The Baptist Story ― From English Sect to Global Movement

The Baptist Story is a narrative history of a diverse group of people spanning over four centuries, living among distinct cultures on separate continents, while finding their common identity in Christ and expressing their faith as Baptists. Baptist historians Anthony Chute, Nathan Finn, and Michael Haykin highlight the Baptist transition from a despised sect to a movement of global influence. Each chapter includes stories of people who made this history so fascinating. Although the emphasis is on the English-speaking world, The Baptist Story integrates stories of non-English speaking Baptists, ethnic minorities, women, and minority theological traditions, all within the context of historic, orthodox Christianity.

This volume provides more than just the essential events and necessary names to convey the grand history. It also addresses questions that students of Baptist history frequently ask, includes prayers and hymns of those who experienced hope and heartbreak, and directs the reader’s attention to the mission of the church as a whole. Written with an irenic tone and illustrated with photographs in every chapter,The Baptist Story is ideally suited for graduate or undergraduate courses, as well as group study in the local church.

Anthony L. Chute is professor of Church History and associate dean of the School of Christian Ministries at California Baptist University in Riverside, California. He has written several books and essays on Baptist history and theology.

Nathan A. Finn is associate professor of Historical Theology and Baptist Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He has written widely on topics related to Baptist history, identity, and spirituality.

Michael A. G. Haykin is professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He has written a number of books on the ancient church and eighteenth-century British Baptists.