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The Baptist Way: Distinctives of a Baptist Church
The Baptist Way is an introduction to the principles that distinguish Baptists from other Christians. In some cases these ideas were once peculiarly Baptists, though they are now more widely held among other groups. For Stan Norman, healthy Baptist churches intentionally and diligently adhere to their Baptist distinctives.
224 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 21, 2015
Pretty basic outline of Baptist distinctives.
February 16, 2015
Biographical Information
Dr. R. Stanton Norman is currently the Provost and Executive Vice President for Campus Life at Oklahoma Baptist University. Dr. Norman received a bachelor’s degree in Biblical studies and a master of divinity degree from The Criswell College before earning a Ph.D. in systematic theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Norman has extensive teaching experience at several colleges and seminaries including Southwest Baptist University, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Charleston Southern University, Dallas Baptist University, and The Criswell College.
In addition to authoring the subject of this review Dr. Norman has also written More Than Just A Name: Preserving Our Baptist Identity and contributed to Perspectives of Church Governance: Five Views of Church Polity, and A Theology for the Church. In addition to his academic and authorial work Dr. Norman has served in a pastoral context in several Southern Baptist Churches throughout the South and Midwest. Dr. Norman is married with three children.
Summary of Content
Over the course of eight chapters in The Baptist Way: Distinctives of a Baptist Church Norman explains and expounds upon what he considers to be Baptist distinctives the first of which, discussed in chapter one, is Biblical authority. Baptists originated as a body of believers committed to the authority and teaching of the Bible (11). Norman claims that Baptists are unique in their adherence to the Bible as the sole authority for the church. Sources of extra biblical authority include church tradition, experience, and reason. Norman counters other sources of authority by asserting “The Bible reveals what God intended for us to have each stage of redemptive history. Therefore, it contains all we need for salvation as well as for serving, obeying, and worshipping God.” (18). Both the Old Testament and New Testament are important to the Christian faith, but Baptists derive more from the New Testament believing firmly in progressive revelation (23-24).
In chapter two Norman examines the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The Baptist distinctive of the autonomy of the local church results from the strong commitment to the lordship of Jesus Christ. No human authority supersedes Christ’s authority. The New Testament strongly affirms Christ’s lordship. Thus, the Baptist view of the authority of the Bible strongly influences the view of Christ’s lordship. As a Baptist distinctive, Christ’s lordship has its greatest impact in the way individuals relate to the local church, and the way the local church governs itself under Christ. Thus Christ’s lordship impacts ecclesiology and polity: “The corporate aspect of Christ’s lordship is revealed as the congregation collectively submits itself to his direction. The church is not a collection of ‘ministries’; rather, the members of the congregation function together corporately and singularly in the ministry of the lord of the church.” (44).
In chapter three, on regenerate church membership, Norman states that this distinctive flows naturally from the commitment to biblical authority and notes that many Baptists think regenerate church membership is the key distinctive (47-48). Norman then makes the case that both Old and New Testaments speak about the importance of regeneration as a component of God’s people even though the word “regeneration” is not used. Regenerate church membership has been a vital part of historical Baptist thought and practice (51-52), and is also important as it applies to infant baptism. Infants are not able to make a decision about Christ. Therefore they should not be baptized as members of a church (56).
Norman opens chapter four, on church discipline, by noting one of the most glaring omissions of a Baptist distinctive in modern Christianity is the lack of church discipline (64). A result of allowing unregenerate church membership is the loss of covenantal commitment, lessening of standards, and discipline falling by the wayside. “Baptists believed that our beliefs, mission, witness, proclamation, spirituality, governance, fellowship, and morality were tied to the faithful practice of discipline.” (65). In this chapter Norman outlines a suggested process for church discipline (73-75), lists the primary purposes for church discipline (76), and examines the reasons for the decline in the practice of church discipline (78). He notes such factors as the rugged individualism and moral relativism that pervades much of Western society.
In chapter five, on congregational polity, Norman states that “Polity involves governance and organization. Church polity, and for Baptists, congregational polity, is the way a local church organizes and administrates its ministries in the quest of its mission.” (85). Three forms of church polity in Christianity include episcopal (authority of one leader or bishop), Presbyterian (authority of a group of elders), and congregational (autonomy of the local church through the congregation) (86). The congregational form of church polity has been normative for most Baptist churches throughout the years.
Chapter six does not focus on Baptist distinctives and instead addresses broad ecclesiological concerns (111). Norman states that the concept of covenant is important in relation to the local church (116). Norman also examines the church offices of pastor and deacon (118-125). In chapter seven Norman discusses the ordinances of a Baptist church, stating that the two recognized by most Baptists are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Both ordinances have caused controversy throughout the centuries (149). Norman examines each ordinance and gives a Biblical view as to why he thinks the Baptist understanding of both baptism and the Lord’s Supper is correct both practically and theologically.
