DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to give a general introduction to Baptists: their history, distinctive doctrines, and polity. Subject matter will include Baptist understanding of the doctrine of the church, religious authority and freedom, baptism and the Lord's Supper. Pastoral tasks covered will include leadership, worship, baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Students will learn the standards and procedures for ordination and write their doctrinal statement. Students will explore their own spiritual gifts and call to ministry.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1) the ability to be conversant about Baptist distinctive doctrines and polity, (2) a better understanding of their own gifts and calling in relationship to pastoral ministry, (3) a better understanding of the tasks of pastoral leadership, (4) an increase in skills related to the work of pastoral ministry, including leading basic worship services, baptisms, weddings, and funerals, (5) a knowledge of ordination requirements and skills at presenting themselves to ordination councils.

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

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet for three-hour sessions once a week for lecture and discussion. One class session will meet in a local Baptist church in order to practice administering baptism.

REQUIRED READING:

Baptist World Alliance. We Baptists. Franklin, TN: Providence House Publishing, 1999.

Leonard, Bill J. Baptist Ways: A History. Judson, 2003.

Marring, N. H. and W. S. Hudson. A Baptist Manual of Polity and Practice. Rev. ed. Judson, 1991.

The New Testament (a modern translation is suggested).

Borden, Paul D. Hit the Bullseye: How Denominations Can Aim Congregations at the Mission Field. Abingdon, 2003.

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

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

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

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

Mullen, E. V. Axioms of Religion. Broadman & Holman, 1997.

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

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

1. Assigned reading must be completed in preparation for class discussion (25%).

2. A five-page paper on the Baptist concept of the nature and mission of the church (10%).

3. A five-page paper on the Baptist perspective on religious authority and freedom (10%).

4. A five-page personal statement of faith acceptable for submission to an ordination council (10%).

5. A five-page paper on the Baptist perspective on congregational church governance (10%).

6. A five-page paper designing and planning a basic worship service (10%).

7. A five-page paper on how a local Baptist church does ministry to community, city, state, national, and international fields (10%).

8. Complete a spiritual gifts discovery inventory (5%).

9. Develop a personal timeline as a tool for reflection on one's call to ministry (5%).

10. A one-page outline of a New Testament book. Specific book will be assigned in class (5%).