What is a Bible Church?
Local churches have been in existence since the time of Christ. Groups
of believers gathered together to form local congregations. Through the
years some churches have identified with various denominational groups,
However, there have been independent churches during each period of church
history. Such churches continue to flourish throughout many parts of the
world today, effectively ministering God's Word.
What are the distinctives of an independent, fundamental Bible church? Here
are our biblical criteria for such a church.
I. A Church That is Independent
The churches established by the first century apostles of Christ began
as independent churches. They were free from outside control over the affairs
of the local church. Each local church was a self-governing body, chose
its own officers (Acts 6:1-6), and exercised its own discipline (1 Corinthians
5:13). Internal problems were handled by the individual congregation (1
Corinthians 6:1-5). Preservation of pure doctrine was the responsibility
of the local assembly (1 Timothy 3:15, Revelation 2:14-16).
Following this pattern, today's independent church depends upon the
Holy Spirit's direction (Acts 13:1-3), chooses its own name, government,
and programs. It is free to call its own pastor and invite into the pulpit
any speakers it deems sound in the faith.
Another important characteristic is the liberty enjoyed in the manner
of missionary support. Independent churches are free to seek God's direction
in supporting those ministries they find acceptable. The primary aim of
all missionary and evangelistic effort is personal salvation and discipleship
through Christ.
The independence of a church simply enhances its dependence upon the
Lord. Each church looks to Him for the provision of its every need. This
encourages prayer, faith and spiritual growth among its members.
An independent Bible church is not only self-governing, it is also self-supporting
through the free-will offerings of its constituents (1 Corinthians 16:1-2;
2 Corinthians 9:6-8).
II. A Church That is Fundamental
A fundamental church is one that stands for the historic fundamentals
of the faith, upholding biblical authority versus human theories. To be
fundamental means to be believe in and proclaim those beliefs such as:
 | The verbal plenary inerrant inspiration of the Bible |
| The virgin birth, absolute deity and sinless life of Jesus Christ |
| The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ to provide salvation
for all |
| The person and work of the Holy Spirit |
| The reality of Satan and his destructive work today |
| The personal and bodily return of Jesus Christ |
| The bodily resurrection of all men; some to eternal life and some to
everlasting punishment |
III. A Church That is Bible Centered
An independent fundamental Bible church emphasizes the use of the Bible in
the regular church services. The Bible is revered as the guide for daily
Christian faith and living.
The pastor preaches directly from the Bible in his pulpit ministry.
The educational program of the church is likewise centered in the Bible
and is designed to develop biblical values and standards by which to live.
Sunday school teachers instruct from it. Teaching materials are based
on it. Youth programs utilize it.
IV. A Church With Distinctive Emphases
In addition to the things already mentioned, there are five additional
distinctives of independent fundamental Bible churches.
- A Unique Church Membership
- A personal experience of the new birth is a prerequisite to church
membership. Independent fundamental Bible churches require testimony of one's
salvation before membership.
- Observance of Two Ordinances
- All who are truly born-again are invited to remember the Lord at the
communion table, regardless of church membership. All believers are encouraged
to follow the biblical teaching regarding water baptism as a testimony
to their faith in Christ.
- Scriptural Giving
- Financial support for the local church is received from the free-will
offerings of those attending in accord with 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 and 2
Corinthians 9:6-8.
- Independent but Not Isolated
- Independence does not mean isolation. Independent churches try to obey
the "one anothers" of the Bible to develop a spirit of interdependence.
According to the Scriptures, all who have trusted Christ as Savior belong
to the "body of Christ" (Ephesians 1:22-23). In a spirit of
oneness, many independent churches are involved in a vast network of fellowship,
such as the I.F.C.A. International (see below).
- Spiritual Unity of All Believers
- The body of Christ transcends all earthly denominations and organizations
(Ephesians 1:22-23). It is composed of all who have trusted Christ as Savior,
regardless of organizational affiliation (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Independent fundamental Bible churches strive to be loyal to Christ and his
Word rather than to any organization. They seek to establish, preserve,
and expand local churches according to the New Testament pattern (Matthew
28:18,20; Acts 13:3-4).
NOTE: The above article was taken from a pamphlet of the same name
distributed by the Independent Fundamental Churches of America (IFCA International).
I.F.C.A. International
The I.F.C.A. International(IFCA) is an association of independent, fundamental
chuches. The IFCA recognizes and upholds the independence and autonomy
of the local body of believers. The IFCA promotes and offers the following
to member churches:
| Fellowship among fundamental churches |
| Support services to local churches and pastors |
| Publications |
| Outreach |
If you would like more information about the IFCA, please write or call
them at:
- I.F.C.A. International
P.O. Box 810
Grandville, Michigan 49468-0810 U.S.A.
Phone: (616) 531-1840 or (800) 347-1840
FAX (616) 531-1814
Or, visit their home page at http://www.ifca.org
