Gathering Disciples

This collection of essays by British Baptists honors the work of Christopher Ellis amongst the Baptist community, recognizing in particular the contribution he has made to the practice and theology of Free Church worship. The book takes a selection of his hymns as a starting point for reflection on areas of worship, discipleship, the sacraments, and theology. ""Gathering Disciples is not only a well-deserved celebration of the contributions of Baptists' most significant liturgical theologian--it serves as a splendid showcase of the impressive theological work now being done by Baptist theologians in, with, and for their own tradition but also in, with, and for the whole church. An indispensable resource for the renewal of ecclesial life in Baptist and Free Church communities and for the ecumenical reception of the theological gifts these communities offer to the global church."" --Steven R. Harmon, Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity ""Christopher Ellis's theology provides the beautiful through-line for a collection of essays on worship, ecumenism, doctrine, and life that sings in a distinctive Baptist key. Gathering Disciples is a celebration of scholarship and a testament of love: one that deserves to be read by thoughtful Christians from every tradition."" --Melanie Ross, Yale Institute of Sacred Music and Yale Divinity School ""In celebrating the work of Christopher Ellis, this collection offers a fascinating kaleidoscope of themes and thinkers in contemporary Baptist theology. More to that, however, it is a significant contribution to the wider conversations in Christian theology. Organized around the notion of 'sung theology, ' this volume is a convincing illustration of the role of worship in both shaping and reflecting our faith."" --Lina Toth (Andronoviene), Scottish Baptist College Myra Blyth is Chaplain and Tutorial Fellow in Worship and Pastoral Studies, Regent's Park College, Oxford. Andy Goodliff is the Minister of Belle Vue Baptist Church, Southend-on-Sea, UK.