What is a Primitive Baptist Church?
Primitive Baptists are Christians who hold to a simple and straightforward view of the Bible as it is contained in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. Though we historically have avoided creeds and confessions in light of the greater weight of the Scriptures, Primitive Baptists today agree with the 1689 London Confession of Faith with little if any changes. There are hundreds of Primitive Baptist congregations throughout the US with the greatest concentration being the Southeastern States.
What is the difference between Primitive Baptists & Reformed Baptists?
This question is not easily answered in a few words, but here is a simple answer.
The name Primitive Baptist is derived from the notion of Original or Orthodox Baptist beliefs. If you refer to the 1689 London Confession of Faith you will find that Primitive Baptists hold intimately close to the doctrines held by the Particular Baptists of England during the 17th century. During the 19th century in America, Baptists across the country consented to many various practices. In 1832 a number of Baptist leaders met at Black Rock, Maryland to settle their differences. One of the results of this meeting a separation of Baptists here in America into essentially two groups: General and Particular Baptist. You may already be familiar with the term Particular Baptist as a reference to Baptists who believe in the particular atonement and other conservative doctrines. These churches then called Particular Baptists were eventually branded Primitive Baptists. "Primitive" only pertains to the notion that we hold to the original doctrines of our Baptist forefathers.
Similar to Primitive Baptists, Reformed Baptists generally hold to the 1689 Confession though they do not trace this belief directly back as far as some Primitive Baptists. In fact, the name "Reformed Baptist" is a rather modern invention. It appears that many if not all Reformed Baptist churches arose out of Southern Baptist or other Independent Baptist congregations that took issue with the more liberal doctrines that many of these churches proclaim. It is not the history that matters, but that is a difference. For the most part, we are very closely aligned.
Lastly, Reformed Baptists have various forms of church governance including Congregational or Presbytery Rule (also called Elder Rule). Also, some Reformed Baptist churches hold to a covenant theology like that of Presbyterians without infant baptism. There are surely other similarities and differences, but this is a start.
The name Primitive Baptist is derived from the notion of Original or Orthodox Baptist beliefs. If you refer to the 1689 London Confession of Faith you will find that Primitive Baptists hold intimately close to the doctrines held by the Particular Baptists of England during the 17th century. During the 19th century in America, Baptists across the country consented to many various practices. In 1832 a number of Baptist leaders met at Black Rock, Maryland to settle their differences. One of the results of this meeting a separation of Baptists here in America into essentially two groups: General and Particular Baptist. You may already be familiar with the term Particular Baptist as a reference to Baptists who believe in the particular atonement and other conservative doctrines. These churches then called Particular Baptists were eventually branded Primitive Baptists. "Primitive" only pertains to the notion that we hold to the original doctrines of our Baptist forefathers.
Similar to Primitive Baptists, Reformed Baptists generally hold to the 1689 Confession though they do not trace this belief directly back as far as some Primitive Baptists. In fact, the name "Reformed Baptist" is a rather modern invention. It appears that many if not all Reformed Baptist churches arose out of Southern Baptist or other Independent Baptist congregations that took issue with the more liberal doctrines that many of these churches proclaim. It is not the history that matters, but that is a difference. For the most part, we are very closely aligned.
Lastly, Reformed Baptists have various forms of church governance including Congregational or Presbytery Rule (also called Elder Rule). Also, some Reformed Baptist churches hold to a covenant theology like that of Presbyterians without infant baptism. There are surely other similarities and differences, but this is a start.
What is the difference between Primitive Baptists & Southern Baptists?
Primitive Baptists hold to an understanding of Scriptures in accordance with Articles of Faith. While these articles may vary slightly from church to church, generally they adhere to the following pattern...
Generally, Primitive Baptists believe the Holy Bible is the only source of doctrine and that the traditions of men are at best secondary to it in all matters. The original 1689 London Confession of Faith is closely aligned with the beliefs of Primitive Baptists.
By contrast, Southern Baptists generally hold to their Baptist Faith and Message. This means that we have different views on Salvation, the Kingdom of Heaven/God, the Atonement, Election, Predestination, and many other topics.
- We believe in the resurrection of the just and the unjust; that the just shall be raised, changed, and fashioned like unto the glorious body of the Son of God, to dwell in heaven forever, soul and body reunited; and, that the unjust shall be raised, soul and body reunited, and consigned to punishment in hell.
- We believe the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, inspired and inerrant, and the only rule of faith and practice.
- We believe in the only true and living God, that there are three persons in the Godhead, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and that these three agree in one, are coequal, coeternal, and coexistent.
- We believe in the total depravity of the entire human family; that is, sin pollutes man's faculties – his heart, mind, and will – and he is unable to recover himself from this lost and ruined estate.
- We believe in particular, eternal, and unconditional election, the effectual calling of the elect, and the final perseverance of the saints.
- We believe Jesus Christ to be the Son of God, the only Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation is by His grace alone.
- We believe that believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the only ordinances of the church of Jesus Christ. We believe the only baptism taught and recognized in the Bible is immersion. We believe the Lord’s SUpper is a memorial of our Lord’s death and should be regularly observed in the church.
- We believe that no minister has the right to administer the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper but such as are called by God and come under the imposition of hands by a presbytery.
Generally, Primitive Baptists believe the Holy Bible is the only source of doctrine and that the traditions of men are at best secondary to it in all matters. The original 1689 London Confession of Faith is closely aligned with the beliefs of Primitive Baptists.
By contrast, Southern Baptists generally hold to their Baptist Faith and Message. This means that we have different views on Salvation, the Kingdom of Heaven/God, the Atonement, Election, Predestination, and many other topics.
Do Primitive Baptists have youth programs?
Each church body is responsible for how they meet the needs of their congregation. Old Line Primitive Baptists typically do not have Bible Study or classes oriented toward the youth. However, Progressive Primitive Baptists often offer age differentiated classes from preschool to adult and sometimes even separate adult classes. Bible Study materials are published by the Primitive Baptist Foundation for a number of age groups. Additionally, Progressive Primitive Baptists also sponsor summer Christian camps in a number of locations and a music retreat annually.
Are children welcome in the worship service?
Children are most certainly welcome in the worship service. While many churches have facilities for nurseries with volunteers or a "cry room" when needed, we encourage families to worship together in the sanctuary. It is important for children to see their parents' dedication to worship.
What is worship like at the church?
Worship services vary from church to church, but typically there is little ceremony with an emphasis on the preaching of the Word of God.
The order of worship is usually something like the following
The order of service deviates from this pattern for each congregation, but this is not due to specific doctrines concerning the liturgy. Like most groups we have our habits and traditions, but these should never take the place of the importance of the Spirit and Truth.
The order of worship is usually something like the following
- Call to Worship with Scripture Reading
- Invocational Prayer
- Song Service / Announcements / Offering
- Message taken and inspired directly from God's Word
- Closing Hymn
- Prayer of Benediction
The order of service deviates from this pattern for each congregation, but this is not due to specific doctrines concerning the liturgy. Like most groups we have our habits and traditions, but these should never take the place of the importance of the Spirit and Truth.
What is the dress code for the worship service?
There is no set code. For Sunday worship service, congregants typically wear Sunday dress clothes with a mixture of Suits and Dresses as well as casual dress.