The difference(s) between IFB and SBC?

[hazeleyes80]

I'm still looking for a home church, and I am definitely leaning toward a baptist church. I have been to several SBC churches, but I know there are other types of churches. I realize that there is at least one obvious difference between IFB churches and the SBC - IFB churches are independent and SBC churches are part of a governing body. Is that the only difference or are there others?

 

[TwinCrier]

Because IFB churches are "independent" they do vary quite a bit. I've heard of some churches that do not permit women to wear pants.... ever, or refuse to allow music in the church that has a "downbeat" whatever that means. Your best bet is to ask to see the church constitution or articles of faith to see what the church professes to believe.

By the way, I love your sig. Bones and Numb3rs are awesome!

 

[No Swansong]

Bones is really cool.
What I have noticed is pretty much the same as TC. IFB Churches are varied. But to be fair so are SBC. I have visited SBC Churches that were exactly like the Church TC mentioned and I have been to SBC Churches that were almost Methodist in practice. (even including the use of vestements. well an alb and stole) it seemed so out of character that I asked a member if it was a visiting preacher. It was the pastor.

 

[kobuk]

The Southern Baptist Convention just like most Protestant denominations has it's share of major problems. I could never recommend anyone go to an SBC Church without knowing the individual Church.

I've spent years in SBC Churches under the leadership of excellent Pastors who themselves were in much disagreement with many of the shifts in policy among the SBC Leadership. So you can find a great SBC Church to attend. The odds are probably still in your favor. Since Apostates like some of the most well known SBC "leaders" still cannot do sufficient destruction to all the Churches.

Independent Baptist Churches are something i know much less about. But i've been in communitities that had them and some are excellent.

Christianity is always being mixed with Paganism. So you want to find the most pure true Church you can. That means avoiding any Protestant Church that is ecumenical. Study the Church you are planning to become a member of. For instance. See what affiliation it might have with known false teachers, false religions and false organizations.

You can find some excellent Churches by listening to the preaching on Sermonaudio.com

Very many excellent Churches still exist all over the USA and around the world. So there is good reason to be optimistic in finding one.

 

[hazeleyes80]

Thank you all for your input. I'm sure I'll figure out where I fit eventually.

 

[kobuk]

Our Creator will always guide you to truth.

 

[doctrellor]

Wll, I'm a home churcher myself. I havefriends who are in 'Brick & Mortars', but I don't meet there

as far as the differences between IFB & SBC on my niche, most just glance over HC's and diregard us which is sad. Some people are seeing that cell groups or home fellowships for food/bible study is a great way to go, as the SBC's are more likely to de-centralize while IFB's are much more centralized with an almost iron-fist ruler...

SO I am saddened by SBC's slide into scriptural decline, and IFB's iron-fisted rulership, so I am just inclined to stay put with my little HC group and meet