Good things and bad things about IFB churches

In response to Reformer's question, I believe Dr. Bob is referring to what is called EASY BELIEVISM.

[ November 04, 2002, 12:26 PM: Message edited by: Rose ]

 

Good things usually found in an IFB church:
High Standards, No worldly music labeled Christian, Good fellowship and concern for the brethern within, KJV only, proper order of God given authority...

Bad things sometimes found in an IFB church:
Controlling Pastor, improper balance of teaching and preaching, lack of mercy and grace to fellow man, an attitude of Superiority over others, an ability to twist scripture to promote their own agenda...

 

Rose, your post is a very good one and I agree...to a point.

I would put a couple of your "Good Things" in the "Bad Things" list, but that is just me and I think I know where you are coming from.

Grace and Peace

 

I would agree with most of whats been said. I was saved in an IBC almost 30 years ago and spent most of my younger years in them.

Most of the unspoken word I got from those churches was as seperatist, that is they wanted to make it clear they were Independant and didn't like what the Southern Baptist were doing. That is so today also, as I have been visiting churches in my area I visited another IBC and when asked where I came from, as we talked, it came up again, "I am very concerned about what the southern Baptist are doing, I don't like it." I didn't ask for explanations as that is not my concern. It would be nice if all Baptist could at least get along despite the minor differences. We spend so much time trying to prove our points or our side, when Jesus told us to spread the gospel, not to argue over what denomination,Bible version, or other theological issued that do not affect Gods Word or Him in spreading the gospel. I think this forum is a good place to discuss the issues but as far as the pulpit or in the Sunday school class the subjects should be kept to what Jesus would have us Preach and Teach and not doctrinal statements that cause division among other Baptist Breathren.I believe when it comes down to the points listed above all Baptist believe the same, and our prejudices need to be taken to the cross.

God Bless

 

phill.4:8 finally brethren, whatsoever things are true,whatsoever things are honest,whatsoever things are just,whatsoever things are pure,whatsoever things are lovely,whatsoever things are of good report;if there be any virtue,and if there be any praise,think on these things. aw heck read the whole chapter. amen
atta boy! southeren baptist boy

 

bump

 

I was an IFB for 12 years..........NEVER again!!

 

Dr. Bob you dont believe in easy believism, thats funny because the way the bible explains it is to do so by easy believism way.do you believe in a hard beliveism? granted that a prayer wont take you to heaven but a true faith on Jesus Christ will. now when people go out soulwinning ( which i am totally for) they need to throughly explain themselves so the people know that they are on thier way to heaven not by works, but by faith. the Independdant Baptist are not ruled by a pastor, though he does set the direction. there is no need to seek a council on what he can or cannot preach, its all given to him in his Bible study. if your pastor is a good one he will get you give to the church. 10% in fact. plus what you can do in offerings to missions or building projects. a preacher that tells you to give your money to him, or your praise is a reprobate. yes we are fanatics, why because we have a true savior that needs to be proclaimed, and if you do believe in something you ought to believe with your whole heart. many men fought and died to keep the most fanatical beliefs, such as Lords supper and the scriptures, and we cant stand up and do things more to the coservitive side of things then be liberal jelly fished chritians. if im gonna serve God its going to be with the same fervor David had, AFTER GODS OWN HEART! Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest
there is no in between with me sir. nor with God. i want to be able to get to heaven and when God looks down and judges me at least i can say, i gave it all i had.

 

Yes, Brother Curtis, but I have seen many times where they feel intimidated enough not to do so. Instead the church either split, or the people stayed and grumbled at how unhappy they were.

I've found this to be true in many IFB churches.

AJL

 

Yes, Brother Curtis, but I have seen many times where they feel intimidated enough not to do so. Instead the church either split, or the people stayed and grumbled at how unhappy they were.

I've found this to be true in many IFB churches.

AJL[/QB][/QUOTE]

You are absolutely correct, I know of a church where there was a split and the people that stayed found out that the people who left where right, but they stayed anyway, praying and trying to help the pastor, but it just left them open for attack. They eventually left as well. Those that remain are new so they don't really know what has happened and are in full support of the pastor.

The pastor is very dictatorial (sp) and uses the scripture to promote his agenda. When someone actually realizes this they are silenced or attacked to a point that they have no choice but to leave. I have seen this time and again. It is so sad. I like the independant status, but I do not like that pastors have absolute rule especially when they are placed above the scripture.