Norman closes his look at distinctives by focusing on religious liberty in chapter eight. Soul competency and religious liberty are the outflow from other Baptist distinctives (158). Norman examines religious liberty through the lens of persecution directed at Baptists by focusing on three leaders in America: John Clark, Isaac Backus, John Leland (166-176). Norman believes that political engagement is an essential component in securing religious liberty and helpfully notes that religious liberty is not a necessary condition for one to live out their Baptist convictions, but liberty is to be preferred over persecution (180).
Author’s Intent and Purpose
In the introduction Norman writes, “A great need exists for a contemporary restatement of those doctrines that constitute the distinctive theological identity of Baptists.” (1). The book also seeks to “…answer attempts to redefine Baptist identity.” (1). Norman states the importance of defining Baptist distinctives to confront the theological pluralism that is pervasive in American church culture (3). Baptist distinctives help to define a healthy church (6). Norman also states, “The present work is an attempt to identify and describe the distinctive traits of Baptists and thus is more prescriptive than descriptive in nature.” (9). Thus the book focuses primarily on theological distinctives rather than ecclesiological distinctives (10).
Uniqueness
This book is unique in that it narrowly focuses on Baptist distinctives, and why the particular doctrines and practices are known as Baptist distinctives. Thus the book contains brevity as it does not attempt to examine how each Baptist distinctive is applied in every other denominational or independent church context. While not a book on doctrine the reader will gain in knowledge of doctrine such as the Word of God. While not a book on church administration the chapters on polity and church discipline will give the reader a richer and deeper understanding of the topics whether they are Baptists or not. While not a book on church history Norman delves into history to show the unique ways in which these distinctives have developed over time and become “Baptist”.
Concluding Evaluation
There is much to like in The Baptist Way: Distinctives of a Baptist Church and the overall content is very edifying to the reader. Norman displays and excellent grasp of historical and biblical knowledge as well as systematic and biblical theology. I will use this concluding section to point out strengths and weaknesses from individual chapters before evaluating the effectiveness of the work as a whole in light of Norman’s authorial intent and purpose.
I found chapter three, on regenerate church membership, to be convincing as a Baptist distinctive but Norman’s suggestions for vetting new members seems cumbersome and unrealistic; especially for churches that are not small. I also find it interesting that the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 does not explicitly connect regeneration to church membership (53). While examining church discipline in chapter four Norman adequately demonstrates that church discipline has been a part of Baptist thought throughout the ages. Another strength of this chapter is Norman’s examination of the procedure of church discipline. Walking the reader through Matthew 18:15-17, Norman examines the text and builds a compelling case as to how church discipline should look in the modern church. One weakness of this chapter is that while Norman describes the fears that dissuade the church from practicing discipline (79-80) he does not provide any sources to back his claims up. Thus it is hard for the reader to tell if these fears (loss of revenue, legal action) are merely his opinion or are based on real world examples. The lack of sources in this section is glaring in a book that is otherwise very heavily and meticulously sourced.
My biggest issue is with chapter seven, The Ordinances of a Baptist Church. Norman does many things well in this chapter: he distinguishes between sacraments and ordinances, and convincingly states, from the Bible, how the Baptist observance and practice of the ordinances is correct. However, I do not think Norman convincingly argues that participants in the Lord’s Supper should only be those who have been baptized (150-151). He fails to buttress his argument with scriptural support. Norman does not argue convincingly that baptism needs to be the method through which one enters a church. Baptisms in the New Testament rarely occurred in the context of a church. The baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch as detailed in Acts 8 is an example. Norman argues that Phillip was acting as an extension of the Jerusalem church, but he was guided by the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a Christian ordinance and to tie it to church membership flies in the face of the concept of the priesthood of all believers. There are contexts throughout the world that do not rely on church membership paradigms and Norman betrays a narrow, Western view of what church looks like by stating baptism is a church ordinance rather than a Christian ordinance. Many Christ followers live in isolation, or meet in simple house churches without trained laity, and to suggest that they cannot be members of the church unless they are baptized as part of the church is unrealistic.
