Mitchell County

Independent, Missionary, Southern Baptist (IMSB)—is there a difference, and why are we so particular about these groups of churches?

First, let me explain my background and association with each of these groups or denominations of churches. I grew up in a Missionary Baptist Church. I was licensed to preach the Gospel in a Missionary Baptist Church. I surrendered to preach in a Southern Baptist Church. I was ordained in an Independent Baptist Church. I have held paid ministry positions in all three of these types of churches.

The Lord led me to each of these churches as I followed Him in my call to be a pastor. I have served and preached in IMSB churches for 37 years.

I can tell you there is not a nickel’s difference in IMSB evangelical churches. They all adhere to historical Baptist doctrine. Historical meaning going back to the Baptist faith and practice before denominational titles and further extending back to the doctrine of Christ.

1 Timothy 6:3: “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;”

For example, we all adhere to the Bible as the Word of God—God-breathed, without error, complete in all that it affirms, and our only true source of practice and conduct in the Christian life and Church.

2 Timothy 3:16: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

I could go on and list Baptist doctrine—the Virgin Birth, deity of Christ, Trinity, sin, Heaven, salvation, security, and so on—and we would all agree.

Baptist churches have always risen to the challenge of defending biblical doctrine and clarifying and confronting doctrinal error. Understanding IMSB churches agree with Baptist doctrine, and I do not know of any evangelical church that doesn’t, then why are we divisive at times? Why are we particularly divisive over our ideas about church life?

The bottom line is that our sin, stubbornness, and pride cause problems in the church. Leaders are often unwilling to have the mind of Christ.

Philippians 2:5: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”

Humility goes a long way in solving problems.

What people tend to compare is the “flavor” of Baptist churches. In the sense of “flavor” or preference in these churches, there are differences.

For example, some people say that it is a country church or that it is a city church. Others would notice that it is a contemporary church, while others would say that it is an old-fashioned church. Some would prefer Gospel hymns, while others would prefer contemporary worship music.

So, when we talk about differences, we talk about what preferences people have in the way the church conducts itself and the way it has developed and characterized itself over the years.

Just like people who like different flavors of ice cream, people have different preferences in church styles and nature. We do not all dress the same because we have different preferences in clothing. Churches do not look the same because they are made up of different people.

Having different preferences in the style of the church we attend is not a bad thing because we are all different in nature. Paul spoke about this when he described the Body of Christ in comparison to different spiritual gifts.

1 Corinthians 12:14–15: “For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?”

We see in the New Testament that different churches were not all the same. A church is a local, visible body of baptized believers—born again and redeemed—carrying the Lord’s commission to go into the world and preach the Gospel.

We all have the same marching orders. Matthew 28:19–20.

Are we to assume and judge that an IMSB church that is different in nature or style but identical in Baptist doctrine is not glorious?

Ephesians 5:25–27: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

No, we are all working in the same field but in different areas of the garden.

Sometimes we must agree to disagree and keep serving the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. We have enough of a battle in this world to do what we need to do as churches than to conflict with one another.

I trust this article has helped you understand some things about the Baptist faith and practice, unity and clarity, and working together to see the lost saved, baptized, and growing in their faith.

Be active and faithful in your church.

Love to all,

Pastor Dean Honeycutt

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Pastor Dean Honeycutt shepherds Snow Hill Baptist Church in Bakersville, NC. He may be reached at 828-385-0213, [email protected], or visit their website at www.snowhillbaptist.com.

You can read more good Christian news from Dean HERE.

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