505-Church Polity & Denominations
Explore the foundations of church governance with this course on church polity. Learn key structures, leadership roles, and decision-making processes to strengthen effective, biblically-based church administration.
Enroll today and be equipped to serve Christ’s Church with clarity, conviction, and courage!
Step into a powerful journey of understanding the foundations of Baptist life and leadership. In this course, you’ll explore the biblical roots of Baptist polity, the principles of congregational governance, and the autonomy of the local church. You’ll also gain fresh insight by examining all major Christian denominations, seeing how they compare and contrast with Baptist distinctives. Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or a student of theology, this course will equip you to lead with confidence, appreciate the richness of the wider Christian family, and strengthen your commitment to the authority of Christ over His church.
What you Will Learn in This Course
Understand the biblical foundations of Baptist polity — including congregational governance, church autonomy, and the authority of Scripture (Acts 6:1–6; Colossians 1:18).
Examine the distinctives of Baptist life — believers’ baptism, regenerate church membership, the two ordinances (baptism and the Lord’s Supper), and the two church offices (pastor and deacon).
Explore how Baptist churches organize and cooperate — balancing local church independence with voluntary partnerships in missions, education, and outreach.
Analyze major Christian denominations — including Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Adventist, Congregationalist, Churches of Christ, and more — with a focus on how they compare and contrast with Baptist convictions.
Gain practical insight into church constitutions, bylaws, covenants, and codes of ethics as used within Baptist life and the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey.
Develop a broader appreciation for the Christian family worldwide while deepening your conviction about the uniqueness and biblical foundation of the Baptist witness.
Discover the Heart of Baptist Polity — and the Wider Christian Tradition
Learn how the church of Jesus Christ is meant to govern, serve, and grow.