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"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! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

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.

Inspiring, Instructive, Energizing. Must Read.
When Gordon Bethune, then President and CEO of Continental Airlines, wrote "From Worst to First" in 1999, executives in all fields were fascinated by his tale of how he turned around a company that many had given up for dead. He told the story and unquestionably his leadership was paramount in Continental's incredible success. Of course, as you might expect from a true leader, he shared the achievement with everyone in the organization.
The tale of the turnaround, the awards, and the ongoing success helped thousands of executives and managers improve their operations.

Now Al Stubblefield steps forward in his role as President and CEO of Baptist Health Care in Pensacola, Florida. When he assumed this leadership position in 1999, he faced major challenges...but he and his team were already on the journey to excellence. The picture was bleak when the transformation began in 1995: patient satisfaction was at an all-time low, morale was dangerously low.

The 5,500 employees of this largest healthcare organization in northwest Florida worked together to become recognized by FORTUNE magazine as one of the 100 Best Places to Work, was recognized as an Employer of Choice® , and received the Malcolm Baldrige Award in 2004. The story of how this was accomplished rivals the saga of Continental Airlines. The Baptist Health Care achievement ranks as one of the most valuable case studies you'll read.

Stubblefield takes you on their journey, explaining what was done and how it was done. Examples and illustrations illuminate the text, making the path even easier to follow. Applying what you'll learn in these pages will empower you to move your organization, regardless of your field of endeavor, to substantially higher levels of performance.

Read this book now...before your competitors do!
... Read more

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John the Baptist is presented here in a high quality paperback edition. This popular classic work by F. B. (Frederick Brotherton) Meyer is in the English language. If you enjoy the works of F. B. (Frederick Brotherton) Meyer then we highly recommend this publication for your book collection. ... Read more

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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 (6)

Practical Ecclesiology
This was a required text for a theology III course and I loved it. The book is primary designed for Baptist ecclesiology, but it is applicable to all evangelicals. I had to write a critical analysis for class and included the overview section for those interested in the specific chapter outlines.

PART 1: What is the church?
The Greek work for church is ekklesia and defined as "the called out ones" or those who "hear the call" (26-27). The church is an organized assembly that is both local and universal, but ekklesia better describes the local church (27). Hammett argues Scripture gathers around the people of God, the body of Christ and the temple of the Spirit (32-43). The marks of the church were explored through the patristic formation "we believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church" (51). This was also illustrated through the Reformation formulation of right preaching of the word and right administration of the sacraments (62-66). The essence of the church was presented as a purposeful assembly, primarily local, living and growing, Gospel assembly and Spirit empowered (67-74).

PART 2: Who is the church?
The church is comprised of believers and thus, Hammett argues scripturally, historically and practically for regenerate church membership as the Baptist mark of the church. He argues that baptism protects regenerate membership is the foundation of congregational government, seen in closed communion and should strengthen healthy church discipline (107). In order to return to these foundational principles he calls for a return to regenerate church membership only, a return to robust covenants and continued practice of church discipline (120-124).

PART 3: How is the church governed?
An exploration of Episcopalian, Presbyterian and Congregational church government were presented (137-143). Scriptural, theological and practical benefits of congregational church government were addressed including current challenges (146-157). Leading, not ruling elders were presented as those called to minister the word, shepherd the church, provide oversight of leadership and serve as an example (163-164). Qualifications of elders in 1 Tim. 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9 were explored (166). The office of deacon should be presented to qualified individuals whose primary responsibility is to serve.

PART 4: What does the church do?
Hammett explores Rick Warren's five purposes of the church and concludes with a similar hybrid reflecting Warren's perspective. He categorizes the functionality of the church into the ministry of teaching, fellowship, worship, service and evangelism outlining Acts 2:42-48 (221). The church baptizes and takes the Lord's Supper together; Hammett explores the introductory issues surrounding mode and significant (258-295).

PART 5: Where is the church going?
Hammett presents the church as going in multiple directions from the seeker sensitive church to the emergent church. He interacts with each movement and shows the influence of postmodernism. He also interacts with the church growth movement and its push towards pragmatic marketing (311). The church should be venturing into the entire world which is a call to faithful ministry.

