Bible churches are autonomous, nondenominational churches that focus on missions and outreach based upon the Bible as the Word of God. That said, some churches practice interdenominational outreach with parachurch organizations. Additionally, some Bible churches are Charismatic and/or Pentecostal, while others lean toward association with another denomination (such as a Bible Presbyterian or Fellowship Bible Churches).
There are two distinct branches within this denomination – Open Bible churches and the International Fellowship of Bible Churches, Inc., although not much is written about Bible churches. There are distinct differences between these two organizations, as well as massive differences in some independent churches, although all Bible churches seek to spread the word of the Bible.
Open Bible Churches organization describes itself as an international family of Spirit-empowered ministers and churches committed to “making and releasing disciples, planting churches and sending missionaries” out into the world. This organization is based upon evangelical Pentecostal and/or Charismatic beliefs and is affiliated with the National Association of Evangelicals, the Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America, and the Pentecostal World Conference. Open Bible is also active in the Mission America movement.
The International Fellowship of Bible Churches was formed in 1988 at Siloam Springs, Arkansas and is an interdenominational outreach that believes all sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired authoritative Word of God. While these churches believe in the Trinity and the Holy Spirit, they are not Pentecostal/Charismatic churches. Their mission, other than evangelism, is to “find ways to include members on the basis of common commitment to primary issues of faith, rather than to find ways to exclude members because of distinctions of secondary importance.”
Many other Bible churches that state clear missions and differences with both organizations listed above also exist. For instance, one church in Biloxi, Mississippi, states that Bible churches, as a rule, are not charismatic churches, as the purpose and practice of the “sign gifts” historically ceased with the early church of the first century and are not functional today. This church (which also is nondenominational rather than interdenominational) practices theology based solely upon the New Testament:
“Bible Churches are Dispensational in their theology, which means God has a plan and program for the church in the present age distinct from His plan and program for Israel in the Old Testament. The church is not Israel and Israel is not the church. God broke off normal dealings with Israel at the commencement of the present Church Age. He will resume His special prophetic relationship with that nation at the conclusion of the Church Age when the church is removed from the earth to heaven at the Rapture. God made promises to Israel in the Old Testament that can only be fulfilled at the Second Coming of Christ. This is the single most important issue in “rightly dividing the word” and it has significant practical ramifications for the Christian who seeks to live a life pleasing to the Lord.”
Therefore, Bible churches offer many things to just as many people who believe that church autonomy is paramount to a functional church life and that the Bible is the church authority.
Want to find out more about Bible Churches, then visit the Churchangel site on how to choose the best Church for your needs.
