Strongly autonomous Baptist congregations that emphasize separation from theological liberalism, the King James Bible, and traditional standards of personal holiness.
Independent Baptist churches are among the most fiercely autonomous congregations in American Christianity. They maintain no formal ties to any denomination or convention — each church is fully self-governing and accountable to no outside body. The movement grew out of the Fundamentalist controversy of the early 20th century, when many Baptist churches separated from denominations they believed had compromised with theological liberalism. The Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) stream, which represents the most conservative wing of the tradition, emphasizes strict separation from apostasy, the exclusive use of the King James Version of the Bible, and traditional standards of dress and conduct.
Independent Baptist churches vary considerably in their culture and practice, but most share a commitment to expository preaching, personal evangelism (often called "soul-winning"), and a clear distinction between the church and the world. Many IFB churches are known for their emphasis on standards — specific expectations for dress, music, and behavior that reflect the church's understanding of biblical holiness. These standards can vary significantly from church to church.
Independent Baptist churches are distinguished by their radical congregational autonomy, their strong separatism, and (in many cases) their exclusive use of the King James Bible. They differ from Southern Baptists in refusing convention affiliation and from Reformed Baptists in their Arminian or modified Calvinist theology and their emphasis on standards and separation.
Traditional and conservative, typically featuring hymns from a hymnal, expository preaching, and altar calls. Most Independent Baptist churches avoid contemporary Christian music and maintain traditional worship formats.
Movement solidified in the early-to-mid 20th century as a response to theological modernism in mainline denominations.
Their emphasis on personal evangelism, soul-winning campaigns, and strict standards of personal conduct and dress.