"Elders" in Baptist churches?

[ChurchofChristguy]

Good for you! We're independent of Conventions , whether Northern, Southern, or state.

But conventions can be so much fun!

 

[Salty]

Good for you! We're independent of Conventions , whether Northern, Southern, or state.

Does that mean you do not support missionaries from Baptist mission boards.

 

[robycop3]

I am age 71, older than most of my churchmates, including the pastor & deacons. Does that make me an "elder" or just a "senior citizen"? (I really don't care, either way.)

 

[Reynolds]

Not "convenient" - remember - even though we are affiliated with the SBC,
we are an independent Baptist church - .....
and that issue is not a test of fellowship.

How are you independent and SBC affiliated? Independent has always meant not denominationally affiliated. Autonomous yes, but you would need to explain independent to me.

 

[Reformed]

How are you independent and SBC affiliated? Independent has always meant not denominationally affiliated. Autonomous yes, but you would need to explain independent to me.

Is not every Baptist church supposed to be independent? Historically, Baptist churches do not cede authority to a hierarchical ecclesiological system. Even affiliations (like the SBC, FIRE, GARB, ABA, ARBCA) can be terminated at will.

 

[Jerome]

The phrase "independent Baptist" has an established meaning; it's signified not being affiliated with the Convention (Northern or Southern).

 

[Reynolds]

Is not every Baptist church supposed to be independent? Historically, Baptist churches do not cede authority to a hierarchical ecclesiological system. Even affiliations (like the SBC, FIRE, GARB, ABA, ARBCA) can be terminated at will.

If you are affiliated, you are not independent. Autonomous, but not independent.

 

[ChurchofChristguy]

If you are affiliated, you are not independent. Autonomous, but not independent.

Unless of course he is a Reformed Autonomous Affiliated Independent Questioning (“RAAIQ”).

 

[Reformed]

If you are affiliated, you are not independent. Autonomous, but not independent.

I understand your point. I have a natural aversion to "group think" when it comes to Baptist associations. I am not saying that associations do not have value, it is just that I have seen too many churches reflexively follow the association consensus.

 

[Salty]

The phrase "independent Baptist" has an established meaning; it's signified not being affiliated with the Convention (Northern or Southern).

Says who?

From Merriam-Webster:

1: not dependent: such as
a(1): not subject to control by others : SELF-GOVERNING
(2): not affiliated with a larger controlling unit , eg an independent bookstore


Are we affiliated - yes
Are we subject to control by the SBC/ABC/GARBC/CBA/ect NO, NO, NO!!!


Does your church support missionaries thur a mission board?
If so, did you know that many mission boards, when funds are received for a missionary -
the board takes a commission out?
Suppose you told the Mission board that any funds you sent - 100% must be applied to the missionary.
And they tell you NO!. If you continue to support that missionary thru that board - are you not subject to
control of a larger controlling unit?

You do realize that SBC churches are NOT required to give a certain amount or % to the local, State/Commonwealth or National Co-op program.