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True Fundy · 09-04-2012, 07:50 PM

In a way, I hate to ask this question because it may cause some to think I have some sort of identity crisis. In all honesty, I had really no clue that there was such a person as a IFB. Oh yes I knew many growing up but it didn't dawn on me that that's who they were until just about three or four years ago. I grew up in a "Bible" church and I've recently started attending there once again. Here's some background to consider.

1) I went to an IFB college - I didn't really understand until years later that the college was IFB but I've been enlightened.

2) I taught in a Christian school that was run by an IFB church

3) I went back to the same IFB for seminary training.

4) My church I interned at is IFB (and huge HAC supporters no less)

My beliefs

1) From my understanding of scripture, it really ultimately doesn't matter if a person was immersed or poured or sprinkled as long as their baptism took place after salvation. I know plenty of godly people who were poured and they're far more advanced in their Christian walk than most IFB's I know.

2) My Bible is KJV but mostly because that's what I've always used - not because I think it's a sin to use anything else.

3) My wife (if the Lord leads me to one someday) will wear pants because it's ultimately not an issue that will keep her from growing in the Lord.

4) I consider myself Baptist by association only (that is, God may lead me to once again minister in a IFB church) - but I'm not Baptist by conviction - may no one ever call me an IFB. I don't accept labels other than being a follower of Jesus Christ.

So can I honestly say I was never an IFB? I really am not having an identity crisis. This, I believe, is an honest question and my career in full time vocational ministry may ride on what I decide. Any of you ever wonder this?

**claire de lune** · 09-04-2012, 07:57 PM

Yet another thread that asks some of the same questions I have been pondering! I have no idea how to answer, so I hope you get lots of constructive input. Smile

That'sWhatItSays · 09-04-2012, 08:00 PM

You are a non-denominational Christian with a Baptist background.

Papa Bear · 09-05-2012, 11:22 AM

(09-04-2012 08:00 PM)ThatsWhatItSays Wrote: You are a non-denominational Christian with a Baptist background.

I agree.

**exOBCstudent** · 09-05-2012, 03:38 PM

I think I agree with the previous conclusions. I knew for a fact that I was IFB because it seemed like all our MOGs ever talked about. Baptist this baptist that, "KJB" only, standards, blah blah blah.

We even hosted "Baptist Heritage" Conferences where we bragged about our IFB label. Rolleyes

For me, there was absolutely no doubt what we were.

dramaturge · 09-06-2012, 11:13 AM

I would say that ion the past you were in an IFB-like (if not explicitly) environment, and were involved with and IFB mindset and philosophy. Now you are not. I wouldn't say you're a closet fundy. I would say you used to be in a fundamentalist environment and likely possessed and fundy mindset. You don't have to be strictly IFB to be a part of fundamentalism as an ideology. It doesn't sound like you are currently ensconced in that ideology, though.

Historian · 09-06-2012, 09:24 PM

(09-04-2012 08:00 PM)ThatsWhatItSays Wrote: You are a non-denominational Christian with a Baptist background.

^This