A Fresh Call to Faithfulness in Our Free Will Baptist Heritage

[RevVonHanshaw]

Beloved brothers and sisters,

One of the greatest blessings of our movement is that God has entrusted us with a heritage rooted in personal responsibility, biblical holiness, and the freedom of the human will under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. In a day when many churches drift toward shallow teaching or cultural accommodation, Free Will Baptists still stand on the conviction that every person is accountable before God, and that grace invites—never coerces—the sinner to repentance.

Today, I want to encourage our community to renew our commitment to the doctrines that make our fellowship distinct, biblical, and spiritually alive.

The Scriptures remain our final authority​

We affirm without apology that the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God. It is not merely a book to be admired—it is the rule of faith and practice. Let’s continue to be people who love, teach, and obey Scripture. Key discussion: Biblical authority

The call to holiness still matters​

Holiness is not legalism—it is love expressed through obedience. Our forefathers preached a clean heart, a separated life, and a walk worthy of the gospel. May we never lose that emphasis. Key discussion: Christian holiness

Human freedom and responsibility are essential truths​

We reject fatalistic theology. We believe God genuinely calls all people to salvation, and that each person must respond freely to His grace. This doctrine is not outdated—it is urgently needed in today’s world. Key discussion: Free will doctrine

The church must remain mission‑minded​

Our movement has always been evangelistic. Whether across the world or across the street, we must keep the Great Commission at the center of our identity. Key discussion: Missions and evangelism

We must guard the faith once delivered​

Apostasy is real. Drift is real. But so is revival. Let’s be a people who contend for the faith—not with anger, but with conviction, clarity, and compassion. Key discussion: Contending for the faith


Brothers and sisters, let’s use this group to strengthen one another, sharpen one another, and encourage one another in the doctrines and practices that have shaped our churches for generations. I invite you to share your thoughts, testimonies, questions, and insights as we continue walking together in truth.

In Christ, Rev. Von Hanshaw

 

[Wesley Briggman]

Rev. Von Hanshaw, Please provide scriptural references to support your convictions.

My Motto: Neither condone what God condemns Nor condemn what God condones.

 

[Armchair Apologist]

Ironically, Reformed (Calvinist) Baptists often have more in common with Free-Will (Arminian) Baptists than they do with a good number of the sloppy "Once Saved Always Saved," Fried Chicken and Nanner Puddin' eatin,' Sweet Iced Tea sippin' Suthren Babtists! This is just a cold hard fact!

 

[DaveXR650]

Ironically, Reformed (Calvinist) Baptists often have more in common with Free-Will (Arminian) Baptists than they do with a good number of the sloppy "Once Saved Always Saved," Fried Chicken and Nanner Puddin' eatin,' Sweet Iced Tea sippin' Suthren Babtists! This is just a cold hard fact!

You know, I tend to agree. What drew me to Calvinism was the practical teaching and just the seriousness regarding sin and living a holy life, not the metaphysics of determinism and so on. I don't personally know any free will Baptists but have read a lot of Leroy Forlines, as well as some others and the similarities stand out quickly.