Mar. 26, 2015
For Immediate Release
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| Dr. William Loyd Allen speaks about Baptist Church affiliation at Campbellsville University’s Baptist Heritage Series. (Campbellsville University Photo by Rachel DeCoursey) |
By Josh Christian, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Dr. William Loyd Allen, professor of church history and spiritual formation at James & Carolyn McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University in Atlanta, Ga., lectured at the Baptist Heritage Series at Campbellsville University.
“What do we do next?” Allen asked.
Allen’s lecture focused on Baptist Church affiliation. Covering the history of Baptist affiliation, Allen brought to question what should be done today. According to Allen, the question is still unsettled.
Since the 1600’s, Baptists have always been local autonomies. In other words, they have always been independent. Every church is able to function without rule from an outside party.
“Baptists have never been like a fast-food franchise. They have always functioned as independent stores,” Allen said.
Allen addressed the Baptist’s affiliation with other churches. “Baptist identity requires affiliation with other churches,” Allen said. “It wasn’t until the 1800’s that Baptists began to affiliate on a convention level.”
Allen explained this level of affiliation was a completely different level. The convention was born to help support missionary causes.
“However, this type of affiliation is declining. We are currently deciding what is next,” Allen said.
Allen suggested Baptists are at a time of disunity. However, despite the disunity, Christ is still leading and guiding the church, argued Allen.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master’s degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.