Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches: A Contemporary Ecclesiology

by John S. Hammett

Most North American churches take a pragmatic approach to church life. We are concerned with being relevant to the culture and ultimately growing at a steady rate. While these issues are certainly legitimate, they also create a danger that our churches will be shaped more by these extrabiblical goals than by the biblical mandate of God. Utilizing the Scriptures, theology, and Baptist history, this comprehensive work addresses all aspects of the church—both theological and practical.

Genres: Theology, Ecclesiology, Church, Christian, Church History, History, College

368 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2005

Reviews

[Kirk Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book.

Well-written. Well-researched. Thoughtful. Generally fair to alternative positions.

One of its best strengths -- thoroughly Biblical. He engages in critical exegetical and synthetical (or: systematizing) examination of scripture.

Main complaint (and I say this as one who adheres to Baptist distinctives) -- I think he overestimates the clarity of scripture's testimony to what we call "congregationalism" today, especially in his engagement with what is called "elder rule" polity. Furthermore, I think his actual case for congregationalism is weak. A better case can and should be made than the one he offers.

But, to avoid ending on a negative note -- a solid book I will definitely recommend to others in the future.

[Mike Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really think this should be required reading for all Baptist pastors.

[Jonah Luebke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't recommend this book; I wish I could give it 2.5 stars. The chapters on pictures of the church, regenerate church membership, eldership, and the Lord's Supper are strong.

However, Hammett exhibits obvious tone-deafness to the Baptist tradition with his views on missiology, altar calls, the relationship between dispensationalism and Baptist theology, laypersons having a role in baptizing baptizees within the context of the church, his copious citations of Rick Warren (mostly in a positive light) and Mark Dever (a man whom I greatly respect, but there are better authorities on the Baptist tradition), etc.

As Baptists, what we really need is an ecclesiology written by someone who is willing to mine the wells of 17th and 18th century congregationalism, can polemically interact with other ecclesiological positions, and has a thorough understanding of historic Baptist ecclesiology.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a culture that loves pragmatism, what actually is a successful church? What even is a church? This has been the most helpful, concise, encouraging, comprehensive book I have read on what the church is and should be doing. While it’s not a quick read, it is academic and yet very accessible. I highly recommend to anyone desiring to develop a better theology of the church. May we be a faithful Bride!

[Kaitlyn Pindak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read! I honestly didn’t think I would because I didn’t grow up Baptist and didn’t have an interest in the history, but it’s amazing how when you start learning something that you realize how much you needed it! I think this book is excellent for pastors but also for people like me, church members who want to grow and be obedient! Loved it.
5/5 🌟

[Connor Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

First half was definitely more interesting to read. Nonetheless, Hammett did a good job of delivering on the title. All the Baptist distinctives were thoughtful brought forward with biblically grounded arguments, along with creeds and a historical survey of the development of Baptist ecclesiology to show that Baptist convictions were not isolated, nor were they happening in a vacuum.

I also thank Hammett was fairly charitable, critical, and humble in his approach as he brought up counters to Baptist polity or when he would survey other polity models.

Definitely more of a reference/text book. I wouldn’t hand this to most people.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good resource if you want to understand baptist theology better. Read for school.

[Matthew Bonzon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book on Baptist ecclesiology.
Some arguments probably could have been beefed up more to give a more detailed and comprehensive argument.

[Jordan Litts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I don't affirm congregationalism, this book was well-written nonetheless.

[Mark E. Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

More applicable for Baptist than 9marks but less orthodox than 9marks.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the defining work for Baptist Churches and Baptist Ecclesiology for the past decade. For Baptists, it's obviously mandatory reading, but I think any Christian from any other denomination who has ever struggled with their church's decision making process, ministry structures, and ministry operations should consider this work. If you're curious about what the Bible says about the way God desires for His church to function, then you must include Hammet's Biblical Foundations in your reading list.

[Beniamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A VERY VERY BIBLICAL AND PRACTICAL BOOK. The best i ve ever read on ecclesiology. It points some of the biblical baptist practices we are trying to get rid of today. I recommand it not only to baptist ministers but to all ministers. It ties history with the Bible and contemporary church life.

[Bret James Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hammett grapples with the foundational concepts of what it means to be a church from the biblical perspective. He presents an ecclesiology based upon biblical principle and practical concerns. Overall, I think this book is well researched and presented in an easy to understand manner. The author is Baptist, and he presents the Baptist historical practice as the most biblically-aligned, which is what one would hope a member of a certain group would do as he would be foolish to remain in a church he felt did not measure up to biblical example.

Hammett spends a good bit of time on defining the church, which is the first and obvious step for such a book. He then deals with the idea of who constitutes the church, promoting the view that the best definition of the local and universal church is comprised of regenerate believers in Jesus Christ. He then turns to church government, covering the biblical leaders of deacon and elder (pastor) and argues for the congregational practice to which the Baptists have traditionally adhered. The following section explores the ministries of the church and the appropriate ordinances (baptism and the Lord's Supper). Lastly, he deals with some of the major contemporary issues such as megachurches and how these relate to proper biblical understanding of how churches are to conduct themselves.

Overall, I think his approach is sound, and I think his arguments are accurate for the most part. I deduct one star for his apparent belief in the "two branches" of Christianity lie (Roman Catholic and Protestant) as this leaves him with the obvious problem of claiming the Catholic religion, which is vastly off the mark biblically, to be Christian when this is demonstrably false. In addition, I have some reluctance about the congregational method as being the best possible form of government. Although I do think the historical Baptist approach is acceptable, and, as an attendee of Baptist churches almost exclusively during my life, this is the style of polity I personally practice. However, I think the Presbyterian form of government, which the author deals with in the text, is also acceptable as a case can be made from the Bible for either approach.

I think this is a good book for those interested in ecclesiology. It is certainly a great book for those interested in Baptist-specific praxis. Hammett's writing style is approachable, and the book itself is easy to read. Highly recommended with the caveats from the previous paragraph. God bless.

[Kelsie Camire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read half a dozen books on Baptist history, ecclesiology, and what makes a biblical church for a seminary course—not to mention dozens of articles. Hammett quickly became my favorite. I looked forward to picking it up: it was clear, readable, full of solid biblical reasoning, applicable for today, and never felt a waste of my time.

I find a lot of material on these subjects can be rigid, insisting on a single point of view. Hammett, by contrast, assumes the best of those who disagree yet still seek to be faithful to Scripture, leaving room for nuance and multiple perspectives. He thoughtfully lays out debated issues and offers practical, constructive paths forward for churches today.

Highly recommend for anyone wanting to understand what it means to be Baptist—or for church leaders seeking to foster biblical health and growth.

[Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are considering reading this book and the word “Baptist” in the title is keeping you from reading this do not let it. The author does a tremendous job objectively and biblically evaluating the question “What is the Church?”

The book covers a lot of ground from church history, church governance, church movements of today, and even where the church is heading. I personally have not read anything in the ecclesiology genre until now and I am so grateful that I did. This book has given me the background to the why for many church traditions (i.e. sacraments, congregations, governance, theological, etc.)

If you are wanting to understand the nature of the church and the approaches to church across denominations and church history, pick up this book.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have it four stars because it gave a good description of Baptist ecclesiology a la the Southern Baptist Convention and historic Baptists.

In the book you've got a pretty good historical survey on the issues it covers, some word studies on words used for church, and a piecing together of a theology of church from an SBC perspective.

Some cool insights: the church isn't the church until Pentecost in the Gospels-Acts narrative. Indeed there's no such thing as "fellowship" until the Holy Spirit is outpoured.

I'm not sold on everything in the book but it is mostly pretty accessible and through.

[Julian Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid well-written book that covers its intended material in a manner that has clearly been studied by the author.

