MY ADVICE TO THOSE THINKING ABOUT LEAVING THE INDEPENDENT BAPTIST CHURCH MOVEMENT

MY ADVICE TO THOSE THINKING ABOUT LEAVING THE INDEPENDENT BAPTIST CHURCH MOVEMENT

June 27, 2022 Baptist Church History 0

ML Qualls (13) ML Qualls | Facebook

June 26, 2021  · MY ADVICE TO THOSE THINKING ABOUT LEAVING THE INDEPENDENT BAPTIST CHURCH MOVEMENT…I went to an independent Baptist church for the first time in 1968 about 9 months before I was born. Over these 53 years, I have seen my share of scandals, conflicts, and even a crime or two. Being in full time ministry for 32 years has given me a front row seat to many of these issues. In recent years, we have also seen social media sites, podcasts, and blogs attacking the Independent Fundamental Baptist (or IFB). As a result, countless believers and even preachers are leaving in protest. Some are wondering why I and others like me stay in it despite all the problems. Here are 10 reasons that I am and will continue to be an Independent Fundamental Baptist believer…NOTE: I have many friends and followers on here from different denominations and opinions that this post is not intended for. My burden is not to demean your church or to start a debate over who’s right or wrong. Many of you post things that I don’t agree with, but I don’t comment because I respect your opinion and space. If you’re not part of an IFB church now or have been in the past, please don’t post comments.1. I BELIEVE THE DOCTRINES OF THE OLD-FASHIONED INDEPENDENT FUNDAMENTAL BAPTIST ARE STILL CLOSEST TO THE SCRIPTURES…in spite of all her problems, I cannot throw Biblical truth and doctrine to the curb. There are too many flaws in the ecumenical non-denominational movement for me to embrace it with my whole heart. Emotional experiences are no substitute for doctrinal truth……Period. 2. I BELIEVE THOSE WHO ARE HIGHLIGHTING THE CORRUPTION AND COVERUPS IN OUR MOVEMENT SHOULD BE HEARD INSTEAD OF ATTACKED…although I cringe when I see the stories of crimes and immorality being detailed on these social media sites, I don’t feel threatened. Shedding light on these problems is necessary. Hearsay and accusations should be dismissed, but a lot of what is being brought to light is just plain vile. If the same brethren who are cussing these podcasts and blogs had blasted their peers in the past over their sin, we wouldn’t be in this mess. How can we expect people to stay in an IFB church when we have weirdos and perverts in the pulpit?3. I BELIEVE IMMORAL AND CRIMINAL ACTIVITY IN A BAPTIST CHURCH HAPPENS IN SPITE OF…NOT BECAUSE OF THE IFB SYSTEM…every example of wrongdoing being discussed on social media would not have happened if the individual had followed IFB protocol. For example…don’t be alone with someone for long periods of time, be accountable to the men of the church, flirt with no one but your spouse, avoid shady financial dealings with church funds, etc.. Frankly, if a preacher messed with my wife, children, or grandchildren, the deacons would be the least of his problems. You expose yourself to my kids, steal from the treasury, get caught with a prostitute in a motel room, or slap a bus kid…you’ll go to jail right before we vote you out.4. I BELIEVE THE VAST MAJORITY OF PREACHERS, DEACONS, TEACHERS, CHURCH MEMBERS, ETC. IN OUR IFB CHURCHES LOVE GOD AND LOVE PEOPLE…over all these years, I have had the privilege of meeting and pastoring the best human beings on this planet. They love sinners, give sacrificially to missions, stand for what’s right, and love the Lord. It’s a shame that they are so maligned for the sins of other people.5. I BELIEVE EVERY CHURCH, NO MATTER THE DENOMINATION, WILL EXPERIENCE SOME SORT OF SCANDAL OVER THE YEARS…I’m not justifying or belittling it, but it does happen. Some churches have an overseeing entity to protect them while others have a deacon board to do it, we all have a judicial system at our disposal to protect us. The notion that evil is exclusive to the IFB movement is a little disingenuous. 