Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

The nature of the church : biblical foundations -- The marks of the church : historical perspective -- The essence of the church : theological conclusions and practical applications -- Regenerate church membership : the Baptist mark of the church -- Where we went wrong and how we can get right : returning to faithfulness -- Baptist church polity : the case for Congregationalism -- Elders in Baptist life : leaders not rulers -- The office of deacon : servants of the church -- The ministries of the church : five crucial concerns -- More than simply symbols : Batism and the Lord's supper-- In all directions : New approaches for a changing landscape-- Into all the world : the futrue of the global church.