youreyes will be opened and your mind will be stretched as you follow thehistory of Baptists and their view of the Bible from the 1600's to thepresent day. ... Read more

Book Description
In light of the current identity crisis facing Baptists today, editors Nettles and Moore offer a volume of testimonies from contemporary Baptists expounding on that very question—Why I Am a Baptist.Taking a more objective approach than offered in earlier books, Why I Am a Baptist models a more doctrine-oriented approach, explaining Baptist life on the basis of historical tenets of the Christian faith worked out in practice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Narrowing the tradition
As the editors state in the introduction, this book was written as a right-wing response to Cecil P. Staton, ed., Why I Am a Baptist:Reflections on Being Baptist in the 21st Century (Smyth & Helwys Press, 1999).The former book has some problems since it is dominated by the losing voices (i.e. centrists and progressives)in the Southern Baptist Holy War, c. 1979-1994, and their pain is still evident as they describe finding ways to be Baptist in other Baptist denominations after being betrayed by their home denomination.Other global voices are in that collection, but not enough.

But this conservative-fundamentalist response speaks falsely about the earlier volume (e.g., claiming that the contributors have no theological convictions simply because they do not share THEIR convictions) and then narrows the Baptist tradition to "fundamentalist Calvinists who practice the immersion of believers." The actual 400 year global Baptist tradition is far more diverse than that, but no one reading this volume would know it from the contents.Don't waste your money or your time.To find out about real Baptists look elsewhere.

A good read
I found this to be a good read.I liked the editor's choice to draw from fairly diverse group of Baptists (though some larger groups go unrepresented).I thought a couple of segments were outstanding, and couple of segments were uninspiring, and the rest was pretty good.I don't know if I would put this on a must read level, but if you are a Baptist and you want to come into a better understanding of the Baptist family, then this is worth your time and money.

-Chris-

A must read
Dr. Tom Nettles and Russell D. Moore have edited a wonderful volume on the true glue that holds Baptists together and that is theological conviction. The list of contributers is a veritable "who's who" of Baptist theological conservatives. The contributers span from the U.S. to Wales to Zambia. They reflect the theological diversity that is found among conservative, confessional and committed Baptists. They are pastors, scholars and lay people. The men and women in this volume stand in the tradition of their Baptist forebearers, committed to God's inerrant Word and the doctrines contained therein and willing to suffer for those distinctives they find in the Bible that makes them Baptists. I would implore every Baptist to read this book and rejoice in the true glue of theological conviction that holds us together as Baptists. I would also encourage every non-Baptist to read this volume for an honest understanding of what is at the core of what it means to be a Baptist Christian. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Consolidated Confessions
Lumpkin has created a great work, bringing together all the confessions of faith of the Baptist Church and others who have historically had an influence on the church.A must for serious church historians and for those who seek to follow the progression of the confessions from the beginning.Quality production and binding.

not so much
it was used as a text book for a class; require reading.I'm sure for the hard core theologian this would be an invaluable tool, but not for my library.

Baptist Confessions of Faith
Groovy.So far I dig the 1644 London Confession the most.I don't care about church hierarchy but the Calvinism is awesome.

The DefinitiveWord on Baptist Confessions
If you are looking for a work that is comprehensive and epic in scope over the last 400-500 years of Baptist History, this is it.Chocked full of primary resources, creeds, statements and theology (with the sad omission of Seventh Day Baptists for unknown reasons), this is reference material for any library needing Baptist theological evolution over the past several hundreds of years.Some of the early creeds included (dozens of pages worth) are worth the price of the book.Track Baptist spirituality from adventerous and fervent Biblical passion for God to safe, dry and bland (in some cases) 20th Century efforts at man's theology.But buy the book for the early statements of theology...you will have a goldmine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Baptist Deacon
As a candiadate to become a deacon, I went to scripture to help me understand what it means to be a deacon.In addition, I wanted to read some books written by ministers that had experience with deacons and their roles.This book was of great support in my search for additional knowledge. ... Read more

Book Description
C. H. Spurgeon said of this great Confession - "Here the youngest members of our church will have a body of Truth in small compass, and by means of the scriptural proofs, will be able to give a reason of the hope that is in them." This brilliant summary of doctrine (in the same family as the Westminster Confession), with its invaluable proof texts, is here gently modernised in punctuation, with archaic words replaced. Explanations of difficult phrases have been added in italic brackets. A brief history of the Confession, with an index, is included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A good primer
The book is a great handout for those wanting an easy-to-read form of the confession. It is a must have for anyone seeking to find the roots of early church doctrine.

