Independent Fundamental Baptist

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An Independent Fundamental Baptist church is a Bible-based Christian church that is locally organized and is not aligned with a denomination or convention. There are a substantial number of this type of church in the Bible belt with a lesser, but growing number elsewhere in the United States. Most Independent Fundamental Baptist churches use only the King James Bible ^{[citation needed]}.

Some Baptist denominations, such as Southern Baptist (currently the largest in the United States), will tend to suggest that Pastor accountability is better when churches are affiliated. However, Independent Fundamental Baptist churches believe the pastor to be accountable directly to God and the local church which he ministers to. As a safeguard towards accountability, many Independent Fundamental Baptist pastors do fellowship informally with one or more other like-minded pastors from their local area. However, these pastor friendship associations will generally be informal and non-binding as Ecumenical agreements of any kind typically are shunned.

The term Independent Fundamental Baptist is a proper-noun due to specific church type, but no organization has a copyright or servicemark to that term. Any independent church that preaches a Baptist message, would be free to properly call itself an Independent Fundamental Baptist church. Because there is no central authority which says what is and what is not an Independent Fundamental Baptist, a rogue/troublesome church (Baptist or otherwise) will sometimes bring ill-repute to the idea of indepdendent churches by attracting media attention via unkind or troubling activities.

Many Independent Fundamental Baptists are very committed to mission work, revival meetings and local evangelism. A frequent method might be door-to-door canvassing, coupled with distribution of Bible tracts.

Typically, gender distinct roles in church management are observed. Most typically, all deacons and ministry leaders will be male, though female Sunday School teachers will oftentimes have a role. All adult members, both male and female are allowed to vote and most church business will be done open-meeting style, in the sanctuary after Wednesday evening services.

Though the doctrine of Independent Fundamental Baptists can be stern, the Biblical principle of "speak the truth in love" [1], if followed by the pastor, leaders and members of any church, will tend to keep it out of controversy and media problems.

Most Independent Fundamental Baptist churches will be organized under local and/or state law, incorporated as a non-profit institution, though some are not.

Fundamental Baptists are often accused of being hateful or judgmental towards others not in line with their beliefs. Often they are accused of not showing love, but rather a "do as I say or else" attitude.