A Baptist Manual of Polity and Practice: Second Revised Edition

Originally published in 1962, A Baptist Manual of Polity and Practice was written to bring together traditional Baptist positions and practices and the modifications adopted over the years. This classic was first revised in 1991 and then again in 2012 for its 50th anniversary. In addition to freshening the book's general style and tone, the current edition reflects::Profound shifts in Baptist polity since 1991New challenges, especially that of an increasingly fragmentary and secularistic cultureA looser and more locally focused form of ministryAlthough the focus of the book (especially in the latter chapters) is on the American Baptist Churches USA, most of the manual is written with an eye to basic principles shared widely and historically across the Baptist family of associations and denominations.Contents include:The New Testament concept of the churchThe local church and its officersThe meaning of church membershipThe Baptist ministry including Baptism and the Lord's SupperThe Associational Principle of BaptistsAutonomy and interdependenceEcumenical relationshipsAnd, the appendix offers:Significant dates in Baptist historyChurch covenantsSuggested constitution and bylaws

Norman H. Maring was professor emeritus of church history at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Seminary). A well-known writer and Baptist historian, Maring’s books included Baptists in New Jersey: A Study in Transition, and American Baptists: Whence and Wither. Maring was a past president of the American Baptist Historical Society and served on many American Baptist boards and commissions.

Winthrop S. Hudson enjoyed a distinguished career as a pastor, scholar, and professor. He authored many well-known books, including Religion in America, The Story of the Christian Church, and American Protestantism. Other Judson Press titles included Baptist Convictions and Baptist Concepts of the Church.

David Gregg, MDiv, MA, served for nearly a decade as the minister of congregational life at Lake Street Church of Evanston, Illinois before returning to the University of Chicago’s Divinity School for doctoral studies. He remains closely connected to and concerned with local church ministry, and serves as a frequent guest preacher and consultant. A member of Grace Baptist Church, Chicago, Gregg serves on the executive cabinet of the American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago.