20/20 expose of IFB churches, any thoughts?
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ac7k
Puritan Board Freshman
I watched it and it was very disturbing. They are not preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. Salvation by works. Legalism to the nth degree. A cult in my mind. No accountability whatsoever. Perverted the grace that we have in Christ.
And of course to an unchurched person watching this, would say that it is what Christians are like... very sad indeed.
And of course to an unchurched person watching this, would say that it is what Christians are like... very sad indeed.
Kevin
Puritan Board Doctor
I grew up in this "group" & so I see much to criticise. But is it a cult? I really struggle with this issue. In our reformed world we also deal with nutters that want to claim "God's" blessing.
Are R2K groups that share the IFB worldview also "cultic"? I am not the first person to note the similarities of these 2 goups. What of those that claim to be the "One True Reformed Church" are they also on this slide?
Are R2K groups that share the IFB worldview also "cultic"? I am not the first person to note the similarities of these 2 goups. What of those that claim to be the "One True Reformed Church" are they also on this slide?
seajayrice
Puritan Board Sophomore
Independent Fundamental Baptist Church also associated with King James onlyism. There is some cultic psychology amongst the membership but it is not doctrinal. Legalist and proud of it!
MMasztal
Puritan Board Sophomore
I watched the show and didn’t have a problem with it. I’d be hard pressed to call the overall IFB “a cult” as they are only loosely affiliated. My former office manager belonged to a church such as this and I was familiar with their teachings: Arminian, legalistic, anti-intellectual, KJV-only, No alcohol, etc., for sure, but not supportive of any child abuse. However, the lack of accountability that Eric mentioned is a huge problem in any church with this type of ecclesiology. This lack of accountability probably attracts the legalistic, control-freak minded pastor.
I was pleased to see ABC interview the new pastor of the church where the problems started. He was clearly not supportive of the abuses that the ABC story was investigating and I don’t think there was any implication that the story applied to the church in general.
I was pleased to see ABC interview the new pastor of the church where the problems started. He was clearly not supportive of the abuses that the ABC story was investigating and I don’t think there was any implication that the story applied to the church in general.
Reformed Elder
Puritan Board Freshman
I grew up in IFB churches and spent NINE years under the ministry of the pastor [First Baptist Church of Hammond, IN] ABC posted video of (about women keeping themselves up, etc.). I was educated in an IFB college and my first two ministries (assistant pastoral positions) were in IFB churches. It was actually while serving in my last ministry that I began to (Study/Meditate) on the Scripture. I began to see the teachings of the IFB were largely out of touch with the Scripture (Free-Will salvation, KJV-onlism, no-alcohol, strict dress requirements, strict music requirements, single pastor polity, VERY legalistic, etc.) As each of these before mentioned belief positions began to fall way in light of Scripture I knew I was about to face the most difficult decision of my life. I had become almost completely reformed (minus paedo-baptism), and I couldn't keep their teaching down (it made me sick to my stomach). So basically breaking all ties that I had (family, friends) I resigned the ministerial position and the denominational movement. I now pastor a reformed baptist congregation. I consider myself independent as our church has no ties to a conference or fellowship, I consider myself fundamental (in that my beliefs are founded on sola scriptura and continue to as I grow in understanding of His Word). I also am baptistic (though not necessarily immersionist only). I am now 32 years old 26 years of my life where under the IFB influences. It took several year after leaving before my wife came to the understanding that I am at presently (she thought I was a heretic and going off the deep end = losing my faith), now she thanks me continually for being true to the Word of God, although I know it wasn't me but God. All I could do was pray that God would show her these things. Now as to the the 20/20 interviews let me say this. They presented EXTREMES. While I KNOW that things like this take place (I have heard all kinds of stories) the average IFB church truly does want to please God and obey His Word. I have experienced IFB churches exercising proper and biblical church discipline. I have also seen the cover ups and the ignoring of sin as well. 20/20 did present a few things well. 1. The mentality that the Pastor is somewhat untouchable does exist in these groups. To question him will bring more trouble than good (I know, I've done it). Usually you will be the one to lose. The only accountability may be to their version of elders called "deacons" 
But even then, sometimes they are only "yes" men. Sometimes they may actually have influence and/or power over the pastor (thus the pastor is doing what they want him to do). But normally the Pastor is where the buck stops. 2. All the "independent" groups are tied to a silent creed of beliefs. For instance, my in-laws just moved to our area to be close to the grandkids. However, they WILL NOT come to our church. They have narrowed their choice by looking up all the IFB churches in the area. Any church that does not say IFB will not be considered. So there is this unspoken understanding that they do, in general, believe the same thing. There are circles in the IFB. These circles are defined as liberal and conservative. The liberal circles may let their women wear pants, and may have a stronger rhythm to their music. They may also dress more stylish then others. This is a source of contention within. There are some IFB pastors and churches that do believe they are the only church, and their understanding is the only understanding. There are some IFB churches that have "loyalty" complexes. For instance, I know of one church where the pastor poured a glass of cool-aid for every staff member sitting on the stage behind him and asked them to drink without questioning. They did. THAT I believe is a "cult". Yet other pastors have preached "follow me as I follow Christ". They usually had the more sound churches. Duh! The real concern that I have is that they are very "unintelligent" in the area of bible literacy and of the arts. They promote "systems" of doctrine (KJV-onlism, Dispensationalism, Pre-trib rapturism, Arminianism, strict literalism, legalism, and separatist). It wasn't until I became reformed that I was challenged to better myself by educating myself in the Scriptures as well as in the arts (I presently play the viola and am learning languages). Not that these things determine if one is "intellectual" or not but the mindset of pursuing these things is absent generally in the IFB. The Arts arte of the devil and the world and will ultimately cause us to distrust "the faith". ONLY Christian ministry is to be pursued and every young person feels the pressure of entering the ministry (almost Mormon like). Any way I just want to say that yes the basic mindset and attitudes were as 20/20 presented but not in that extreme. Not all IFB churches and members should be labeled as such nor do they funtion in that way. Honestly, I think every institution that has man as a participate are in danger of evil things happening. I guess that is the evidence and result of original sin. Thank you O Sovereign God for your love and great salvation!