6. I BELIEVE WE PUT TOO MUCH EMPHASIS ON BIBLE COLLEGES, MISSION BOARDS, AND CAMP MEETING CLICKS INSTEAD OF THE LOCAL AUTONOMOUS CHURCH…not only are the blessings of God showcased in the local church, but the scandals are too. Controversies or crimes coming to light in these larger settings tend to indict all of us. Localized problems remain local. It’s time to get back to our roots…building the local church.7. I BELIEVE IT’S A SHAME TO TAKE THE WORD, “CHURCH”, OUT OF YOUR NAME AND OFF OF YOUR SIGN…while some have removed any monicker identifying their meeting house as “Independent “ or “Baptist” or “Church”, we display our identity unashamedly. Instead of bowing our heads out of intimidation, we should stand confidently in the Biblical traditions we are known for. I certainly understand the hurt that some IFB people have caused, but they are not a reflection of the whole lot. Just because there have been some bad apples named “Qualls” doesn’t mean that I need to change my name. 8. I BELIEVE THE MODERN DAY “PRAISE AND WORSHIP” CONTEMPORARY MOVEMENT IS JUST A REHASHING OF THE “JESUS MOVEMENT” OF THE 1960’s…it seems like we’re seeing the religious hippy crowd come to fruition again. Trancelike worship with a 7-14 song (seven words sang fourteen times) being led by a semi talented woman has become the standard. I’m not belittling the sincerity of those in these churches, but it will never satisfy what my heart truly longs for…worship that reaches the soul and openly changes my life.9. I BELIEVE GOD HASN’T CHANGED HIS MIND ABOUT BIBLICAL HOLINESS, SIMPLE STANDARDS, AND MINISTERIAL QUALIFICATIONS…in an effort to appeal to sinners, we have embraced the world’s apparel, musical styles, and even their vocabulary. The church is supposed to be a “catalyst”…a catalyst is something that will change everything around it without losing its own characteristics. It’s sad that businesses, schools, restaurants, and stores have higher standards than the local church. Some of these wolves in the pulpit got there as a direct result of churches dropping the standards and just settling for a smooth personality. 10. I BELIEVE IT’S HYPOCRITICAL TO LABEL ME AS A BLIND PHARISEE THAT STAYS IN A DYING MOVEMENT WHEN I’M JUST PREACHING WHAT SOME OF MY CRITICS USED TO PREACH THEMSELVES…it’s odd how some preachers who have denounced the IFB churches try to make like they’re the victims. Some of you fellows called women “sluts”, used the “N” word in your sermons, made fun of overweight people, and assassinated the character of every preacher who didn’t bow to you. I’ve been on the receiving end of your character assassination attempts myself from time to time. I want to ask each of you preachers a simple question?…WHEN WERE YOU LYING? THEN OR NOW? HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN WHAT YOU USED TO PREACH? WHY DON’T YOU BE A MAN OF CHARACTER AND APOLOGIZE FOR MISLEADING US. AFTER THAT, YOU CAN LAUNCH YOUR NEW MINISTRY OUTSIDE OF THE IFB MOVEMENT WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE.AS A YOUNGSTER, I HAD MY SHARE OF DISAPPOINTMENT IN PREACHERS AND MORE SO AS AN ADULT. I HAD TO COME TO TERMS WITH A LOT OF PINT UP ANGER OVER THESE ISSUES. WHEN I QUIT BLAMING GOD AND HIS PEOPLE FOR THE SIN OF SOME SLOB IN THE PULPIT, I FINALLY FOUND PEACE IN MY HEART. I AM AND WILL REMAIN AN “INDEPENDENT FUNDAMENTAL BAPTIST” WTHOUT APOLOGY. GOD SPEED.

