The Independent Fundamental Baptists are a conservative movement that began in the late 19th to early 20th century, at a time when many Baptist denominations were moving away from the ideals of biblical inerrancy and other conservative beliefs.
In response, several local congregations left the larger Baptist denominations to become independent churches. Given their emphasis on the fundamentals of Baptist faith, they became known as fundamentalists. Many of the churches in this classification will refer to themselves as independent, fundamental, Bible-believing, or KJV-only, as the majority of them believe that the King James Version of the Bible is the best translation.
Many of the Fundamental Baptist churches claim to trace their origins to the New Testament Church, pointing to a succession of groups that have carried the Baptist tradition, such as the Messalians, Montanists, Novationists, Donatists, Paulicians, Waldenses, Albigenses, Lyonists, Arnoldites, Anabaptists, and Mennonites.
Fundamental Baptists believe in strict separation from the world, and most will not fellowship with churches outside of the movement.
Fundamental Baptists hold to a literal interpretation of the Bible, understanding Scripture on the basis of a historical-grammatical context, but when a literal interpretation makes sense, then that is the understanding they will take from it.
Most Independent Fundamental Baptist congregations are conservative in their dress. Women will wear dresses that come below the knees, and men wear collared shirts.
Traditional hymns are used during the worship service, and they reject the use of drums or guitars.
Independent Fundamental Baptist churches believe that the New Testament is the authority in matters of faith and practice. They do not look to creeds, confessions, or church councils for doctrine.
The church is made up of saved, baptized believers. Members must first exhibit a trust and faith in Jesus, and be baptized by immersion. Infant baptism and sprinkling are rejected. Some Independent Baptist churches will not accept baptisms from any other church, requiring those who were baptized in another church to be rebaptized in order to transfer membership.
Independent Fundamental Baptists believe that no one has authority over the church except Jesus, rejecting all governmental authority over the church.
Local churches are autonomous, and not subject to civil authorities or denominational conventions. Each church is self-governing.
Fundamental Baptist churches believe that each individual believer has the ability to interact with God without mediation. Neither a priest nor a pastor is required in order to connect with God.
Many Independent Baptist churches adhere to a church government method of congregationalism, in which each member has one vote on all matters relating to the church. Even where the pastor is the leader of the church, decisions are made by a vote of the congregation.
While some of the Independent Fundamental Baptist churches are wholly independent, others have organized into fellowships and associations, such as Foundations Baptist Fellowship International, IFCA International, Independent Baptist Fellowship International, Nationwide Independent Baptist Fellowship, Southwide Baptist Fellowship, Southwide Independent Baptist Fellowship, and the World Baptist Fellowship.
Beginning in the 1990s, the Southwide Baptist Fellowship has been loosening its requirements on dress and behavior, as well as its insistance on the use of the King James Version of the Bible, although most of its congregations remain KJV-only.
Independent Baptist churches that fall within the parameters outlined above are appropriate for this category, and may include fellowships and associations not mentioned here. However, websites representing local congregations should be listed in the appropriate Local & Global category unless they include substantive information about the beliefs and practices of the church body.
Recommended Resources
Created by someone who was raised to be a member of an Independent Fundamental Baptist church, and attended an IFB school through the twelfth grade, the site emphasizes what the author considers to be errors in the Fundamental Baptist churches, including spiritual abuse, characterizing the IFB churches as a cult. Several articles are included, and the author invites others to share their experiences, as well. Testimonials and book recommendations are also posted.
http://www.baptistdeception.com/
Online since 1996, the site was created by missionaries and church planters for the Fundamental Baptist churches, the site covers a variety of Bible topics from a Fundamental Baptist perspective, including apologetics, sermons, Bible studies and commentaries, a defense of the King James Version of the Bible, and the charismatic and tongues movement. The author’s testimony, doctrinal statement, and positions are also featured.
http://www.bible-truth.org/
Specializing in the sale of Baptist books that utilize the King James Version of the Bible, the online bookstore offers several types of KJB Bibles, study guides, commentaries, references, sermons, devotionals, biographies, and Christian fiction, as well as DVDs and video, church supplies, gift certificates, pamphlets, music, and other products. Clearance items and special offers are included. Topics may be browsed by category or located by keyword search.
http://www.fundamentalbaptistbooks.com/
A source for materials written by Independent Fundamental Baptist authors, the book publishers focuses on materials using the King James Version of the Bible and following the traditional doctrines of the IFB churches. A doctrinal statement is provided, and its materials may be found by topic or by author, with various sorting options available. Authors are invited to publish their work through IBA Direct, and an application is available online. Purchases may be made online.
http://www.ibadirect.com/
Created in 1995, IBNet helps Independent Baptist churches to connect by serving as an informal online gathering place for Baptists, promoting a biblical Baptist worldview, and offering contacts for Independent Baptist churches, organizations, and individuals, which may be located by keyword search or within a stated distance from a specified location. An overview of the site is given, including ways in which it may benefit Baptist ministries, schools, or individuals.
https://ibnet.org/
Sermons from Independent Fundamental Baptists are featured here and may be sorted by title, preacher, or topic category. Biographies of some of the IFB preachers featured on the site are included. Instructions on the use of the site are set forth, along with locating and downloading available sermon audio. Contributors to the site may have a private login, allowing them to upload new content, and a list of other related pages and sites are included.
http://www.ifbsermons.com/
Independent Baptist Online College
The unaccredited, fundamental Baptist college uses the King James Version of the Bible as its sole Scripture text. Its distinctives, courses, degree programs, costs and fees, and an explanation as to why its degrees are intentionally unaccredited are put forth. Students not wishing credit may take courses for free. Resources for pastors interested in training and mentoring students within the congregation are provided.
https://www.ibaptistcollege.org/
The database of churches using the King James Version of the Bible allows viewers to search the church name, denomination, or city, state, or zip code. With listings in all fifty US states, an overview of how the database works is provided, along with KJV distinctions that give the viewer an idea of what the church’s stance is with regards to the KJV, their doctrinal stance, and church listing tags are included. Listings may be suggested or updated.
https://www.kjvchurches.com/
Presented by the Fundamentalist Baptist Church in Santa Ana, California, a definition and profile of what it means to be a Fundamental Baptist or an Independent Fundamental Baptist congregation is set forth, including a history of the movement, within the United States and elsewhere, and the distinction between the larger grouping of Independent Fundamental Baptists and the sub-grouping known as Fundamentalist Baptists, as well as the distinctions between other groupings.
http://www.thefundamentalbaptist.com/
