This book arose from the fourth consecutive Baptist Distinctives Conference held at Southwestern Bapitst Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas during September 2008. --p. vii.

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Introduction: The duty of Baptists to teach their distinctive views? / Jason G. Duesing -- "Upon this rock I will build my church" : a theological exposition of Matthew 16:13-20 / Malcolm B. Yarnell III -- Autonomy of the local church : crucial Baptist distinctive / David Allen -- Covenant or confusion? : "associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel" / Emir F. Caner -- Observing two ordinances : are they merely symbols? / Paige Patterson -- Under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes / James Leo Garrett, Jr. -- A denomination of churches : biblical and useful / Bart Barber -- The church and its officers : a pastor's perspective / Byron McWilliams -- The offices and women : can women be pastors? or deacons? / Thomas White, Joy White -- The universal and local church / Thomas White.