    • Mike CourtneyI came to Christ in 1973 partly because of the Jesus Movement! Still pressing on over 48 years now! I was a dope smoking hippie led to Jesus by a dope pushing hippie who got saved the year before! I was a pastor for over 18 years, now in my 16th year i… See more
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      • ML QuallsMike Courtney I’m thankful for what God did in your life then and what he is still doing today. There have been countless people that made professions of faith in that movement, in Billy Graham crusades, in Promise Keeper Rallies, in Amway, and the lis… See more
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      • Mike CourtneyML Qualls, yessir. I understand. Brother, we all have issues we’ll deal with till Jesus comes! We’re all messed up, though saved. Appreciate the post.
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    • JerryKaren NealAmen
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    • Ricky SmithAmen
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    • Clint KernsI want to go on record and say AMEN!!! I agree whole heartedly!!!
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    • Tommy LandOutstanding comments. A big amen. Believe me those so-called recovering fundamentalists have their problems too.
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    • Tommy LandAnother thing: I’m not in this way because of personalities but because of principles. I’m not familiar with these personnel issues you’re raising but they bother me about as much as a fly sitting on a bulls horn bothers him. I know Whom I have believ… See more3
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    • Dalton KeyAMEN BROTHER! You’re telling it right!
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    • Tammy LundyAMEN!!
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    • Leanda TroutmanAmen
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    • Larry EatonAnything man is involved in is imperfect.#UnapologeticallyIFB2
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    • David N Kendra MillerRight on!!!! 
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    • Elaine FaulknerAmen.
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    • Hilliard PittsI’m staying too brother
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    • Nathan NixVery well said and AMEN!
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    • Lorraine SnyderWell put, thank you.
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    • Jeff SummersAmen
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    • Glen EarlsWell said. Ib100% agree. I will remain an Independent Fundamental Baptist till the day I die.4
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    • Charlie SmithAmen brother. And if any church in south Texas needs someone who believes the above please let me know and I will try to serve.2
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    • Rashid IsingomaWhere else should I go?
    • Timothy A. PriceI became an Independent, Fundamental Baptist while in the military (USAF) stationed in Guam in 1986. Have never been a member of any other church, but the IFB. In my opinion, they are the closest to what Jesus and his disciples preached & taught.3
    • Jeffery DavisonWell said brother. I have always been and will continue to be a KJV only, traditional music, local church only, preacher of God’s Word. I have been preaching now for nearly 40 years unashamedly.2
    • Harold R DemoretAmen, I am also a independent fundamental KJV BIBLE believing Baptist preacher of almost 48 years. I am not ashamed of my Lord or His Word.
    • Mark SanchezGood article, I certainly could add to this but won’t, one observation from my point of view, in many ways the certain independent ministries are in fact a denomination, not being critical, same Bible schools , many surrounding themselves with to many yes (Amen ) men and creating cliques that create a Amen corner rather than iron sharpening iron,I got no solution, just an observation and comment
    • Okie VannGod bless those who have stayed the course… like an old joke I’ve heard a preacher boy say back in college, something about , weabals wobble but they don’t fall down. Lol , something bout little toys riding the storm of life… you old timers will get it..
      • ML QuallsOkie Vann I use to punch those things as hard as I could and it still bounced back up…I had sand in it.2
    • Mary HollandAmen! Preach KJV only! Great Godly Music. Only church I know that gives you the Word of God as the Bible Says. (not Man! )
    • Justin BrockThis was excellent. Thanks for sticking to the old paths Bro Qualls83 shares for a reason.
    • David PattersonThat will Preach, Amen brother.
    • Sheila SeesAmen. I myself make no apology for being a independent Baptist .I will never understand how people can claim to be independent then leave the independent for a southern Baptist or anotherThank you for your time to text this on Facebook
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    • Grady GregoryAmen preacher. I’ve been disappointed by some of my mentors, but never by my saviour. Saved, called to preach and ordained by 22 godly men of God that never disappointed me or was a disgrace to grace in an old fashioned Independent bible believing Bapt… See more3
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    • Joe BryantAmen & Amen!!
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    • Danny HarrelsonAmen brother
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    • Elliott SmithAmen preacher, if people can leave the Baptist and join these generic so calked churches let them go! We have preachers taking the Baptist name off of Baptist churches to blend in with the world, and be non- offensive. God help us to stand firm but stand holy in these last days!
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    • Dalton CranfordAmen
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