Despite the few misgivings listed above I think The Baptist Way: Distinctives of a Baptist Church is a wonderful resource. The writing is clear, thoughtful, well researched, and well-reasoned. This would serve as an excellent resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about Baptist practices, and would be well used in church programs that educate new members about what it means to be a Baptist. Despite proudly displaying his Baptist stripes Norman is charitable to other faith traditions. He writes, “As Baptists, our distinctive theological identity is an expression of our loyalty to Jesus Christ and his Word.” (184). Norman also reminds the reader that some Baptist distinctives are secondary or tertiary issues, but are still based on a view that they best reflect what the Bible, particularly the New Testament, teaches on the matter. Other churches, may embrace some or many of the same distinctives, but none embrace them all which is what makes the combination of distinctives described in this book uniquely Baptist (187).
Dr. R. Stanton Norman is currently the Provost and Executive Vice President for Campus Life at Oklahoma Baptist University. Dr. Norman received a bachelor’s degree in Biblical studies and a master of divinity degree from The Criswell College before earning a Ph.D. in systematic theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Norman has extensive teaching experience at several colleges and seminaries including Southwest Baptist University, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Charleston Southern University, Dallas Baptist University, and The Criswell College.
In addition to authoring the subject of this review Dr. Norman has also written More Than Just A Name: Preserving Our Baptist Identity and contributed to Perspectives of Church Governance: Five Views of Church Polity, and A Theology for the Church. In addition to his academic and authorial work Dr. Norman has served in a pastoral context in several Southern Baptist Churches throughout the South and Midwest. Dr. Norman is married with three children.
Summary of Content
Over the course of eight chapters in The Baptist Way: Distinctives of a Baptist Church Norman explains and expounds upon what he considers to be Baptist distinctives the first of which, discussed in chapter one, is Biblical authority. Baptists originated as a body of believers committed to the authority and teaching of the Bible (11). Norman claims that Baptists are unique in their adherence to the Bible as the sole authority for the church. Sources of extra biblical authority include church tradition, experience, and reason. Norman counters other sources of authority by asserting “The Bible reveals what God intended for us to have each stage of redemptive history. Therefore, it contains all we need for salvation as well as for serving, obeying, and worshipping God.” (18). Both the Old Testament and New Testament are important to the Christian faith, but Baptists derive more from the New Testament believing firmly in progressive revelation (23-24).
In chapter two Norman examines the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The Baptist distinctive of the autonomy of the local church results from the strong commitment to the lordship of Jesus Christ. No human authority supersedes Christ’s authority. The New Testament strongly affirms Christ’s lordship. Thus, the Baptist view of the authority of the Bible strongly influences the view of Christ’s lordship. As a Baptist distinctive, Christ’s lordship has its greatest impact in the way individuals relate to the local church, and the way the local church governs itself under Christ. Thus Christ’s lordship impacts ecclesiology and polity: “The corporate aspect of Christ’s lordship is revealed as the congregation collectively submits itself to his direction. The church is not a collection of ‘ministries’; rather, the members of the congregation function together corporately and singularly in the ministry of the lord of the church.” (44).
In chapter three, on regenerate church membership, Norman states that this distinctive flows naturally from the commitment to biblical authority and notes that many Baptists think regenerate church membership is the key distinctive (47-48). Norman then makes the case that both Old and New Testaments speak about the importance of regeneration as a component of God’s people even though the word “regeneration” is not used. Regenerate church membership has been a vital part of historical Baptist thought and practice (51-52), and is also important as it applies to infant baptism. Infants are not able to make a decision about Christ. Therefore they should not be baptized as members of a church (56).
Norman opens chapter four, on church discipline, by noting one of the most glaring omissions of a Baptist distinctive in modern Christianity is the lack of church discipline (64). A result of allowing unregenerate church membership is the loss of covenantal commitment, lessening of standards, and discipline falling by the wayside. “Baptists believed that our beliefs, mission, witness, proclamation, spirituality, governance, fellowship, and morality were tied to the faithful practice of discipline.” (65). In this chapter Norman outlines a suggested process for church discipline (73-75), lists the primary purposes for church discipline (76), and examines the reasons for the decline in the practice of church discipline (78). He notes such factors as the rugged individualism and moral relativism that pervades much of Western society.
In chapter five, on congregational polity, Norman states that “Polity involves governance and organization. Church polity, and for Baptists, congregational polity, is the way a local church organizes and administrates its ministries in the quest of its mission.” (85). Three forms of church polity in Christianity include episcopal (authority of one leader or bishop), Presbyterian (authority of a group of elders), and congregational (autonomy of the local church through the congregation) (86). The congregational form of church polity has been normative for most Baptist churches throughout the years.
Chapter six does not focus on Baptist distinctives and instead addresses broad ecclesiological concerns (111). Norman states that the concept of covenant is important in relation to the local church (116). Norman also examines the church offices of pastor and deacon (118-125). In chapter seven Norman discusses the ordinances of a Baptist church, stating that the two recognized by most Baptists are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Both ordinances have caused controversy throughout the centuries (149). Norman examines each ordinance and gives a Biblical view as to why he thinks the Baptist understanding of both baptism and the Lord’s Supper is correct both practically and theologically.