Hammett's scriptural, historical and practical contributions to the area of ecclesiology contributed to the overall success of his writings. While addressing the church as a whole, his writing remains as a significant contribution within Baptist and evangelical circles

Good tool for church leaders
I read this book as part of Hammett's theology class at Southeastern Seminary in 2008. I've found that now in my second pastorate I'm going back to the shelf for it -- not just for the occasional reference, but to train my people in how church works and how to respond to contemporary church models and movements. The subtitle is a clearer description of the contents. Hammett is thoughtful, fair, and even-handed but analyzes critically those contemporary church models such as emerging and multi-site churches against Biblical and traditional guidance. I wish he had included a chapter explaining how ecclesiology had developed throughout church history. Nonetheless, here is not just a good read on ecclesiology, but a tool that leaders can use to teach their congregations why we are what we are today.

Helpful reading for more than just Baptists
This book's subtitle, "A Contemporary Ecclesiology" is much more informative of what it is actually about than its title. While it is from a Baptist perspective, Hammett's ecclesiology is solid, informative and encouraging and should be read by more than just Baptists. It helped me piece together aspects of the Christian life such as communion, baptism and church leadership that are not talked about as much as the more popular theological topics such as predestination/free will, etc. It also briefly engages with issues concerning the emergent church as well as the differences between megachurches, house churches and every kind of church in between. This book might not be for everyone but it is a very helpful read if you are interested in these subjects.

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." ... Read more

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This guide helps Baptist churches understand the nature of their ministry and operation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great Service
I was very pleased when I recieved my book!!! It was in perfect condition and it only took a few days before I recieved it !!!!! Thanks for Superior Service and Merchandise.

What Every Sound Baptist Needs in the New Millennium
As an Blackamerican Baptist for 40 years, the continual question raised by many members was a desire to know what written rules could they read about Baptist Polity? As Black Baptists with a tradition closely aligned to White Southern and somewhat Northern American Baptists, Blackamerican Baptists held strong belief in the primacy of the Word of God over all man-written documents lacking Divine Inspiration.Hiscox remained the strongest contender as a "Book of Order" for Baptists, regardless of racial, social, or class designation.The "New Hiscox Guide" serves as an excellent writing for historical/traditional Baptists Churches to read as a complementary text to the Word to capture the human-Divine dimension of faith. This book though comprising some short comings, for the greater part aligns with the Word of God more closely and consistent with the Biblical instruction.Excellent reading for new Baptist Pastors, as well as re-shaping the thoughts of Church offices,e.g., Deacons and Trustees, who have too long allowed themselves to be blinded by the writings of Southern Baptists love with Naylor's misconstruing of faith.

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

Product 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 (7)

Good
The book is not as flashy as On Being Presbyterian: Our Beliefs, Practices, And Stories but where it lacks in flair and such it makes up for in strong theological substance. Norman lays out the historic distinctives of a Baptist church and links them all to Scripture. More a thorough explanation than a polemic.

This book gave me the final push I needed in becoming a full-on Baptist as opposed to a Presbyterian. Also pick up Why I Am a Baptist which has an essay by Norman in it.

A Book for (Most) Southern Baptists
I've been a Southern Baptist for over ten years now, but I haven't really explored my denomination's history or distinctives until the last few years.I picked up this book a year or two ago because I thought it would deepen my understanding of what it means to be a Baptist.Overall, it did not disappoint.In the book, Norman lists and discusses eight historically Baptist tenants in detail.His statements are well documented and are almost always supported by Scripture.I've read several other books on the subject, and they all have their good points, but for the reader who is interested in a detailed introduction, this is a good place to start.To put it another way, this book is for the Baptist who wants to know more about their denomination than what a brochure at the church welcome center would provide.

Big point:Norman is a very "conservative" Baptist (Is there any other kind, you ask?Well, yes, there is.).I typically don't mind this since I lean to the right anyway.But for some, his language may seem a bit overbearing in certain places.He makes no excuse in his introduction that this book is for Baptists, and he believes that all Baptist churches should openly and visibly manifest these distinctives.You don't have to be a theologian to read this, but you may need to be at least somewhat familiar with some typically Protestant terms like inerrancy of the Bible, regenerate church membership, congregational polity, and believer's baptism.Might be a good resource for deacons, too.

Buy more than one copy!
There is not much to say about this book except that it is worth reading again and again. If you want to know what makes Southern Baptists different from others, this book is the book for you. And by the way, its not about drinking or dancing. I was priviledged to have Dr. Norman as a professor when I attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a man of deep convictions concerning these matters, I wish that Dr. Norman would release a video series of himself teaching on these issues. I have used this book along with a workbook I put together to teach a Baptist Doctrine class at the church that I pastor. I believe the only drawback to the book is that there a few "BIG" words that may need to be defined for the average layman. Otherwise, as I have told others, I believe that every Southern Baptist should read this book.

The Norman conquest of Baptist Distinctives
Here is a book written by a Baptist for Baptists, Southern Baptists in particular.

It is an "off the shelf" book, meaning I missed it when it first came out, but now have the pleasure of reading and recommending it. The Baptist Way, published in 2005 by B&H, comes to us from the pen of Southwest Baptist University's Vice President for University Relations, R. Stanton Norman.

The Baptist Way provides "an introduction to the principles that distinguish Baptists from other Christians and offers ecclesiological distinctions of healthy Baptist churches." This work is a sequel to Norman's earlier work, More Than Just a Name: Preserving Our Baptist Identity which provided a historical background for understanding Baptist distinctives.

Chapters in this volume include "Regenerate church membership" and "Church discipline", and I guarantee that in light of current SBC church practice these chapters are worth the price of the book alone. But even chapters on "Congregational Polity", "Ordinances", "Biblical Authority", and "The Lordship of Jesus Christ" will cause us to examine whether we appreciate and live out the biblical mandate in these doctrines.

I think it is safe to say we all want healthy churches. But some are led to think such health comes through doctrinal minimalism, putting our Baptist identity far in the background. Norman counters this idea:

"We as Baptists believe that our distinctive theological identity contributes significantly to the health of our churches. Our Baptist distinctives are not the only traits that define church health, but we do believe they are essential components of a healthy church. This conviction was true for our Baptist ancestors, and the same conviction should characterize Baptists today. The distinctive doctrines of Baptists are actually the theological traits that define and shape our churches. I fully believe that, ideally, a healthy church is a Baptist church."

And countering the misguided thought that emphasizing doctrine won't grow a church, Norman says:

"Although the need to reach more people is commendable, we do not achieve meaningful growth by compromising our convictions. The abandonment of theological convictions will devastate the vitality and mission of our churches. The lack of emphasis on doctrine, which is supposed to improve the growth of a church, will in fact result in the ultimate demise of the church."

Baptist Pastors, do you have Stan's books on your shelves? If not, make it a priority to order them today. He brings the Bible, doctrine, pastoral insight, and Baptist church history together in making a compelling case that we (Baptists) need to get back to understanding who we are - and why we are who we are. To the extent that Baptists in the past got many things right ecclesiologically, we have to get serious about heeding their insight into Scripture. Standing on the shoulders of giants doesn't mean we are slaves to past tradition. Often it just means we are humble enough to admit when we need to go back in order to go forward.Norman gives great counsel in how to do so.

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. ... Read more

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good starting point for a novice
if you are a southern baptist as i am and curious about the current debate within the convention, this book is a good starting point. if you are one who has studied this debate in detail, you will probably find this book lacking in substance.

Calvinism: A Southern Baptist Dialogue
I bought this book to better understand the whole Calvinism debate, and was richly rewarded. One of the best aspects of the book is the "Glossary of Some Important Theological Terms" in the back of the book.

The book is a collection of articles from various theologians on a variety of subjects related to Calvinism. For each subject, two articles are offered, from opposite viewpoints. Not all the articles may interest everyone, and you can pick and choose which ones you read, as I did.

The only drawback to the book might be that it is written primarily to Southern Baptists, although I think Christians from other evangelical denominations would benefit from this great resource that explains the issues in the Calvinism debate.