With that said, I think there were certain sections that could have been more broadly researched. This is not because the information is bad or wrong, but because the author regularly quoted from a few specific individuals instead of getting a broader scope.

I also felt that some of the arguments were lackluster and in a couple of instances I was left with more questions than answers.

Not a bad book by any means, though not one I'd be jumping up and down and asking people to read either.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book. It was well-written and handled the material very well. We live in a Christian context in which believers (or regular people) no longer know why they believe what they believe. This book explains the why, origin, and meaning behind key baptist doctrines, such as regenerate church membership, church discipline, believer’s baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. This was a very helpful book, and I believe every baptist minister should spend time in it as well as Scriptures of the church (Acts, Ephesians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus).

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well put together and enlightening read. There are certainly a few arguments that fall short of being convincing, as well as a few sections that could use more expansion. However, for the most part, this is a very helpful starting place to begin conversation about why Baptist churches do what they do; where change is needed, and some thoughtful recommendations regarding how those changes might take place.

[Andrew Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Hammett is an expert when it comes to ecclesiology. I had the privilege having him as my theology professor in seminary and he had a huge impact on me. This book is a heavy read for anyone only casually interested in ecclesiology, but would be a great resource for those leading churches. As I read it, I could almost hear Dr. Hammett’s voice lecturing as the content of the book is essentially the same as his seminary course content on ecclesiology.

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Up until recently, I would have said that this was the best textbook I’d read in seminary. It is certainly the clearest and strongest treatment of Baptist ecclesiology I’ve seen. Hammett does an excellent job portraying multiple perspectives on certain topics, as well as a thorough and readable summary of the strongest view (in his opinion). I used this as a textbook and a resource in teaching a Sunday school class on ecclesiology. Highly recommended.

[Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started reading this for a couple reasons… first, our church is working through a polity renewal moving from a single pastor/deacon board led church to an elder led, deacon served, congregational model of church. This book has been invaluable in that process. Second, I’ve been leading a seminary mentored internship with a Chinese pastor about where their fellowship will land with their ecclesiology. In both cases the book has been very useful and practical. Well written and worth the read.

[Joshua Reichard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful and deep book about the church. This book should be a must read for all church members. It will help them think about church life, why the church does what it does, elders, deacons, baptism, the lords supper, and on and on it goes. Men and women of the church need to know why the church does what it does and this book gives a great picture of that, with a focus on Baptist polity.

[Dennis Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hammet’s clarion call is for Baptist churches to be faithful to the Word of God. While he is kind and not condemning of contemporary church growth movements, he points out genuine concerns. This book can form the basis for a series of messages on the church that cries out to be preached in this culture.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hammett walks through the basis of the Baptist denomination, showcasing some of its origins, but mostly nailing down what theological convictions are held by those who call themselves baptists. The distinctiveness is juxtaposed between other common denominations with scriptural support of those particulars.

Used for Southern Baptist Heritage and Mission at SBTS

[Daniel Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Came in not expecting much, but I was blown away by how comprehensive and easy to read this was. It is a very helpful Baptist Ecclesiology that I suggest you read if you have time. I only don’t give 5 stars because there were some minor points of disagreement, but it was helpful for me to see his proof for other views within the baptist context.

[Tristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a member of a Baptist church I would argue this is a must-read for you. If you are interested in what baptist ecclesiology is comprised of I would give you this book. Very clear and grounded in the Scriptures. Gives both sides to the arguments while convincingly arguing that Baptist ecclesiology is biblical.

[Nathan Stine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved getting a solid intro to Baptist ecclesiology here. This book makes me thoroughly appreciate the riches of scripture once more while also lamenting the lack of biblical governance throughout Christianity today. Much to think about for sure.

[Daniel Kleven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Maybe my favorite book on ecclesiology, by the Systematic Theology professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (and endorsed by both Danny Akin and Jonathan Leeman).

[Troy Nevitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Baptist resource to understand ecclesiology in Baptistic polity.