Spurgeon's London Confession of Faith
The 1689 London Confession of Faith (or Baptist Confession of Faith) was the doctrinal position held by Charles Spurgeon and his Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, England.The confession is not very long and Peter Master's has edited this edition with Scriptural proofs of the various doctrinal positions taken by the Confession.

Anyone who enjoys reading and studying the works of Charles Spurgeon will enjoy reading this confession.I would also urge the reader to look up the various Scriptures that Master's provides for the confession. ... Read more

Book Description
The Baptist Way is an introduction to the principles that distinguish Baptists from other Christians. In some cases these ideas were once peculiarly Baptists, though they are now more widely held among other groups. For Stan Norman, healthy Baptist churches intentionally and diligently adhere to their Baptist distinctives. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good overall view of Baptist tradition
I grew up Baptist, and honestly until I read this book I had know idea what really defined the denomination.The book does a good job laying out the facts, though a bit dry at times.The author also commentates on how the modern Baptist church is moving away from her defining traditions such as church discipline.

Excellent presentation of Baptist Distinctives
The first 4 Chapters are worth the price of the book.Great presentation on the historical position of Baptists toward the Word of God, the priesthood of all believers, and the ordinances.The author is a little weak on understanding the autonomy of the local church (he comes from a strong SBC background) but overall it is a great book.

Great Book by a great man!
Every Baptist needs to read this book to discover why they are Baptist, especially those from the CBF.Yes, most Baptists have no idea why they are Baptists and what differentiates them from other christians, especially from the liberal CBF.This book written by Dr. Stan Norman, professor of Systematic Theology at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, will make clear exactly what is a Baptist.Dr. Stan Norman is one of the finest theological minds of this century. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Hopefully just the beginning
Steve Harmon has taken a great leap forward in his bold appropriation of the tradition of the Church universal as an integral resource for renewal in Baptist churches.He shows how Baptists might conceive of a derivative authority for tradition while maintaining the primacy of Scripture, highlights our implicit allegiance to Nicaea and Chalcedon in our confessions, and offers Protestant/evangelical paradigms for ressourcement by way of engagement with the early church fathers and mothers.Harmon shows that tradition does not eliminate dissent - a cherished Baptist practice! - but rather sets the boundaries within which dissent is actually a constructive task.

This reviewer is ever thankful for this recent work by Harmon as well as the writings of Philip Thompson, Elizabeth Newman, Curtis Freeman, John Colwell, Paul Fiddes, D.H. Williams, Timothy George, and others.These current voices in Baptist theology and historiography demonstrate that one doesn't need to swim the Tiber or Bosporus to feel at home in the grand current of Christianity throughout the ages.More immediately, they provide insights into Baptist identity which transcend the stale and shop-worn divide between "biblical conservatives" and "freedom-loving moderates."It's time to move on!

So why not five stars?This is an important book, but because of the sophisticated style of writing it may be fairly inaccessible to many Baptists, both laity and pastors.I believe that its fruits would require a lot of "translation" to be applied in most local churches, especially since the typical theological dialect for Baptists is very different from that of persons and communities which explicitly value little-c catholicity.That being said, Harmon's chapter on corporate worship is very accessible and can be reproduced for church committees considering how they may incorporate practices that would enrich Sunday morning.

It is my hope that more and more Baptists will read this book and take it seriously, and that more and more Christians in the "traditional" communions will read it and take US seriously as well!

Great title, great book
Prof. Harmon's book is an important book for Baptists, other free church protestants and Christians of other persuasions who wonder about their Baptist sisters and brothers.He displays his fidelity to the Baptist tradition precisely in his dissenting from some of our problematic tendecies to ignore ecclesial history and theology.In his essays, Harmon provides concrete ways that Baptists can become more "catholic", both in theology and in worship.Harmon "makes wise the simple" by writing in clear, accessible prose which is never simplistic.This book is a must read for Baptist pastors, theologians, students, and lay people who want to know how their tradition relates to/ can be a part of the church's larger tradition.Those who think they disagree with Harmon, be warned: you just might be persuaded by him if you give this book the reading it deserves.I look forward to much more from this promising theologian. ... Read more

Book Description
Since its inception, controversy has surrounded the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, Southern Baptists' most recent confession of faith. The present volume of essays by Baptist scholars explains defends that document and includes the full text of all three Baptist Faith and Message statements from the twentieth century (1925, 1963, and 2000) in side-by-side columns for easy reference and comparison. This volume is a must-read for Southern Baptists and anyone interested in one of the most powerful religious denominations in America. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A wonderful message of faith and acceptance
Jesus comes to the congregation at the Sweet Pilgrim in a most unusual form.The book is very entertaining and, at the same time, very inspirational.A good quick read.

