The Independent Baptist movement has long been committed to biblical truth, evangelism, and strong convictions. However, there is a growing need to reevaluate how we communicate and engage with others both within our movement and beyond. Too often, we see two unhealthy tendencies: some isolate themselves, refusing to engage at all, while others engage, but in a way that is dismissive, combative, and destructive.
Some in the Independent Baptist movement justify a harsh, aggressive, or militaristic approach by pointing to examples in Scripture where strong language was used. They reference John the Baptist calling the Pharisees a “generation of vipers” (Matthew 3:7), Jesus rebuking the Pharisees in Matthew 23, or Paul declaring in Galatians 1:8 that anyone preaching another gospel should be “accursed.”
There is no denying that Scripture contains instances of strong, direct rebuke. However, these moments must be understood in their full biblical context, rather than being used to justify a default posture of combativeness.
The Context of Jesus’ Rebukes
Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees in Matthew 23 was not a first interaction but the culmination of years of rejection and hypocrisy from a group that had seen His miracles, heard His teaching, and still hardened their hearts. Even then, His rebuke was not a personal attack—it was a prophetic indictment against religious leaders who had become blind guides, leading others into destruction. His strong words were never careless or reactionary but always deliberate, righteous, and justified.
Yet, we cannot ignore the many other ways Jesus engaged with people. He showed compassion to sinners (John 8:11), reasoned with Nicodemus (John 3), and taught with patience even when His disciples were slow to understand (John 14:9). He wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41), demonstrating that even His harshest words came from a place of sorrow, not hostility. His interactions were tailored to the situation, demonstrating wisdom in when to speak firmly and when to teach gently.
Paul’s Example: Boldness with Strategy
Paul, likewise, was uncompromising on truth but strategic in engagement. Yes, in Galatians 1:8, he calls for those who preach a false gospel to be “accursed.” But notice how he handled his ministry in Acts. When preaching in Athens (Acts 17), he did not begin by railing against their idolatry; instead, he reasoned with them, acknowledging their religious devotion before leading them to the truth.
In Ephesus, Paul preached so effectively that the local idol makers saw their business threatened (Acts 19:23-41), yet his very enemies admitted, “For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess” (Acts 19:37). In other words, Paul never used needlessly inflammatory language. He was bold, but he was also wise.
Even in confrontation, Paul’s goal was education and restoration, not destruction. In Ephesians 4:15, he exhorts believers to “speak the truth in love,” showing that truth and love are not competing forces but complementary virtues. Truth without love can become harsh, and love without truth can become compromise. The biblical model is not to choose between them but to embody both. 2 Timothy 2:24-25 reminds 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.
The Problem with Emulating the Wrong Traits
Many Independent Baptists of the past were strong, courageous men who stood boldly for truth. However, in seeking to follow their example, too many have latched on to their most aggressive traits rather than their deeper Christian virtues. The next generation has imitated their harshness, their combativeness, and their militant tone—but not necessarily their wisdom, their love for people, or their ability to engage with others effectively. What they seem not to realize is that the "heroes" of the past often had some significant differences between them, but were often able to work together.
A defining characteristic of this aggressive, combative approach is an “in your face” attitude—an almost instinctive need to dominate conversations, shut down opposition, and always have the last word. Discussion is not about seeking truth together but about winning, proving superiority, and silencing perceived threats. These individuals often resort to demeaning, belittling, and minimizing those who disagree, mistaking their verbal force for spiritual fortitude.
While this kind of boldness is often portrayed as a mark of strength, in reality, it often reveals something deeper. Many who adopt this approach are not simply standing for truth; they are shielding themselves from hurt. Pride is certainly a factor, but beneath that pride often lies insecurity—an unwillingness to be vulnerable, a fear of being wrong, or wounds from past conflicts that have hardened into a defensive posture.
Other times, a desire for acceptance is at the root of the behavior. In their hearts, some people know that the "aggressive" stance is not best, but they want to be accepted and not lose face or position with the "Good Ole Boys" club.
