Spring 2009/Pasadena
DP508
Brown

DP508: BAPTIST DOCTRINE, HISTORY, AND POLITY. David M. Brown.


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

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

Goodwin, E. C. Down By the Riverside. Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 2002.

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

Course Reader.

RECOMMENDED READING:
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.

ASSIGNMENTS: Students who satisfactorily complete the course will (1) write a five-page issue-oriented paper comparing and contrasting a pair of Baptist polity distinctives that are in tension with each other (15%); (2) write a three-page paper comparing the relationship between Anabaptist and English Congregational influences on the contemporary Baptist movement (10%); (3) present an oral report on a minor Baptist movement or denomination (5%); (4) creatively stage an in-class presentation, in a team, about a famous Baptist figure (5%); (5) prepare a course outline for a BHP class that could be taught in a local church (10%); (6) write a three page personal spiritual journey paper (5%); (7) write a one-page book review each of Down by the Riverside and We Baptists (10% each); and (8) prepare a ten-page "first draft" ordination paper consisting of a personal statement of faith and outline of Baptist principles (30%).

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in pastoral Ministry & Theology (MIN6).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.