I'm a member of FIRE—The Fellowship of Independent Reformed Evangelicals. FIRE's doctrinal stance is specific (Baptistic, soteriologically Calvinistic, and historically evangelical on all key fundamental doctrines), yet charitably broad with regard to many of the secondary matters about which Particular Baptists have often differed among themselves.
Fire is a fellowship of like-minded churches and Christian leaders, not a denomination. There is no centralized structure or authority. There are no membership fees. There are no paid staff or permanent offices. Annual conferences and other activities are initiated and overseen by the local churches that host them. The network functions only through the voluntary participation of members. Yet it is a thriving, warm fellowship, of which I am pleased to be a part.
Check out FIRE's website for free downloadable resources.
10 comments:
What, in your opinion, is the advantage of being part of a loose alliance as compared to a formal denomination?
Phil,
Thanks for this post. I was not familiar with FIRE. I am now and am wondering how I have lived so long not being!
Joe
How nice it must be to be part of a denomination that works with the theme of your blog.
Great Graphics!
Daniel:
Yes, but nowhere near as good as THIS:
http://www.lyonministries.com/fight.gif
Matthew:
I think it's easier to preserve the autonomy of the local church. I realize some would argue that it has corresponding disadvantages, and in certain isolated instances, they can make a good case for that. But I'm still a big advocate of independency.
Farmer Buie:
Yes, it's very nice.
BTW, I love your graphic, except that it makes Edwards look a tad effiminate. I find myself wanting to draw a necktie or something on him.
Strange, I blogged about this very issue today, not aware of Matthew's question. I agree with Phil that my heart is drawn towards independency, but I've also seen the absolute worst in independency. Overbearing pastor and weak-willed elders don't make a pretty picture!
Our nation's founding fathers were on to something with the checks and balances of judicial, executive and legislative branches (not that these work perfectly all the time).
I'd like to see others chime in regarding Matthew's question...
Hahaha, I'm glad to hear you like it. I know you probably don't really care, but the reason I made Edwards the woman was because an earlier post of mine was a joke post about what it takes to be a true man. One of the points: "A true man must always have facial hair. If you are not hairy, you are not a man, it's really that simple."
And since Edwards isn't that hairy, sadly he become the woman. Even though his theology is beautiful. Anyways, that's the short history on why Edwards is the woman in my profile picture.
Don't you ever shave, or you may be the woman in my next one. Muahahaha!
*became the woman...
Thanks for your thoughts, Phil.
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