Book recommendation

John Hammet's book, "Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches: A Contemporary Ecclesiology" is an excellent book and interesting read for learning the history of many of the practices of Baptist churches. John is certainly a teacher by trade and this is revealed in how he carefully presents the varied ways different churches across different denominations approach the varying ecclesiological topics before presenting how and why Baptists have come to their decisions on the matters at hand. I came upon this book while browsing the book selections available at Capitol Hill Baptist church while attending a 9Marks weekender. 9Marks have several excellent books as well on ecclesiological matters which are valuable and recommendable reads as well.

You may be surprised by what you learn from John's book. For example, do you know the origin for the phrase "hocus pocus"? Surprisingly, one possibility is described in the book and fits the topic! I'll leave you to read the book to find the answer (if you can't wait you can probably find it googling).