We imitate our worship after the New Testament model found in scripture and in the example of the ancient church. ‘Primitive’ doesn’t mean, in this sense, undeveloped or backwards but rather original, ancient, or free. Primitive Baptists have, at times, been called Old School, Old Line, Hardshell, Anti-Missions, or Foot-Washing Baptists.

While we share some doctrinal similarities with Calvinism and Hyper-Calvinism, Primitive Baptists do not trace their lineage through the Reformed tradition and also maintain some peculiarities related to the ‘doctrines of grace.’ For example, Primitive Baptists hold to a model of the preservation of the saints, rather than the perseverance of the saints. Primitive Baptists would also reject the use of means and duty-faith. For more details related to our particular theology, please see our ‘Our Beliefs’ page here.

We believe communion is reserved for baptized believers, as Paul warns that partaking unworthily brings guilt and damnation (1 Corinthians 11:27-29), requiring self-examination that unbaptized individuals have not undertaken, making their participation improper and diminishing baptism’s significance. Jesus established the order of gospel obedience—belief, baptism, then observance of His commands (Matthew 28:19-20), a pattern echoed throughout Scripture (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:41-42; Acts 8:36-37; Romans 6:3-4). Furthermore, baptized persons should not commune with churches of differing principles, as communion signifies deep unity in faith (1 Corinthians 10:16-21), which is why Primitive Baptist services limit participation to those of like faith and practice.

We believe Acts 19:1-7 establishes a precedent for re-baptism when prior baptisms were performed under improper principles, as such errors can hinder receiving the Holy Spirit; since baptism, an ordinance of the church tied to its principles (Acts 2:41), should reflect significant doctrinal shifts, a responsibility Paul assigns to local churches rather than evangelists (1 Corinthians 1:17); while obvious errors like infant baptism, irreverence, or sprinkling clearly require re-baptism, Scripture provides limited specifics, making a general policy of re-baptism the safest approach.

We find no biblical justification for musical instruments in New Testament worship, as Scriptures instruct singing in the church (Romans 15:9; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12; James 5:13) but never playing, unlike aids like electric lights or songbooks which enhance worship settings without altering its pattern (Luke 5:3; John 4:20-24; Acts 20:7-8), whereas instruments add to it; objections citing Psalm 150’s instruments (Psalm 150:4) fail, as Old Testament practices, including dance, do not apply to New Testament worship, lest we also adopt animal sacrifices or priests, distinctions often ignored by proponents.

We commend Bible study and discussion among Christians, but Scripture shows it belongs outside formal worship, where no precedent exists for segregating worshipers by knowledge, age, or status, as all joined in common assembly; Jesus affirmed children’s understanding (Matthew 11:25; 21:15-16) and rebuked barring them from His presence (Matthew 19:13-15), indicating they benefit from general worship, not separate classes, a modern practice contrary to Scripture’s spirit (Ezekiel 22:26; 44:23); likewise, Primitive Baptists reject church-organized entertainment, recognizing moderate, moral amusement (Isaiah 40:18-23; Luke 16:9), but not as the church’s role, which must distinguish the holy from the profane, not mingle it with games or sports (Jeremiah 15:19), especially since Scripture alone suffices to guide youth against worldly temptations (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Psalm 119:9-11; 2 Timothy 3:15-17), rendering such diversions unnecessary.

Yes. Scripture forbids all images of God (Exodus 20:4-5; 1 Corinthians 10:14; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 John 5:21), including pictures of Jesus, who, as the Son equal with God (John 5:18; Philippians 2:5-8), falls under this prohibition; such images, being man-made idols that misrepresent Him—like portraying long hair against Paul’s teaching (1 Corinthians 11:14)—dishonor Jesus and violate divine command. This rejection is practiced both within and without the Church.

While these terms are oft-used, yet not precise, we accept conditionality in some temporal matters and do not believe in the radical predestination of all things. Affirming that eternal salvation is secured solely by God’s sovereign grace for the elect (John 10:28-29; Romans 8:30), we also hold to a conditioned temporal deliverance in this life, where obedience brings temporal blessings and disobedience incurs chastisement, separate from eternal destiny (1 Timothy 4:8; Hebrews 12:6), viewing faith and good works as fruits of grace that yield earthly benefits, not prerequisites for eternal life (Galatians 5:22-23; James 2:18).

Primitive Baptists hold that the Scriptures, divinely inspired and preserved as the sole rule of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16; John 10:35), are infallible, written by men moved by the Holy Spirit without private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20-21), as prophets studied their own inspired words (1 Peter 1:10-12); God’s preservation ensures their purity and permanence (Psalm 12:6-7; Matthew 24:35), with the King James Version preferred for its superior manuscripts and scholarship, encompassing all its books as Scripture—Old Testament validated by Jesus and the apostles, New Testament by His promise of inspiration (John 14:26; John 16:13; 2 Peter 3:15-16)—evidenced by internal consistency and accuracy, rendering them the ultimate authority above all human or ecclesiastical power (2 Timothy 3:16-17). You will find the KJV being used in any English-speaking Primitive Baptist church.

In a world where societal values constantly shift, Primitive Baptists remain steadfast, guided solely by the unchanging truth of God’s word. We believe our role is not to conform to modern trends or actively evangelize, but to live faithfully, serving as quiet witnesses to God’s eternal truth through our actions and love. Primitive Baptists anchor our lives in the belief that God and His word are eternal. Malachi 3:6 declares: “For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” This affirms God’s immutability, a foundation for our refusal to adapt scripture to fit contemporary culture. Similarly, Luke 21:33 states: “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away,” emphasizing the permanence of God’s truth. We also hold to Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever,” reinforcing that divine consistency endures. This conviction is further illustrated in 1 Peter 1:24-25: “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever.” Human achievements fade, but God’s word remains, guiding Primitive Baptists to reject societal pressures and stand apart when necessary.

Unlike denominations focused on widespread evangelism, Primitive Baptists believe salvation is God’s sovereign act. John 6:44 teaches: “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” This underscores that God alone draws people to faith, relieving us of the duty to persuade others. Instead, we focus on living out our beliefs consistently. We also follow Ephesians 4:14, which cautions against being “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.” By rooting ourselves in scripture, we avoid chasing fleeting trends, serving as a steady example. When questioned, we respond humbly, as 1 Peter 3:15 instructs: “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” Our role is to reflect faith through life, not to initiate outreach. This lies solely within God’s purview.

Aware of historical persecutions against credobaptists, Primitive Baptists strive for peace rather than confrontation. 2 Timothy 2:24-25 guides us: “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.” This calls for gentleness and patience, trusting God to grant understanding. Our aim is to live peaceably, showing grace even to detractors.

Love is central to the Primitive Baptist identity. Matthew 22:36-40 records Jesus saying: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” These commands shape our interactions, prioritizing devotion to God and care for others. We also emphasize John 13:35: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” 1 Corinthians 13:2 warns: “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing,” highlighting love’s necessity. Likewise, 1 John 2:9-11 states: “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.” Love shows we walk in God’s light, distinguishing our societal presence, rather than evangelistic fervor.

In short, Primitive Baptists see our role in society as one of steadfastness and quiet witness. Grounded in scriptures like Malachi 3:6 and Luke 21:33, we uphold God’s unchanging truth. Trusting His sovereignty in salvation per John 6:44, we live as examples rather than evangelists. Guided by 2 Timothy 2:24-25 and Matthew 22:36-40, we embody gentleness and love. In a changing world, we stand firm, live humbly, and trust God with the rest.