Description
Anthony R Cross (2016) “To communicate simply you must understand profoundly”: preparation for ministry among British Baptists. Baptist Historical Society, Didcot.
This volume explores the vital role that theology has played for those called to serve the people of God as ministers. In doing so, Cross seeks to demonstrate five things. First, that from their beginnings in the early seventeenth century the majority of Baptists have believed that theological education is a necessity. Secondly, this belief led Baptists, with other Nonconformists, to pioneer the dissenting academies and to be key figures in the development of education which has benefitted the whole country. Thirdly, and contrary to misconceptions among Baptists and those of other traditions, Baptists have always had men, and in time also women, who have been highly trained theologically, and made significant contributions to the various theological disciplines. … Fourthly, this study reveals that Baptists today have a wealthy of both academically-gifted and theologically astute pastor-scholars and lay people. Finally, it argues that theology has always played its part in the renewal of Christian life and witness for which so many Christians today are praying.
