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Puritan Writer Envisaged 'Transform Indiana' ?

[Christian History article at ChristianityToday.com]

Richard Baxter wrote, preached, taught, and visited his way to become the model pastor.

THE PROTOTYPICAL EVANGELICAL? Historians David Bebbington, Mark Noll, and George Rawlyk have identified four characteristic marks of "evangelicalism": a stress on conversion, a focus on Christ's redeeming work as the core of biblical Christianity, an acknowledgment of the Bible as the supreme authority, and an energetic and personal approach to social engagement and evangelism. According to Paul Lim, the life and ministry of Richard Baxter reveal all four of these qualities. Read more about this remarkable man.

On July 28, 1875, the town of Kidderminster in the English Midlands witnessed a rare moment of Christian unity. After over 200 years of deep Protestant divisions, clergy from all denominations came together for the unveiling and dedication of the statue of a Puritan preacher.

The inscription at the base of the statue read, "Between the years 1641 and 1660 this town was the scene of the labors of Richard Baxter, renowned equally for his Christian learning and his pastoral fidelity. In a stormy and divided age he advocated unity and comprehension, pointing the way to everlasting rest."

[continued at ChristianityToday]

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[hat-tip, Eldon Kibbey, Moderator, Transform Indiana ministry network]





If you've come to believe that this puritan writer just might have been onto something, come be with us at the next Transform Indiana ministry networking meeting... March 21st... at lunch-time (BYOL). This month's meeting rotates to Grace Missionary Church in Mooresville. [click for map]

In addition to our normal time of praying and planning together, Pastor Jim Taylor will be sharing his insights gathered during his recent Sabbatical, in which he traveled the world visiting the 'transformation (video) cities'... seeing for himself first-hand, the radical impact of the gospel.

As well, there will be information about this summer's 'Faith, Hope & Love' week of collaborative events.

posted by IndyChristian @ 9:12 AM