Polity

Long-Term Consequences of Pragmatism in the Church

By Jonathan Leeman | 08.22.2014

Is there something not just to megachurches, but to post-1950s-evangelicalism as a whole that, over time, tends to undermine the very doctrinal convictions which makes us evangelicals?

What Is a Local Church?

By Jonathan Leeman | 08.22.2014

It’s the institution which Jesus created and authorized to pronounce the gospel of the kingdom, to affirm gospel professors, to oversee their discipleship, and to expose impostors.

Don’t Assume the Bible Is Silent about the Church

By Bobby Jamieson | 08.21.2014

Have you ever assumed something that turned out to be wrong? I sure have. For two years I called a good friend “Steve” only to discover that this gracious and … keep reading…

The Kingdom Gain of Congregationalism

By Jonathan Leeman | 08.21.2014

Congregationalism is administratively inefficient. It provokes quarrelling and divisiveness. It caters to the most immature members of a church. It cultivates individualism. It undermines pastors. And it just might add … keep reading…

How Congregations with Authority Submit to Elders

By Bobby Jamieson | 08.21.2014

If the congregation as a whole is the final court of appeal, what does it mean for a church to submit to its leaders?

Historical Reflections on Baptism and Church Membership

By Aaron Menikoff | 06.18.2014

Maybe it simply worth noting that there is a long history, first in England, then in the States, of Baptists addressing the question of whether the unbaptized should be accepted into the … keep reading…

I Move We Don’t Vote So Much!

By Greg Gilbert | 06.17.2014

There’s an interesting pattern I’ve noticed in evangelical churches: The smaller the church, the more frequent the votes. Most of the mega-churches in the evangelical world don’t seem to do a whole lot … keep reading…

“The Sin of Infant Baptism”, Written by a Sinning Baptist

By Mark Dever | 06.13.2014

In my article in the new 9Marks e-journal, I wrote, “I have many dear paedo-baptists friends from whom I have learned much. Yet I see their practice as a sinful (though … keep reading…

This Paedobaptist Agrees with Mark

By R. Scott Clark | 06.13.2014

I’m quite convinced that the Baptists are wrong, but Mark is right that it’s sinful to remain unbaptized.

Looking to the Bible On the Multi-Site Issue

By Greg Gilbert | 06.12.2014

Let me say first of all what a privilege it was to have been invited to participate in the panel discussion at Southern Seminary a couple of weeks ago.  I … keep reading…

What Members Are Asking about Elders

By Aaron Menikoff | 06.11.2014

If you are reading this blog post, you may very well be at a church that is already led by a plurality elders. You may, like me, be at a … keep reading…

A Non-assembled Assembly

By Jonathan Leeman | 06.10.2014

Gregg Allison recently posted on the topic of multi-site churches. Honestly, I hesitate to say anything at all because (i) we all agree that this issue is not the most important one … keep reading…

Clarifying “Congregationalism”

By Jonathan Leeman | 06.10.2014

Like his first post on congregationalism, James MacDonald’s second post serves us who are congregationalists. First, it’s always a blessing to have friendly critics seriously engage with your ideas. Second, polity is important. A … keep reading…

Book Review: Manual of Church Order, by John L. Dagg

Review by John Power | 9Marks Journal: Evangelism - Part 2 | 10.21.2013

Pastors should read this book. However, I will say that a close, detailed reading from cover to cover may not be required.

Why New Testament Polity Is Prescriptive

By Bobby Jamieson | 9Marks Journal: Is Scripture Enough? | 07.16.2013

Does the Bible tell us how to structure our churches? Yes.