(Part 1)

JBTM Book Reviews
128
In a Baptist congregation, an elder or a group of elders provides direction for the congregation.
Benjamin Merkle gives an overview of both the biblical qualifications for elders and
the role that elders play in the life of the church. The office of deacon also merits attention,
not because the deaconate functions with the same authority as an elder board but because
deacons provide for the physical and practical needs of the congregation. Andrew Davis contributes
a chapter on practical matters in deacon ministry.
Though each Baptist church remains autonomous, it can and should fellowship with other
church bodies. Jonathan Leeman concludes this volume by offering theological justification
for such cooperation. He explains that while churches together may unite together around a
shared commitment to apostolic doctrine, each church should also individually unite around
a shared commitment to the apostolic office. Leeman defines apostolic office according to
the keys of church discipline found in Matt 16:18–19. He argues the keys are given to the
local congregation alone. His approach provides for broad fellowship because churches may
partner with other bodies that hold to the Christian faith while maintaining congregational
authority. The authority to exercise the keys of the apostolic office resides within the local
congregation and not an external religious body.
In terms of critique, a few weaknesses do merit mention. Not many contemporary
Baptists in America are accustomed to the plurality of elders model presented in this volume.
For this reason, the editors would have better served churches interested in transitioning to
such a model if they had included information on how such a transition might occur as well
as advice on how an elder board best functions. Also, the editors could have offered more
space to voices who reject the concept of a plurality of elders in order to accommodate the
diversity present in Baptist life.
In addition, contrary to the suggestion found in Shawn D. Wright’s chapter on baptism,
this reviewer is not convinced that figures such as Tertullian offer a clear example of
contemporary Baptist convictions regarding the ordinance of baptism. Tertullian did not
embrace infant baptism, but he believed in baptismal regeneration. He opposed infant
baptism in part because he feared that children might sin after receiving baptism and lose
their salvation. His ecclesiology deserves attention, but a more complete explanation of his
views is appropriate lest readers wrongly infer that Tertullian’s views on these matters were
like contemporary Baptists.
Still, this book should be commended for several reasons. It presents a concise yet rich
defense of key Baptist distinctives. Also, it deliberately focuses on practical application;
chapters often feature suggestions for church leaders who may wish to enact or recover these
distinctives within their congregations. It is a significant and helpful introduction to Baptist
ecclesiology, and its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
Church leaders will receive the greatest benefit from reading it. Should they seek to enact