Different and Distinctive, But Nevertheless Baptist

Book excerpt: The fifty-year (1967-2017) story of Northminster Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, richly adds to our understanding of how faith has been lived in a particular setting. "Different and distinctive but nevertheless Baptist" is a phrase that tells the rich, unique history of Northminster. Alongside a conscious lay emphasis, the church has had notable ministers like John Claypool and Chuck Poole. Originally affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, its young professional base was seen as an alternative to First Baptist Church, Jackson. The church became involved in the Alliance of Baptists and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. At the same time, the theologically progressive church remained active in the Mississippi Baptist Convention--despite its ordinations of women ministers--until its ouster in 2017. Northminster's story tells of a strong, notable, interfaith relationship with the Beth Temple Israel synagogue, an innovative social ministry, and a theology of reverent worship.