But even then, sometimes they are only "yes" men. Sometimes they may actually have influence and/or power over the pastor (thus the pastor is doing what they want him to do). But normally the Pastor is where the buck stops. 2. All the "independent" groups are tied to a silent creed of beliefs. For instance, my in-laws just moved to our area to be close to the grandkids. However, they WILL NOT come to our church. They have narrowed their choice by looking up all the IFB churches in the area. Any church that does not say IFB will not be considered. So there is this unspoken understanding that they do, in general, believe the same thing. There are circles in the IFB. These circles are defined as liberal and conservative. The liberal circles may let their women wear pants, and may have a stronger rhythm to their music. They may also dress more stylish then others. This is a source of contention within. There are some IFB pastors and churches that do believe they are the only church, and their understanding is the only understanding. There are some IFB churches that have "loyalty" complexes. For instance, I know of one church where the pastor poured a glass of cool-aid for every staff member sitting on the stage behind him and asked them to drink without questioning. They did. THAT I believe is a "cult". Yet other pastors have preached "follow me as I follow Christ". They usually had the more sound churches. Duh! The real concern that I have is that they are very "unintelligent" in the area of bible literacy and of the arts. They promote "systems" of doctrine (KJV-onlism, Dispensationalism, Pre-trib rapturism, Arminianism, strict literalism, legalism, and separatist). It wasn't until I became reformed that I was challenged to better myself by educating myself in the Scriptures as well as in the arts (I presently play the viola and am learning languages). Not that these things determine if one is "intellectual" or not but the mindset of pursuing these things is absent generally in the IFB. The Arts arte of the devil and the world and will ultimately cause us to distrust "the faith". ONLY Christian ministry is to be pursued and every young person feels the pressure of entering the ministry (almost Mormon like). Any way I just want to say that yes the basic mindset and attitudes were as 20/20 presented but not in that extreme. Not all IFB churches and members should be labeled as such nor do they funtion in that way. Honestly, I think every institution that has man as a participate are in danger of evil things happening. I guess that is the evidence and result of original sin. Thank you O Sovereign God for your love and great salvation!
Jack K
Puritan Board Doctor
Which is typical of TV news, even when done well. By necessity, they will present the most glaring examples. Such reports are not untrue, but not as fair as they might be either. (And it happens to everyone who gets this sort of report done on them, not just to churches)
CharlieJ
Puritan Board Junior
I know several of the people who were interviewed. I've been following this for a while. One of the great points that Vargas nailed was that the IFB is really not that independent. Chuck Phelps wasn't a lone island; he was on the board at Bob Jones University and (I think) the WILDS, which is a fundamentalist Christian youth camp heavily associated with BJU. There is no denominational oversight, and thus no accountability, but they do run in packs. They know how to ostracize someone who criticizes "The University," or the group, or whatever. So, Fuller's attempt to distance himself from the IFB in general is a bit disingenuous. I mean, the very fact that Tina Anderson was sent from one IFB church to another one for safe-keeping proves there are ties everywhere.
The other great point is that IFB is a culture of authoritarianism (which is different from authority) and separatism. Authoritarianism says, "Take my word for it," and separatism says, "And don't ask anyone else's opinion." It breeds fear and inaction. The girls were afraid to speak out. The ex-church members were afraid to question the handling of the situation. The pastor, other than a few phone calls of unknown content, showed no interest in ensuring the safety of minors in his church. The victim received the greatest punishment.
I wish I could say that this is just an anomaly. It's not. I personally know several other girls who were raped and made to "confess" in front of their churches, churches not featured on the report. It's a culture that fosters and conceals abuse. And it is a cult.
The other great point is that IFB is a culture of authoritarianism (which is different from authority) and separatism. Authoritarianism says, "Take my word for it," and separatism says, "And don't ask anyone else's opinion." It breeds fear and inaction. The girls were afraid to speak out. The ex-church members were afraid to question the handling of the situation. The pastor, other than a few phone calls of unknown content, showed no interest in ensuring the safety of minors in his church. The victim received the greatest punishment.
I wish I could say that this is just an anomaly. It's not. I personally know several other girls who were raped and made to "confess" in front of their churches, churches not featured on the report. It's a culture that fosters and conceals abuse. And it is a cult.
Reformed Elder
Puritan Board Freshman
Thank you Kevin! My marriage and ministry are happier and more rewarding then ever. God's steadfast love and grace are matchless.
MMasztal
Puritan Board Sophomore
AThornquist
Puritan Board Doctor
That makes me sick.
StrictBaptist
Puritan Board Freshman
Does anyone know if this will be on again?????
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Bill The Baptist
Puritan Board Graduate
I also grew up in an IFB church and yes we went to the WILDS twice a year and yes everyone was expected to go to Bob Jones University, but I never experienced any of the crazy things some of you are talking about. The only abuse I received was in a theological sense. I do think that most of these people mean well, they just have a very limited understanding of Scripture and very little interest in broadening that understanding. I think all of us should be eternally grateful for the sacrifice that the reformers made in allowing us to read the bible for ourselves in our own language. No matter how wacky the church we grew up in was, all of us have the opportunity to read the Word for ourselves and let it convict us and leads us in paths of truth and righteousness.
CharlieJ
Puritan Board Junior
The whole episode is available on the 20/20 section of ABC's website.
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