Andrew Fuller: Model Pastor-Theologian
In his day, practicing English pastor Andrew Fuller (1754-1815) was also the most prominent Baptist theologian on either side of the Atlantic Ocean. He remained influential via his thoughtful writings up until the American Civil War. Since then, however, the emphasis on theological and doctrinal depth in Baptist preaching (and preaching generally) has been in decline.
Now scholars are looking back at Fuller to provide an example of how pastors can relate doctrine to practice. He was not content to contribute to theological debate in print only; he also showed how the theological conclusions he had arrived at could be applied to local church ministry.
This pastoral biography of Andrew Fuller, the second in B&H Publishing Group’s Studies in Baptist Life & Thought series, introduces a new preaching generation to his theological method, his soteriology, and how Fuller intentionally moved from doctrine to practice among the church.
Top Highlights
“Fuller was much more likely to use the term ‘effectual’ than ‘irresistible’ to describe the workings of God’s grace on the soul. By whatever terminology, the concept of irresistible grace formed a vital part of Fuller’s soteriology. His views of human depravity necessitated that the Holy Spirit be given a primary place in bringing men to faith in Christ.” (source)
“Fuller recognized that even the most carefully constructed theological system was bound to contain imperfection and needed to be constantly subject to revision. When truth from the Scriptures was discovered that did not fit the system, it was a sign the system needed to be corrected.” (source)
“Second, the mention of Fuller’s fellow pastor and dearest friend, John Ryland Jr., exemplifies the cooperative manner in which village preaching was carried out. Ryland also served as pastor nearby, at College Lane Baptist Church in Northampton. Plainly these men, and undoubtedly others from their close-knit Northamptonshire Baptist Association, coordinated their schedules. If the villages could not have preaching every Sunday, at least where the work was promising, they were able to provide it with some regularity. The evangelical Calvinism of which Fuller had become a principal spokesman had gained a firm foothold in the Northamptonshire Baptist Association.” (source)
“The theological system that Fuller put forth in The Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation sought both to be internally consistent and faithful to the Scriptures. The theological hurdle for High Calvinists was the issue of how, in the light of particular redemption, one could address any fallen, helpless sinner and invite him to repent and believe. If men were powerless to obey the gospel call, these general addresses would seem to be insincere. Edward’s dichotomous view of the human will showed that free invitations to the lost were consistent with Calvinism because there was indeed a point of addressability even in fallen men: their natural ability.” (source)
Product Details
- Title : Andrew Fuller: Model Pastor-Theologian
- Author: Brewster, Paul
- Publisher: B&H Academic
- Publication Date: 2010
- ISBN: 9781433672996
Paul Brewster is pastor of Rykers Ridge Baptist Church in Madison, Indiana, and also writes for Baptist Press. He holds degrees from the University of Arkansas (B.A.), New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Ph.D.). Brewster and his wife have four children.