Most North American churches take a pragmatic approach to church life. We are concerned with being relevant to the culture and ultimately growing at a steady rate. While these issues are certainly legitimate, they also create a danger that our churches will be shaped more by these extrabiblical goals than by the biblical mandate of God. Utilizing the Scriptures, theology, and Baptist history, this comprehensive work addresses all aspects of the church, both theological and practical. - Publisher.

John S. Hammett (Ph.D. in philosophy, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; D.Min., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of systematic theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has written several articles for journals and magazines and was a pastor and missionary before becoming a professor.