DESCRIPTION: This course will offer a general introduction to the history of Baptists and what makes them distinct. We will explore the Anabaptist, English Congregational, and missiological roots of the contemporary Baptist movement, early Baptist confessional statements, and issues of doctrine and polity that define who Baptists are today. Students will be introduced, in particular, to the identity and structure of the American Baptist Churches, USA, and Transformation Ministries. Polity discussions will focus on the autonomy of the local church, the association principle, soul liberty, the role of the pastor, priesthood of all believers and ministry of the laity, separation of Church and State, and believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper as ordinances. We will also examine standards and procedures for Baptist ordination.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated that they (1) are conversant about Baptist history, with particular emphasis on the beginnings of the Baptist movement in America, (2) recognize several historic Baptist leaders and missionaries and their contributions to Baptist life and witness, (3) understand Baptist doctrines and polity issues and their own position on them, (4) are acquainted with recent developments within the American Baptist Churches, USA, and (5) have made substantial progress toward ordination requirements for the American Baptist Churches, USA, or Transformation Ministries.

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

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet for two-hour sessions twice a week for short lectures, group discussion, and creative exercises that will engage Baptist principles. Students will be expected to have pre-read assigned texts that will prepare them for in-class discussions.

REQUIRED READING: In addition to the New Testament (modern translation suggested) students will read

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

Leonard, B. J. Baptist Ways: A History. Judson Press, 2003.

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

Shurden, Walter. The Baptist Identity. Smyth & Helwys, 1993.

Course Reader.

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

Freeman, C., J. W. McClendon Jr., and V. da Silver. Baptist Roots. Valley Forge: Judson, 1999.

Goodwin, Everett, ed. Baptists in the Balance. Valley Forge: Judson, 1997.

Lumpkin, William. Baptist Confessions of Faith. Valley Forge: Judson, 1959.

Randall, I. M., T. Pilli, and A. R. Cross. Baptist Identities: International Studies from the Seventeenth to the Twentieth Centuries. Waynesboro, GA: Paternoster, 2006.

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