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Away-From-The-Umbrella · 08-20-2012, 08:32 PM

IFB Pastor and HAC grad, Tom Brennan, wants to see reform in the IFB movement and is naming names.

Although I am no longer IFB (too much water under the bridge for me, and I generally disagree on many issues) it is refreshing to hear an IFB pastor give it an honest look. The sermon is available in both audio and text and is entitled "39 Years as an Independent Baptist and Grieving"

http://maplewoodbiblebaptistchurch.org/m...p?pageID=6

Tikatu · 08-20-2012, 10:49 PM

Interesting. He seems to boil it down to the meat of the matter. I think he still has the sense of IFB doctrinal superiority, but his ideas are refreshing, as you say.

**Tiarali** · 08-21-2012, 01:51 AM

At this point in time, why bother talking about reforming the IFB? Have a look at the huge amount of damage and abuses they have caused. Now have a look at the actual good they have done. There is nothing salvageable. Wipe the lot, sell the churches' land and buildings, and use the money to help those who have been hurt.

There is nothing good in an IFB church that you can't find elsewhere.

believerinHIM · 08-21-2012, 01:58 AM

I am glad someone finally in the IFB had the guts to stand up!

JustaServant · 08-21-2012, 05:53 AM

Is this the same Tom Brennen from the Fighting Fundamentalist Forum?
If it is I wouldn't get too excited.

Grandma2012 · 08-21-2012, 07:15 AM

(08-21-2012 05:53 AM)JustaServant Wrote: Is this the same Tom Brennen from the Fighting Fundamentalist Forum?
If it is I wouldn't get too excited.

Yes. And while he holds a "stricter" viewpoint than I do on some things, Tom is a good person and I respect him.

elfdream · 08-21-2012, 07:27 AM

Too little way too late.

**exOBCstudent** · 08-21-2012, 08:21 AM

(08-21-2012 07:27 AM)elfdream Wrote: Too little way too late.

Agreed.

Just Exhaled · 08-21-2012, 08:54 AM

Yes! Somebody finally said it!

I was curious as to what my former pastor had to say after Schaap was exposed to be a child molester. A former fellow IFB church member posted this the Sunday after the story broke.

*Awesome* message tonite @ church, really hit the nail on the head. I loveloveLOVE my church family and pastor! We aren't perfect, but we're learning and growing together, and I wouldn't have it any other way! I am humbled and grateful to be a part of Harvest Baptist Church!

So I forced myself to listen to the "Awesome" message. The entire time I listened, I was hoping that my former pastor would say the things that Tom Brennan said. Unfortunately, he fell woefully short. It was the typical bait and switch sermon. He began by luring you in with truths (mostly) then ended by criticizing those who criticize the movement and propping up the "wonderful" deacons of FBCH for doing the right thing. Overall it was luke warm and honestly, I was disappointed. I was told that things were changing at my former church and was hopeful that it was so. (Not that I would ever go back. I am not and can not be an IFB.) It is heartbreaking as I still do care for many people who remain. From the quote above you can see that the focus is still on the pastor and church and not on the Lord. It is more like the mentality of fans for a competitive sports team than that of one who humbly loves the Lord and in turn shows love and compassion for others. (By others I mean those outside the IFB bubble.)

I thought Brennan's sermon was courageous and I was thrilled when he said he was sending a written copy to as many IFB pastors as possible.

Just Exhaled · 08-21-2012, 08:56 AM

(08-21-2012 07:27 AM)elfdream Wrote: Too little way too late.

Agreed, but at least he said it. I will give him credit for that much.