Balanced Discussion on Critical Topic
This book is very detailed, but this dialogue is desperately needed.This book is balanced and fair to both sides.Whichever viewpoint one holds, it is important to understand that many Evangelicals don't know either side of this argument and in fact don't hold either of these traditional views.Our lack of Scriptural knowledge is a serious matter for Evangelicals.This book will inform you about both traditional views and ground you in Scripture and give you an historical perspective.To quote Cicero - "To not know what happended before you were born, is to forever be a child." ... Read more

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What does it mean to be a deacon in the black Baptist church today? What personal qualities should a candidate for deacon possess? What does the ministry entail? What relationship should exist between the pastor and deacons? What does Scripture say about the origins of the office of the deacon? How has the historical context of being black and Baptist in American influenced the evolution of that office? How do we fulfill the scriptural purposes of a deacon ministry in our local black Baptist churches today? Rev. Dr. Marvin McMickle explores these issues and more in this practical resource for today s church leaders. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Relevant Topic

This was an interesting book with so much information.Each congregation is different and ethnic congregations offer its own set of joys and challenges.Dr. Mcmickle speaks to the black Baptist church today in a relevant, timely manner. The book is well-written, purposeful, and pertinent to the church today.Personally, I feel the book canbe applied to the church at large, not just black Baptist congregations.I highly recommend. ... Read more

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Baptist Hymnal, 1956, edited by Walter Sims. Hardcover with 566 pages, published by Convention Press. ... Read more

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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. ... Read more

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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 (3)

Everything you ever wanted to know about Baptists
This is a very detailed extensive history about Baptists. Everything is covered going back to our start in England. How we evolved into all the different Baptist groups and missionary starts as well.

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

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Required Reading
For anyone called to be in the Diaconate ministry this is required reading. It is based on Scripture and provides good insight and guidance to the men who are called to place themselves in the service of God,for their pastor, and for God's people

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

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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 (4)

Excellent and timeless
This Confession of the Particular (Calvinistic) Baptists of England is a masterpiece of concise and systematic theology. This edition is slightly updated for better understand with some small notes as to the meaning of some of the phrases and words employed by the Confession. This is testament to the fact that Baptists, especially Calvinistic ones, have always been a Confessional people. The Doctrines of Grace as laid out in an easy to understand manner as is the complete inerrancy of Scripture and the closing of the Canon of Scripture. Other Baptist distinctives are covered such as Believer's Baptism, The Lord's Supper, Civil Government, and Church Government.

Excellent resource for the laity and clergy, whether Calvinist or not.

Confessions
The Bapist Confession of Faith is the easiest to read and share with others. This book is small enough to carry with your bible. It contains the key elements of The Westiminster Confession and the Heidelburg confession.It contains scripture references.A must have for those who want a compact Confession torefer to and share with others.

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

Customer Reviews (4)

WOW,WOW,WOW!'Engrossing' is an understatement!
Want a devotional that is not only mindful of Christian history, but hardcore BAPTIST history to boot?Personally, I never would have believed it until I saw it myself!The subject matter is fascinating and thewriting and research really rise to the occasion.

Forget the dailypep-talks and 12-step mantras that line the bookstore shelves.Read aloudto YOUR family about Swiss Anabaptists, Judson, Carey, Spurgeon, Leland,John R. Rice, and even the first Baptists in Norway!Thrill to the storiesof martyrs, missionaries, translators, and country preachers.Your familyaltar time will be richly enhanced!

Recommended to any Baptist parent.

Excellent insight of those who sacrificed all.
We take our religious liberties for granted and so few know or appreciate the hardship, trials, and suffering of our forefathers. This daily inspiration is concise and spirit-provoking. An excellent companion to any serious Bible student's daily devotions.

The result of four years of meticulous Baptist research.
This book provides a slice of Baptist history without regard to a chronological time table.The continuity promised by the Savior's statement "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (My church) are taken literally by the authors.The price paid by faithful Baptists through the years to secure and practice religious freedom is well documented in cases of those who suffered persecution and martyrdom for the preservation of truth.The Baptist's view of Scripture, the ordinances, polity and perpetuity are all clearly and concisely taught through illustrations that grip the heart.The document is completed foot-noted with a tremendously lenghy bibliography.This is "must reason" for those who are seriously interested in the subject of Baptist history.

