BOOK REVIEW: Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches: A Contemporary Ecclesiology

I will be part of a team planting a church this summer in Austin, Texas. My study outside of seminary work over the past twelve months has been on the doctrine of the church or ecclesiology. This study has been intense, fruitful, and a real blessing to my soul. The Baptist movement is all about seeking a pure Biblical ecclesiology. Ecclesiology is the real Baptist distinctive and Dr. Hammett of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary has added a helpful work to the mix.

This book is a must read for anyone in seminary. Ecclesiology is one of the most important topics to walk away from seminary having devoted much time. All pastors must read this as well. We cannot do a good job of practically pastoring our churches without having done the work of knowing the theology behind what we are doing. Pastors, this book will help you know what to cut out of your ministry and where to give additional focus. This book is also helpful for church leaders who are seeking to understand God’s will for His church.

Dr. Hammett not only does a good job of outlining the Biblical nature of the church, but also gives good historical details to our understanding of the church. Most Baptist don’t understand what it means to be Baptist. The ones who think that they do, typically don’t really know Baptist history. Dr. Hammett presents a good study of Baptist ecclesiology, especially regarding regenerate church membership. All Baptist pastors need to understand chapter four, but it is also extremely helpful for those pastors outside of the Baptist community.

Regarding regenerate church membership, Hammett says, “To put it simply, regenerate church membership is meaningful church membership, involving only those with a genuine commitment to Christ and the congregation of Christ’s people” (pg82). I have grown to fear that weak church membership is the disease that is killing our Baptist churches. Baptist churches are not preaching the whole gospel, are not doing the tough work of pastoral ministry, and thus have weak members which is leading to weak churches which is leading to a weak denomination. Hammett argues that the problem with Baptist church structures is not congregationalism per se “but with particular congregations no longer composed exclusively of regenerate members. Congregational church government demands regenerate church membership” (pg102).

Hammett is a congregationalist but highlights the different systems and addresses the rise of elder rule again in Baptist churches. I say again because there were elders in Baptist churches beginning with the British Baptists but there have not been in America for at least 150 years. Hammett addresses the issues of elder rule not only Biblically but also why many Baptist churches are moving in that direction. Hammett (along with other leading Baptist like Wayne Grudem, John Piper, and Mark Dever) seems to advocate a plurality of elders that lead instead of rule.

This work has been very helpful for us in laying the foundation of the church plant. There is also a great conversation with Dr. Hammett and Dr. Dever on the 9 Marks website (http://www.9marks.org/) that I found very helpful and remains on my little ipod shuffle.