For some time I have been thinking of writing of my first-hand experience with the IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptist) Church. I have fought the internal battles that most people fight when they realize that years of their life have been controlled and wasted by those in authority at the IFB churches. Yet here I go. I wish to share my raw, unedited comments and experiences with the hope of helping others in their journey with Christ and out of Institutionalized Christianity.
I grew up in the IFB movement, tasting almost every major flavor of the IFB. I was exposed to the Ruckman style, BJU style, Ambassador Baptist style, PCC style, Hyles-Anderson style, and even an SBC cherry on top. At the age of 16, I felt burdened to become an IFB pastor, specifically ministering to youth. After high-school, off I went to train at PCC (Pensacola Christian College for those who don't know the common acronyms). I sat under the teaching of current pastors and sat along side those who, like me, were training for the ministry. After graduating college in 2004, I immediately went to work at Victory Baptist Church in Ocoee, FL as an Assistant Pastor/Youth Pastor. After being forced out of this church by the pastor and his crew of "yes-men" (more on this later), I moved North to serve under the pastor of Union Bible Church in Alburgh, VT. This was the same church my wife grew up in, and which her father is still serving as a deacon. Although the word "Baptist" is not found in its name, the church is operated the same system and has the same beliefs as a Baptist church. As further proof, the pastor has a degree from a college/institute associated with a Baptist church, guest speakers come from Baptist churches, etc. My intention from the beginning was to slowly involve myself in this ministry, but very quickly I realized what I wanted for my family and me was secondary to what the pastor wanted.
We arrived in July 2007, shortly before VBS (Vacation Bible School). My goal upon arriving was to find a decent job, place to live, and establish our lives in this new place. These important decisions, of course, were all put on the back burner for the sake of ministering a full week at VBS. For the sake of the Lord/for the sake of the ministry, this is exactly what I did, assuming God would take care of me as payment for serving Him. No doubt, the Lord did take care of me throughout my life, yet it was never His way of reimbursing me for my work. He has taken care of me simply because I am His child and, as a Good Father, what He wants to do.
Five years later, after finishing up what would be my last VBS at the church, I was excommunicated by the pastor himself. What happened at both churches, you ask? I committed the unpardonable sin in the IFB movement, and what I believe is the first sign that you are a part of a cult - I QUESTIONED THE PASTOR/LEADER AND HIS AUTHORITY. Both times I was labeled as INSUBORDINATE. Oddly enough, I have never lost a secular job or ever was accused of being insubordinate by any boss outside of the IFB movement.
What amazes me is that you can commit sin against God, and remain comfortably in the church, yet the moment you commit sin against the pastor, you are ridiculed, criticized, and in my case excommunicated. As the man of God, the pastor is to receive unquestioning commitment to his belief system, ideology, direction, decisions, and practices by the members of his church. Anyone who is not fully committed is either labeled as rebellious or bitter (the favorite label of the IFB). Eventually, anyone who questions the pastor and/or his authority, is counseled, is asked to leave, or in my case forced to leave and possibly excommunicated. It matters nothing if the pastor says "This is not my church, it is God's" if questioning the pastor's authority or beliefs is a "sin" worthy of excommunication and breaking one of God's commands will lead to more counseling or encouragement to church attendance (so he doesn't fall again, of course!).
Most supporters of the IFB will respond in customary fashion to my situation. They will say I am bitter (has happened many times already) and argue that not all IFB churches are the same, hence the "I" in IFB (I = Independent). I used to say the same thing and believe my churches were also different. However, every IFB church that I have ever been a part of, operates with unquestioning commitment and loyalty to the pastor (For the record, I served in some capacity in at least 16 different IFB churches and have attended more IFB churches than I can remember to even attempt to number. The 16 churches were located anywhere between Vermont to Florida and Virginia to Nevada.) A quick survey of the internet will also reveal that my experiences are by no means unique. So with confidence I can say that all IFB churches have the same, corrupt, pastor-centric system where a pastor serves as the head, and not God.
Christ suffered, bled, died, and rose again to abolish the system where there is a man between one's relationship with God.
Is the church you are a part of a cult? The quickest way to find out is to take a look at the position of your pastor. Do you and/or others give complete support and loyalty to him? Is the way you serve God by serving what the pastor wants or says to do? Have you ever had a problem with a pastor's decision, teaching, belief, etc. but refused to question him because he is the man of God? Do you refer to him as "the man of God"? Do you run every decision by him (purchase of house, new job, etc.)? Do you excuse his lies as ways he is protecting his people/protecting the sheep?
The first sign of a cult is that its leader receives unquestioning loyalty and commitment by his followers. If you are part of such a system, please get out! If you are afraid of leaving, simply question the pastor's beliefs, decisions, or even himself - then the decision will likely be made for you!
(Italicized words are all common phrases and cliches used in the IFB).