A book rich in history with valuable devotional content.
This Day in Baptist History is in a very easy to read format of daily devotions, rich in history of the many men and women who took a stand througout the years and made a difference.Though it serves as a devotional, it is much more than that.It is a valuable addition to anyones library to serve as a theological history text.

I was especially moved by the reports of those who gave their lives willingly to further the faith they held so dear.

We have used this book in our own home to teach our children to appreciate the faith we so often take for granted.

We are looking forward to the publication of VOLUME TWO!! ... Read more

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What Baptists Could Believe
The title of this book sums up exactly what it is about.I do appreciate the introduction where Hobbs states that being a Baptist means having the right to interpret the scriptures for yourself, thus this really is what one Baptist (Hobbs) believes.Though I find the stance on the wide variety of topics to be that of traditional Baptists.

All that stated, this book covers a very wide range of topics that most Christians (not just Baptists) will have opinions about.The book can be read straight through or easily used as a reference as the chapters are all independent of each other, and the chapters themselves are broken down into clearly noted subsections.

The reason I gave this book four stars was not because it didn't go into much depth on the various subjects.I think one of the strengths of the book is that it presents a wide variety of topics, and if the reader wants more information about a particular idea, then they can research that on their on.

The four stars came from the scriptural references and how Hobbs ties them to the topics.It would be very easy for the reader to skim over the verses that are noted, but when I looked them up, I found that many were taken out of context in order to support his point of view.In my opinion, I think Hobbs' case would have been stronger by leaving out some of those references and maybe just stating that a particular view came from Protestant tradition or an overall theme of the Bible or one of its books.

Anyway, this should be a must read for Baptists, and I would suspect that most Protestants would agree with a majority of the views presented.Even if you are not a Christian, but interested in what it means to be a Baptist, this book will give you a great overview, and/or starting point for further research.

a great place to begin a study of Baptist theology
I read this book as a student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. The book is a concise, general overview of Baptist doctrine.It is a good book for those investigating the differences between Baptists and otherdenominations. It doesn't get 5 stars because it is a little too simple tobe outstanding, although that's what makes it easy to read. ... Read more

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Written in a clear, contemporary style using inclusive language, Dr. Maring&#146s unique approach combines fresh insights into the New Testament concept of the church with thoughtful interpretations of Baptist history and tradition.

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

Product Description
Baptists’ Timothy George and David S. Dockery update and substantially reshape their classic book in an effort to preserve and discover the Baptists’ “underappreciated contribution to Christianity’s theological heritage.”George and Dockery have re-arranged this volume—considerably abbreviated from the seven-hundred page first edition—in light of the Southern Baptist identity controversy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Baptist Theologians
Good biographical coverage of the pillars / founders of the Baptist movement - esp. those of the SBC.If you like [...], you will like this book.Not much treatment given to the "liberal" side of the house, so that information will have to be obtained elsewhere.

Helpful Introduction to Southern Baptist Theologians
Looking for a book that sums up the unique contributions of Baptist preachers and teachers to Baptist theology? Theologians of the Baptist Tradition is a terrific place to start.

David Dockery and Timothy George do a great job of compiling terrific contributions about important Baptist figures of the past. Each chapter is devoted to a particular theologian/pastor. Chapters give biographical information, informative summaries of the teacher's theology, and a helpful evaluation. The theology of men like Andrew Fuller, James P. Boyce, Charles Spurgeon, E.Y. Mullins, W.A. Criswell is described in a succint style that helpfully summarizes the strengths and weaknesses from each individual.

While the book is a helpful introduction to Baptist thinkers, several more recent Baptists are missing. Where is Stanley Grenz? Wayne Grudem? And several influential Baptists from the 20th century are absent as well (Walter Rauschenbusch, Martin Luther King, Jr.). Obviously, the writers could not include every important Baptist figure from the past few centuries. But men like Rauschenbusch and William Newton Clarke had much more influence (not necessarily good influence) than some of the theologians included in the book (Benjamin Carroll, for example).

Theologians of the Baptist Tradition succeeds in introducing the reader to the conservative Reformed-leaning stream of Southern Baptists. And the book is extremely helpful in this regard. But if you are looking for a book that also includes evaluation and critique of the influential Baptists who charted diverse paths towards liberalism, you will have to look elsewhere.

