Expert: Cooper P. Abrams III - 1/28/2009

Question
How does a Southern Baptist pastor leave the SBC and become an Independent Baptist pastor?

Answer
Hi Brother Larry,
            That is a difficult question, but an important one in considering the number of biblically sound pastors who are leaving the SBC because of current unbiblical trends in Convention churches.   Some Independents may be suspicious of a SBC pastor as you certainly know. However, most Independent Baptist pastors would welcome and be supportive of a man who would make such a difficult move towards standing for God's truth. I would suggest that you find an Independent Baptist pastor's fellowship and regularly attend.   You would certainly be welcome and it would be a good idea for you to give your testimony in the meeting expressing your reasons for leaving the SBC.
         Contact and visit with the pastor of the church hosting the fellowship in advance and letting him know about how the Lord is working in your life. Contacting other IFB pastors would be good also and ask for their help. Call them and maybe have lunch or coffee which would give you the opportunity to let them know your intentions.
  IFB not having any formal organization often have organized loose fellowship meetings in order to have contact and fellowship with other Independent pastors. In contacting Independent pastors you should ask them about other fellowships in your area and state. Attending IF churches would also be helpful including special services such as revivals. You should make every effort to let the Independent Baptist pastor get to know you. Most of the time when churches need a pastor it is other Independent Baptist pastors that recommend candidates.
         You did not say if you were still pastoring and SBC church, but it may be a good idea to resign. That could be very difficult because of finances and you would probably have to get a secular job for a while until you find a IFB church.
         Another option is the Lord may lead you to start a new church in a area where He would lead you. Church planters are needed in every state and many areas do not have a sound Bible believing church.
        I am sure that as you pray and seek the Lord's guidance you will find direction. I was raised and saved in SBC churches when they were mostly sound in doctrine and practice. However, when the Lord called me to preach, He directed me to an Independent Baptist college.   Before this I really had no idea what and IF was.    My pastor seeing the many problems in SBC churches influenced me toward being Independent Baptist.
      I commend you in your following the Lord's direction and making a difficult decision. I am sure the Lord will direct you through this as you prayerfully seek His will. God bless you Sir as you seek to serve our Savior.
      If you have further question or I can help please write. cpabrams3@gmail.com    Web site:  http://bible-truth.org
Cooper Abrams