Journal: Journal of Ministry and Theology
Volume: JMAT 08:2 (Fall 2004)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

JMAT 8:1 (Fall 2004) p. 130

Book Reviews

JMAT 8:1 (Fall 2004) p. 131

Perspectives on Church Government: Five Views of Church Polity. Chad Owen Brand and R. Stanton Norman, eds. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2004, 353 pp.

This “five views” book on church polity edited by two Southern Baptists was a book begging to be written. The subject warrants it in light of the fact that Christians debate the issue of how church is to be organized and practiced as much as or more than many other significant issues. As Norman argues in the Introduction, polity is important. While polity does not sit at the same level of significance as such doctrines as the deity of Christ and the inerrancy of the Bible, church government is the vehicle within which the mission of the church/Church is carried out. Therefore, it carries a seriousness all its own. Norman was also wise to include in the introductory remarks a thumbnail sketch of polity views throughout Church history while at the same time insisting that the Scriptures are the final arbiter on the issue.

The five views which are presented offer more variety than the standard three forms of church government often voiced: Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Congregational. These three forms are defended by Paul Zahl (Episcopal), Robert Raymond (Presbyterian), and James Garrett (Congregational). Two additional approaches to congregational polity are added, the single-elder-led church defended by Daniel Akin and the plural-elder-led church defended by James White. These latter two seem to be nuanced defenses of congregational church government. The differences between the three congregational advocates are small and sometimes not as clear as the reader might desire. For example, Akin’s approach allows for a plurality of elders although it does not require it and the authority among the various elders is not equal. White seems to argue for an equal division of authority among a plurality of elders. Garrett’s traditional defense of congregational polity has much in common with both of these presentations.

The format of the book is a friendly debate style. Each presenter defends his view followed by a response from each of the other writers. Usually, each writer begins with what is agreed upon followed by what is different. This format helps to surface both the continuities and discontinuities inherent in the various views. Use of Scripture is voluminous giving the reader plenty of biblical data to sort as he studies the question of polity. The endnotes are sometimes a bit daunting as to length and may be ignored by most readers.

JMAT 8:1 (Fall 2004) p. 132

Nonetheless, the work will be useful in seminary level training on the issue of how churches need to be governed.