The Baptist Tradition is far wider
Dockery and George narrow the Baptist tradition to serve the interests of the fundamentalist machine which took over the Southern Baptist Convention 1979-1994.No one reading this volume will learn of such major Baptist theologians as William Newton Clarke (who wrote the first systematic theology from a liberal perspective in North America), Walter Rauschenbusch (theologian of the Social Gospel), such African-American worthies as Howard Thurman, Martin Luther King, Jr., J. Deotis Roberts, Hispanics like Orlando Costas or C. Rene Padilla, women like Martha Stearns Marshall (18th C. evangelist) or Anne Dutton (19th C. British Baptist theologian), etc.Even the conservative mainstream of Baptist life is narrowed between these covers so that progressive evangelical Baptists like Clark Pinnock or the late Stanley Grenz are ruled out.A more honest title would be "Theologians in the Conservative Calvinist Strand of Baptist Tradition."

Good History of Theology
This book is a historical survery of baptists, mainly from the standpoint of theology.Although this book does discuss history in general, it is much more concerned with the development of Baptist thought and literature over time as opposed to a specific lineage of Baptist people and places.
The book is divided into many short chapters, each devoted to a different historical Baptist theologian.Overall I think this book is very good; the historical information is well researched and informative and the discussion of historical theology is very insightful.Anyone looking for a brief yet interesting survery of Baptist thought and famous figures will find that this book should suit them well.

Drink Deeply of a Rich Heritage
Most of the books I read are a chore or mandatory, especially dealing with theology and Church History.However, this one was sheer delight.There have long been jokes about the ignorace of Baptists, for instance, "Whatis the difference between a Presbyterian and a Baptist?A Presbyterian is a Baptist that can read?"We Baptists may be known for our evangelistic fervor, but not for our Theological heritage.This book introduces the reader to minds that have been rivaled only by Calvin, Luther and the rest. The purpose of the book is to move the reader to study Baptist theology and, if a Baptist, to appreciate one's heritage.If not a Baptist, then to understand, evualuate, and appreciate this denomination's contribution to orthodox Christianity.Nor, are all these theologian's academicians, George and Dockery to a great job of combining mighty pastors (Spurgeon and Criswell, for a few) and Classroom theologians (Garret, Erickson and others).Of special interest are the chapters on A T Robertson, J Broadus, Spurgeon, and Criswell. ... Read more

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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 Baptist Church as to its beginnings.It is a must for anyone interested in the beginnings of the Baptist Church and the forming of their 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

Customer Reviews (1)

Baptist Historical Theology at its Best
Baptist Theology by James Garrett is one of the most comprehensive studies of Baptist historical theology ever written. Dr. Garrett puts half a century of academic theological experience to use by meticulously documenting the development of Baptist theology through the four centuries following their emergence in England and Continental Europe to the present day. He also addresses many misconceptions about Baptist origins. For instance the common misconception that Baptists came directly from the Anabaptist movement. He also documents and challenges Landmarkism's erroneous view of Baptist history. This is an essential work for anyone desiring to understand Baptist theology and its development through the centuries. Most Baptists assume that we materialized out of nothing in the 1950s. This lack of hindsight has in recent decades led Baptists to embrace bad theology and practices and to shun things historically maintained by Baptists. Dr. Garrett's book is a welcomed resource for those seeking to correct these trends.

This is a heavy volume with 726 pages. However, for all those pages, there are only 13 chapters. They are as follows:

Ch. 1 - The Roots of Baptist Beliefs
Ch. 2 - English General Baptists
Ch. 3 - English Particular Baptists
Ch. 4 - Early American Baptists
Ch. 5 - Awakening and Missionary Baptists
Ch. 6 - Baptist Landmarkism
Ch. 7 - Baptists in Controversy
Ch. 8 - Biblical Theologians
Ch. 9 - Twentieth Century Southern Baptists
Ch. 10 - Recovering Evangelicalism and Reassessing the Baptist Heritage
Ch. 11 - Incursions into Baptist Theology
Ch. 12 - Missions, Ecumenism, and Globalization
Ch. 13 - New Voices in Baptist Theology
... Read more