What do we mean by the words "Independent Fundamental Baptist"?
Independent:
The word "Independent" means that the church is not a member of any council, convention or part of any hierarchy outside the local congregation. The name "independent" means that the church patterns itself after the New Testament example and stands alone under the authority of the Bible. Independent churches have no organized organization over them in authority. They direct their own affairs under the authority of the New Testament Scriptures, free from outside interference. The New Testament teaches that Christ is the head of the church, (Eph. 5:23) and that the local pastor is the under-shepherd (Heb. 13:17, Acts 20:28, Eph. 4:11) or leader of the congregation. The Independent Baptist church has a congregational form of government with each adult member having the right of the vote. All the affairs of the church are conducted by the local congregation. The local church is to be autonomous and self-governing.
The word "Independent" does not mean:
1. That the church is independent from God’s authority and leadership.
2. That the church is indulgent in carnal living.
3. That the church is isolated from the world by neglecting to give the gospel to others and from other Christians of like faith.
We are constrained by the love of God to evangelize the lost and fellowship with God’s people living in obedience to His commands.
Fundamental:
This term is not to be confused with political or religious extremism as used for example: “Islamic fundamentalism.”
Fundamental refers to the church’s desire to reaffirm and defend the essential doctrines or fundamentals of the New Testament Christian faith.
The fundamentals of the faith may be summarized by the following statements:
1. The Verbal Inspiration of Scriptures
2. The Virgin Birth of Christ
3. The Vicarious Death of Christ
4. The Victorious Resurrection of Christ
5. The Visible Return of Christ
Baptist: (An acrostic is used to help one to remember what it means to be a Bapstist).
B - Bible: The Bible is our sole authority in all matters of belief and practice.
A - Autonomy of the Church: The local church is an independent body
accountable to Jesus, the head of the church, making the church
self-governing. The church is to be supported financially by the tithes and
offerings freely given by the church members.
P - Priesthood of the Believer: Every believer today has access to God
through Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest.
T - Two Offices: Pastor (also called Elder or Bishop in the Bible) and Deacon.
I - Individual Soul Liberty: All men have the liberty to choose what he
believes is right and is thus accountable for his choice.
S - Saved Church Membership: Local church membership is restricted to
individuals who give a believable testimony of personal faith in Christ and
have publicly identified themselves with Him in believer's baptism (by
immersion).
T - Two Ordinances: The Lord's Supper and Baptism are the only two ordinances
that we see being taught/practiced in the New Testament. We do not view
these practices as "sacraments." A sacrament is a religious rite done so that
one may gain God's grace or favor. Baptists reject the idea of sacraments.
S - Separation of Church and State: The Church and the State have been given different
roles and responsibilities by God and those boundaries should be respected by both
sides.
Note: Typically only Baptist churches or those that are "baptistic" believe all of the above items, though other evangelical churches believe some of them. .
