The Baptist Church Covenant: Its History and Meaning

by Marshall Davis

“The Baptist Church Its History and Meaning” explores the origins, purpose and meaning of church covenants used by Baptist churches. Church covenants were the original Mission Statements and Vision Statements of Baptists, long before Starbucks or Ben & Jerry’s ever thought about writing such documents.When Baptists began in the seventeenth century, they organized congregations using covenants. These were documents signed by the founding members of a church, describing their commitment to God and one another. Church covenants became widespread among Baptists in America.Mission Statements are again gaining popularity among churches. Most Baptist churches may not realize they do not have to start from scratch in defining its direction and purpose. They may already have such a statement, which they can build upon, written over a century and a half ago. Most Baptist churches were organized using the popular covenant written by John Newton Brown and published in his Baptist Church Manual in 1853. It can often be found as part of a church’s statement of faith, constitution, or bylaws. It is sometimes found pasted in the back of old hymnals or hanging in frames on church walls.Covenants may be a forgotten part of a congregation’s heritage. They can be recovered and used to ground a congregation in its past while giving direction for its future.In this book Marshall Davis traces the history of church covenants and their roots in the biblical concept of covenant. Then he explores the most popular church covenant in use today, uncovering its roots in scriptural principles. He examines the covenant phrase by phrase, showing how this historical document addresses the most important issues facing churches today.

137 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 23, 2013

Reviews

[Doug Payne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content is overall good and helpful. The lack of editing was distracting. Otherwise I would recommend the book for anyone unfamiliar with church covenants.

[Rob Sumrall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book is truly a gift.

Marshall Davis writes a pastoral book that succinctly and accurately sketches out the history of the John Newton Brown church covenant, widely used in baptist churches across North America. After giving the history of the document, he then parses out each section, giving biblical defense as to why that particular section of the covenant is valid.

As my church gets ready to renew their covenants next year, I will make sure this book is in the hands of our church leadership. Very helpful!

[Nick Roark · Rating 4 out of 5]

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