Ecclesiology

Why Covenant Theology Matters for Baptists Today

To defend our views on regenerate membership, congregational polity, and religious liberty, we can look back at our rich tradition and learn from how Baptists in the past articulated these views based upon a distinct covenant theology.

Episode 68: When is a Child Ready to Be Baptized?

In this episode, Hershael York talks through salvation and baptism readiness for children.

Episode 55: What Does a Successful Church Look like

In this episode, Hershael York discusses the purpose and importance of a church body.

Episode 52: Permanent Disqualifications from Pastoral Ministry

In this episode, Hershael York talks about the process of redemption and repentance within ministry.

Episode 50: A Pastor-Led Church vs an Elder-Led Church

In this episode, Hershael York talks about different church structures and what best suits a body of believers.

The Church’s Mere Identity

Unlike the world and its character of sinfulness, the church is characterized by holiness.

Religious Liberty Made Me a Baptist

Religious liberty implies a recognition that individuals make conscientious decisions to participate in group associations that have different requirements and different callings than the rest of society and the state. In my view, these truths lead one inside the walls of a Baptist church.

Five Myths about the Church

The church needs a clear definition of its nature before it determines and actualizes its functions and activities.

10 Ways Pastors Can Foster a Love for Church Attendance within the Congregation

It requires patience to lead a congregation to see itself as body, family, temple, and bride—not an optional religious organization to make them feel better about themselves.

Don’t look for community in the church. Be the community.

True community is never found by looking for it. It can only be found by pursuing Christ. He understands loneliness better than we do.

Meeting again after COVID-19: one church’s plan

Our aim is to make sure all feel safe and comfortable to return. This will differ from church to church and situation to situation.

7 reasons to avoid church discipline (and why they’re all wrong)

Many Christians have opposed church discipline for understandable, albeit uninformed, unbiblical, and misguided reasons.

So, you joined the wrong church

The more we hold ourselves to our covenant promises, the more our relationships grow.

5 reasons it’s good for your church to grow slowly

Many of us want a big church. But sometimes, God has other plans.

The big mistake egalitarians make when they interpret Paul

Female prophecy in the Old and New Testaments is no argument in favor of female teaching or preaching.

When should a member consider leaving a church?

Leaving a church is serious business. Here’s what to think about before you do.