Together on God's Mission: How Southern Baptists Cooperate to Fulfill the Great Commission

by D. Scott Hildreth

Together on God’s Mission investigates Southern Baptist history, showing how and why the Southern Baptist Convention came to embrace the vision of a cooperative denomination. It also explores how this vision has shaped denominational identity and structure. This historical study is followed by a discussion of the biblical description of how the mission of God determines the mission of the church. This study shows that God’s mission is not simply furthered by churches working together, but rather that cooperation between churches makes up a key component of God’s mission. Finally, the study concludes that the Southern Baptist Convention is uniquely positioned to enable churches to fully participate in God’s mission to redeem the nations and restore creation from the effects of the Fall.

Genres: Christian

112 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2018

Reviews

[Tim Blackburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Southern Baptists have a rich history, a robust denominational structure, and a resilient identity that encourages voluntary cooperation among churches on a broad range of convention activities."

This book is a brief history of Southern Baptists and the reasons behind the denomination's ministry programs. I found the book to be very informative in a clear, easy-to-read format. Key concepts are explained in a straight forward manner. It's not an in-depth examination of the Southern Baptist denomination but serves a valuable service as an overview of the denomination.

[Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and well written. Fills a void in understanding the importance of cooperation in SBC life and mission.

[JoLynn H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hildreth identifies many issues the SBC is and will face in the future while arguing for a way forward through conflict. He explains the history, purpose, and current function of the SBC as a whole with a focus upon the Cooperative Program in an accessible way.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Hildreth's dissertation and it focused on the Cooperative Program (CP)of the Southern Baptist Convention. The CP, as I told a friend, is like Christian Paypal. It's way for all donations to be collected from churches in the SBC and dispensed and allocated where needed most. The CP typically allocates these funds to world and national missions. Some of these costs are offset by programs such as the Lottie Moon fund. Missions of course does not have to occur in foreign lands, it can easily begin with your next door neighbor. And as Hildreth writes, there is never a better time to begin those missions, whether through financial support or otherwise, than now.

[Moose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear, concise history of the Southern Baptist Convention, the Cooperative program, and a brief look at the present state of affairs within the convention. "Together on God's Mission" is an excellent entry-level book on the subject. It is not overly wordy or complicated, and it's not so in-depth as to contrast with the simplistic style.

I found it a little strange just how little time was devoted to the authors proposals for how the SBC should move forward. This book is certainly a brief overview and nothing much more. For what it is, however, it does its job admirably.

[Andrew Ivester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, this book gives some history of the Southern Baptist Convention, but do not make the assumption that the author is giving mere details. The author is using history and purpose in order to tell a story, and to provide a compelling argument for involvement in the SBC. The title of the book is the theme and goal, that God has given the Church a mission, and one that is worthy of partnership.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Together on God's Mission is a brief readable survey of the SBC and its Cooperative Program with an eye to the unifying Great Commission objectives of the convention. Hildreth adds to this cursory study several chapters overviewing the task and call of missions as perceived through Baptist interpretations of the Scriptures.

[Donna Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are Southern Baptist, you need to read this book.

[Flynn Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very succinct and accurate defense of the necessity and centrality of cooperation within the Southern Baptist Convention.

[Austin Maddox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful defense of why Baptist churches should consider partnering with one another for the sake of the Great Commission.

[Ryan Michaud · Rating 2 out of 5]

Required reading for class. It is basically a guys PhD Dissertation. Interesting information but the read was boring

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew nothing about the SBC and now I feel equipped to actually talk intelligently about it and hear from other sources. This is a great jumping off point

[Jason Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb history, explainer, and biblical study of church cooperation all in one. My full review: https://medium.com/@jpark_21/together...

[Rebecca Pate]

(skimmed)