Free Will Baptists: What Do They Stand For?

In my experience with family going to Free Will Baptists, I was not aware of them being KJVO (which I don't object to, by the way, as I am). I have never heard any talk about Landmarkism, but they were not very doctrinal relatives either. My experience is limited, but I hope this helps.

 

In Webster County, Mississippi, the church is likely part of the National Association of Free Will Baptists. Their Treatise of Faith and Practice is linked HERE.

Their treatise states falling from grace this way: "There are strong grounds to hope that the truly regenerate will persevere unto the end, and be saved, through the power of divine grace which is pledged for their support; but their future obedience and final salvation are neither determined nor certain, since through infirmity and manifold temptations they are in danger of falling..." However there may be some "leniency" here because I have known a couple of FWB preachers who seemed not to agree that one could fall from grace.

"Washing the Saints’ Feet. This is a sacred ordinance, which teaches humility and reminds the believer of the necessity of a daily cleansing from all sin." In doctrine, it is considered an ordinance. I think all will agree with it on paper. I am aware of one church that hasn't actually practiced it in years (but I'm sure they would say they believe it is an ordinance if asked).

As Squire noted, no connection whatsover to Landmarkism, and generally take the opposite position. For example, they practice open communion: "It is the privilege and duty of all who have spiritual union with Christ to commemorate His death, and no man has a right to forbid these tokens to the least of His disciples." I think you will find widespread use and approval of the KJV, and some that are KJV-Only. But that view is not incorporated in their Treatise of Faith.

Their view on ordination is slightly different from many other Baptists: "The authority to ordain ministers has its source in the local church...Free Will Baptist churches, in most areas, have traditionally delegated this authority to the associations in which they voluntarily unite themselves." They also take an official stance in favor of tithing -- which a lot of other Baptists leave as an open question.