Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #42085 in Books
• Published on: 2005-12-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780825427695
• Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
• Notes:
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Review
Dr. Hammett is master of his subject and presents the material attractively. The book will be especially enjoyed by Baptists. Readers who are not Baptists will find it extremely enlightening. (Christian Observer )

From the Back Cover

Developments like seeker churches, mega-churches, and emerging churches have brought ecclesiology to the forefront of evangelical debate. But too often important questions are answered solely on the basis of pragmatism or cultural relevance. What does it really mean to be the church?

In this practical book, former pastor and missionary John Hammett helps church leaders think through the foundational questions about the nature of the church. Blending biblical teaching and practical ministry experience, Hammett presents a comprehensive ecclesiology from a historic Baptist perspective, examining crucial contemporary issues such as meaningful church membership, church discipline, elders in Baptist churches, different worship styles, and various models like seeker churches, mega-churches, and emerging churches.

“A well-researched and clearly written vision for a fresh look at Baptist ecclesiology that is faithful to scripture and informed by the best thinking of yesteryear.”

—David S. Dockery
President, Union University

“One of the most comprehensive and thoughtful considerations of where we are today in understanding the local church. Avoiding both passing fads and frumpy conservatism, here we have a fresh and faithful ecclesiology.”

—Mark Dever
Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church

“Here is a thoughtful, thorough, and lively discussion of the theology of the doctrine of the church from one of our finest theologians. Even churchmen in denominations distinct from his own will find it rivettingly interesting and helpful.”

—Paige Patterson
President, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

John S. Hammett (Ph.D., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of systematic theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to becoming a professor, Hammett served as a pastor and missionary.

About the Author
John S. Hammett (Ph.D. in philosophy, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; D.Min., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of systematic theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has written several articles for journals and magazines and was a pastor and missionary before becoming a professor.

Customer Reviews

Superb Baptist Ecclesiological Study
Hammett has produced a superb work. In harmony with other historical and ecclesiological works like Mark Dever's 9 Marks of a Healthy Church, this book expands where readers wish Dever's book would have done. Hammett is also kind to some of the ecclesiological concepts in Rick Warren's Purpose-Driven Church. And in few areas where Warren's and Dever's works contrast, Hammett remains neutral. A wonderful balance of theology, church history, and suggested practices for contemporary churches, this is a must read for church leaders - clergy and laity.

Good Work on Baptist Ecclesiology
Hammett has done the church a service with this book. He does a great job laying out the essentials of a baptist ecclesiology, interacting very fairly with contemporary issues. One thing lacking in this book is the redemptive-historical focus of the church. One can find Clowney's book on the church supplemental at this point, although Clowney is working from a Reformed perspective with a mixed nature of the church. Also, see Schreiner and Wright's new one, "Believer's Baptism."

Great book on the Church
This is a great book. I bought this book as apart of an Ecclesiology course Dr. Hammetts teaches. He is an expert on this topic. This is an awesome book for any minister, but I would strongly encourage any church leader to pick it up.