Norman closes his look at distinctives by focusing on religious liberty in chapter eight. Soul competency and religious liberty are the outflow from other Baptist distinctives (158). Norman examines religious liberty through the lens of persecution directed at Baptists by focusing on three leaders in America: John Clark, Isaac Backus, John Leland (166-176). Norman believes that political engagement is an essential component in securing religious liberty and helpfully notes that religious liberty is not a necessary condition for one to live out their Baptist convictions, but liberty is to be preferred over persecution (180).
Author’s Intent and Purpose
In the introduction Norman writes, “A great need exists for a contemporary restatement of those doctrines that constitute the distinctive theological identity of Baptists.” (1). The book also seeks to “…answer attempts to redefine Baptist identity.” (1). Norman states the importance of defining Baptist distinctives to confront the theological pluralism that is pervasive in American church culture (3). Baptist distinctives help to define a healthy church (6). Norman also states, “The present work is an attempt to identify and describe the distinctive traits of Baptists and thus is more prescriptive than descriptive in nature.” (9). Thus the book focuses primarily on theological distinctives rather than ecclesiological distinctives (10).
Uniqueness
This book is unique in that it narrowly focuses on Baptist distinctives, and why the particular doctrines and practices are known as Baptist distinctives. Thus the book contains brevity as it does not attempt to examine how each Baptist distinctive is applied in every other denominational or independent church context. While not a book on doctrine the reader will gain in knowledge of doctrine such as the Word of God. While not a book on church administration the chapters on polity and church discipline will give the reader a richer and deeper understanding of the topics whether they are Baptists or not. While not a book on church history Norman delves into history to show the unique ways in which these distinctives have developed over time and become “Baptist”.
Concluding Evaluation
There is much to like in The Baptist Way: Distinctives of a Baptist Church and the overall content is very edifying to the reader. Norman displays and excellent grasp of historical and biblical knowledge as well as systematic and biblical theology. I will use this concluding section to point out strengths and weaknesses from individual chapters before evaluating the effectiveness of the work as a whole in light of Norman’s authorial intent and purpose.
I found chapter three, on regenerate church membership, to be convincing as a Baptist distinctive but Norman’s suggestions for vetting new members seems cumbersome and unrealistic; especially for churches that are not small. I also find it interesting that the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 does not explicitly connect regeneration to church membership (53). While examining church discipline in chapter four Norman adequately demonstrates that church discipline has been a part of Baptist thought throughout the ages. Another strength of this chapter is Norman’s examination of the procedure of church discipline. Walking the reader through Matthew 18:15-17, Norman examines the text and builds a compelling case as to how church discipline should look in the modern church. One weakness of this chapter is that while Norman describes the fears that dissuade the church from practicing discipline (79-80) he does not provide any sources to back his claims up. Thus it is hard for the reader to tell if these fears (loss of revenue, legal action) are merely his opinion or are based on real world examples. The lack of sources in this section is glaring in a book that is otherwise very heavily and meticulously sourced.
My biggest issue is with chapter seven, The Ordinances of a Baptist Church. Norman does many things well in this chapter: he distinguishes between sacraments and ordinances, and convincingly states, from the Bible, how the Baptist observance and practice of the ordinances is correct. However, I do not think Norman convincingly argues that participants in the Lord’s Supper should only be those who have been baptized (150-151). He fails to buttress his argument with scriptural support. Norman does not argue convincingly that baptism needs to be the method through which one enters a church. Baptisms in the New Testament rarely occurred in the context of a church. The baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch as detailed in Acts 8 is an example. Norman argues that Phillip was acting as an extension of the Jerusalem church, but he was guided by the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a Christian ordinance and to tie it to church membership flies in the face of the concept of the priesthood of all believers. There are contexts throughout the world that do not rely on church membership paradigms and Norman betrays a narrow, Western view of what church looks like by stating baptism is a church ordinance rather than a Christian ordinance. Many Christ followers live in isolation, or meet in simple house churches without trained laity, and to suggest that they cannot be members of the church unless they are baptized as part of the church is unrealistic.
Despite the few misgivings listed above I think The Baptist Way: Distinctives of a Baptist Church is a wonderful resource. The writing is clear, thoughtful, well researched, and well-reasoned. This would serve as an excellent resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about Baptist practices, and would be well used in church programs that educate new members about what it means to be a Baptist. Despite proudly displaying his Baptist stripes Norman is charitable to other faith traditions. He writes, “As Baptists, our distinctive theological identity is an expression of our loyalty to Jesus Christ and his Word.” (184). Norman also reminds the reader that some Baptist distinctives are secondary or tertiary issues, but are still based on a view that they best reflect what the Bible, particularly the New Testament, teaches on the matter. Other churches, may embrace some or many of the same distinctives, but none embrace them all which is what makes the combination of distinctives described in this book uniquely Baptist (187).
February 17, 2020
A fair treatment on Baptist distinctives.
October 11, 2018
This book was one out of three of my textbooks for my Bible college class, “The Church”. Out of the three books I had for this class this was by far my favorite book.
The entire purpose of this book is to reveal to the reader the distinctives of a Baptist Church. Some of the things that Norman writes are distinctives of a Baptist church are: regenerate church membership, congregational polity (governance), and the right to exercise church discipline. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to understand why Baptist do and believe certain things. Norman uses Biblical texts to determine why Baptist’s believe the way that they do.
This book would be very good for a Christian that is wanting to learn more about the Baptist denomination. Whenever I say “Baptist” I understand that there are many differences among Baptist’s. There are Southern Baptists, Missionary Baptists, Independent Baptists, particular Baptists, general baptists, and/or reformed Baptists. This book is teaching about Southern Baptists. This book would also be good for a someone outside of the Baptist denomination that wants to learn about Baptist beliefs.
The entire purpose of this book is to reveal to the reader the distinctives of a Baptist Church. Some of the things that Norman writes are distinctives of a Baptist church are: regenerate church membership, congregational polity (governance), and the right to exercise church discipline. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to understand why Baptist do and believe certain things. Norman uses Biblical texts to determine why Baptist’s believe the way that they do.
This book would be very good for a Christian that is wanting to learn more about the Baptist denomination. Whenever I say “Baptist” I understand that there are many differences among Baptist’s. There are Southern Baptists, Missionary Baptists, Independent Baptists, particular Baptists, general baptists, and/or reformed Baptists. This book is teaching about Southern Baptists. This book would also be good for a someone outside of the Baptist denomination that wants to learn about Baptist beliefs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2019
Good read for understanding what makes Baptists distinct from other denominations in their theology, ecclesiology, and historical impact! I definitely gained a deeper appreciation for Baptists and their impact on Christian thought as we know it today.
March 25, 2021
A concise systematic Baptist ecclesiology. An excellent primer for Baptist distinctives. Thesis: embrace, defend, and pledge loyalty conforming to the NT church (of course, centered in the lordship of Christ and revealed in His Word) greatly expressed in the Baptist identity/ distinctives.
October 18, 2017
A good overview that covers seven distinctives for what it means to be a Baptist.
October 13, 2020
Not bad, a bit too basic maybe.
February 1, 2022
Well written, very informative, slightly redundant.
September 6, 2023
Excellent!
August 24, 2015
What makes Baptists distinct from Christians of other denominations? Tracing both the historical trajectory of Baptist life and the development of doctrine that has come to define Baptists, Norman identifies and explains key distinctives. He does a fine job in covering the basics, though this book includes too many details and veers into too many tangents to serve as an introductory work. Judicious editing, tighter focus, and dynamic prose would have resulted in a stronger work.
September 12, 2014
I'm sorry to say I did not read all of this book. For the lay reader it is entirely too detailed, and goes into many, many references for each point. This book purports to be aimed at all Southern Baptists including the layman, but it really is of interest only to pastors and leaders.
December 8, 2015
This provides a clear and concise outlook on the things that make a Baptist Church distinct. It is a simple read that captures the Baptist faith for the most part.
September 27, 2015
The book is fairly simple to read. It can be found to be somewhat review for Baptists, but yet great for someone who is new to the Baptist denomination or unstudied in the Baptist faith
April 5, 2020
Easy read, gives the distinctives that makes up a Baptist church. Basically, it argued that a proper New Testament church is a Baptist church. Though, it argued for a congregational church polity.
Read
May 8, 2017This is a short and brief, actually pretty shallow exposition of Baptist ideas and beliefs. The problem that it possesses is that there are many facets to being a Baptist. As for myself, I am a Reformed Baptist, a member of the Southern Baptist Convention. The book is a great resource, but the problem is that it does not really state what the Baptist ideas are, mostly that most Baptists believe this and some believe that. I would have preferred that it concentrated more on the history (how very Calvinist of me I know) and concentrated on the differences between the original Baptist Church in American and the 10,000+ different denominations of today. I also had hoped that there was a little more interaction between Baptists and other denominations. It had potential but every chapter just left me wanting more.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews