The Free Will Baptists: A New History

by J. Matthew Pinson

This book represents the first scholarly treatment of the Free Will Baptists, a small but important denomination. J. Matthew Pinson places the Free Will Baptists into proper contexts, both here in America and in Europe, as well as engages with primary sources that have not been extensively used before. While there has been some historical writing on Free Will Baptists, most of the work that has appeared has been written by institutional insiders and is of little interest outside the denomination. Pinson’s new book offers a true synthesis that will enable scholars of religion to gain insight into this not-widely known group.

514 pages, Hardcover

Published January 13, 2026

About the author

J. Matthew Pinson is president of Welch College in Nashville, Tennessee. He holds a master's degree from Yale and a doctorate from Vanderbilt and has authored or edited several books, including Four Views on Eternal Security and A Free Will Baptist Handbook. He lives in the Nashville area with his wife, Melinda, and their children, Anna and Matthew.

Reviews

[Doug Adamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pinson has done a good job relating the history of his "people" and of noting how they are distinct from other Baptist groups and from other Arminian groups (for example, Wesleyans). He goes as far as the sources let him while allowing that more research needs to be done. As far as I could tell, he was fair and accurate in describing the views and actions of the people and groups discussed. If one is wanting to have a good overview of the history and views of the Free Will Baptists Pinson's work is a good place to start... and then some.

[Jake Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this an enlightening history for me of how the Free Will Baptist movement developed in America. The author did extensive research into many obscure primary sources. As a Calvinist, I took issue with some of his analysis at various points! There are portions of the book that truly are names, dates, and places. However, the doctrinal developments are told in a compelling way. Definitely check this out!