One of the Greatest Books I've read in 2004
The Librarian at the local library recommended this book to me.She stated that she has read it many times.I had not heard about it and decided to check it out immediately.It is such an enjoyable and light read, as well as thought provoking.

Now, my co-workers want to read it.

I consider it as one of the best books I've read in 2004.

Highly Recommended!!!!

Undercover Social Commentary
"Jesus and the Sweet Pilgrim Baptist Church" is one of those rare books that hooks you as an entertaining novel before you realize that it is really a thought-provoking social/religious commentary.It is agripping story of hatred, racism, forgiveness, redemption, and faith.As aparable, it is something that Jesus him/herself would have been proud totell.

I listened to it on tape while in college, and I'm thrilled to seethat it is being re-released.

Looking for More Work from Him
This novella just makes you feel good...I hope to see more fiction work from Clayton Sullivan. I have ordered his other non-fiction books, but this remains his best. I hope he publishes more fiction work soon.

Hilarious -- and Bitter-Sweet
This book made me laugh out loud more times than I can count. And in the end it made me cry because the writer was so absolutely right! Unfortunately, I lent my copy to a friend who lent it to a friend -- andnow no one knows where it is. I want it back because it's the kind of bookyou read over and over, and catch new levels of meaning in eachreading...and you can finish it in one sitting -- rare indeed! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Explains Baptist beliefs and church organization
Dr. Edward Thurston Hiscox (1814-1901) was a distinguished Baptist theologian and author who's Standard Manual for Baptist Churches (published 1890) and New Directory for Baptist Churches (1894) were considered two of the foundational works of the modern Baptist church. In 1964, these books were combined into the Hiscox Guide for Baptist Churches, which has become a classic work in its own right. With the end of the 20th century in sight, it was determined that this book needed to be revised and updated, and for that purpose Dr. Everett C. Goodwin (a well respected Baptist pastor and teacher) was selected to oversee that project.

This book is Dr. Goodwin's revision of the Hiscox Guide, and is divided into eight chapters: 1) the nature of the Church, 2) the membership of the Church, 3) the Church ministry, 4) leaders and officers in the Church, 5) Christian worship, 6) Christian ordinances, rituals and ceremonies, 7) the witness of the Church, and 8) Church order, process and discipline. Following this are seven wonderful appendices that include such things as a Baptist chronology, creeds and confessions, and more.

Overall, I found this to be a great book. It is not a defense of Baptist theology, per se, but instead explains Baptist beliefs and church organization. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wishes to have a clear understanding of Baptist church; what is it and how it operates. I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent Research Text
I needed to write a biography on John the Baptist for class. I didn't think it would be so hard, but finding a good book on John the Baptist wasn't so easy. This is the best one I found anywhere. This is the most exhaustive text on John I found anywhere and it takes everything into consideration. I highly recommend it for research, but it is written so well that it is good for even a curious reader.

Repent, Repent, Repent
Early in this comprehensive work, the author reminds us that John the Baptist's message emphasized sin, repentance, judgment, and hell, "topics that run counter to the more user-friendly religion of the twenty-first century." Burke, who holds a doctorate in theology from Fordham University, begins by tracing Old Testament patterns and prophesies that set the stage for John's appearance as "the last of the prophets and the first of the Christians." We learn of the culture into which John emerged after 20 years in the desert, his effect on the Israelites, and the parallels between his message and that of Jesus.

The chapter on John as a Model for Contemporary Christians goes into detail about what Burke calls "the sterner Christian virtues that need reinvigoration today," centered on repentance. Burke suggests that if John were alive today, his priority would be restoration of the sacrament of confession to a position of central importance. "He would require sincere acts of mortification as evidence of good faith."

Burke's work on John the Baptist, though scholarly, is nonetheless accessible to the layman. The layout and style are clear and inviting, and the author has included a number of tables to help clarify the text, questions for reflection on each chapter, and a detailed index. The text is enriched by references to artists' renderings of John the Baptist and their significance as well as opinions of scholars that may differ from those presented by the author. Burke closes with several pages of devotions to John the Baptist.

Individuals and groups would profit most by studying this work straight through, but an alternative approach that tailors the material to time constraints would also be of benefit. ... Read more