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 especially 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 competence, 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
beginning and development 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 principles and their own
position on them, (4) are acquainted with recent developments within ABCUSA,
and (5) are making 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