This is not to excuse bad behavior but to explain why it persists. Some of the most aggressive defenders of the faith are people who have been wounded—betrayed by others, attacked unfairly, or disillusioned by the compromises of those they once trusted. Rather than risk being hurt again, they build walls of harshness and militancy, mistaking them for spiritual fortitude.
But true strength is not found in always having to be “right” (with others that may disagree being wrong), or in winning arguments—it is found in humility, wisdom, and the ability to engage with others without feeling the need to attack. As Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” The strongest leaders are not those who speak the loudest and dominate every conversation, but those who have the confidence to engage without defensiveness and the discernment to know when to speak and when to listen.
A Biblical Alternative: Strength Tempered by Grace
The biblical model for engagement is not unrestrained militancy but strength under control. Consider Moses—the meekest man on earth (Numbers 12:3)—who confronted Pharaoh, led Israel, and stood against idolatry, yet was known for his humility. Consider Nehemiah, who boldly led the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls but knew when to pray (Nehemiah 1), when to rebuke (Nehemiah 5), and when to rally the people (Nehemiah 8).
Even Elijah, known for his dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18), was met by God NOT in a whirlwind or an earthquake, but in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12). Strength in ministry is not about perpetual confrontation—it is about knowing when to stand firm and when to extend grace.
A Higher Standard
The Independent Baptist movement stands at a crossroads. If we truly desire revitalization, we must recognize that the way we engage with others matters. Instead of isolation, we need interaction. Instead of dismissal, we need thoughtful dialogue. Instead of mockery, we need grace. Instead of "attack dog," with the "killer" instinct, we need sheepdog with the wisdom, controlled courage and strength to protect the flock.
It is easy to be harsh. It is easy to lash out at others and justify it with cherry-picked Scripture. What is difficult—but necessary—is to follow the full example of Christ and the apostles: to engage with wisdom, to stand boldly for truth without becoming needlessly combative, and to be strategic in our communication so that we can actually win people rather than merely “winning” arguments.
If the Independent Baptist movement is to be revitalized, we must move beyond reactionary, combative tendencies and recognize the deeper struggles that fuel them. The culture has changed. The answer is not to double down on an aggressive spirit but to find personal healing in Christ and to engage others with a strength that is tempered by grace.
As Proverbs 16:32 reminds us, “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” True biblical boldness is controlled, purposeful, and Spirit-led, not reckless and reactionary.
Not long ago, I was discussing a point of disagreement with a well-educated and influential man when he told me something that stuck with me: he typically avoided engaging Independent Baptists on the issue we were discussing because, in his experience, they often had a “mean spirit.” Yet, after we finished our discussion, he told me that I had held my position with both strength and grace—and that he appreciated it. That moment reinforced an important truth: the ability to influence others is invaluable. Don’t ruin it with a sorry attitude and approach.
A Better Way Forward
To revitalize the Independent Baptist movement, we must make intentional changes in how we interact with others:
1. Engage with Grace and Compassion. Colossians 4:6 reminds us, Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Truth without grace alienates; truth with grace draws people in.
2. Reject an Isolationist Mentality. We must be willing to engage outside our immediate circles. Avoiding people because they think differently does not strengthen our movement, it weakens it.
3. Speak with a Constructive, Not Combative, Spirit. Instead of a win-the-argument mentality, we should strive for meaningful dialogue. Harsh, dismissive engagement often does more harm than good.
4. Recognize That Influence Comes Through Connection. Many of the people I have been able to influence have been receptive not because I attacked their views, but because I engaged them with patience, respect, and a willingness to listen.
5. Remember That Our Goal is to Win People, Not Arguments. Winning a debate at the cost of a relationship is not a victory. Our goal is not merely to be right but to lead others to truth in a way that reflects the character of Christ.
If we truly desire to see the Independent Baptist movement thrive, we must rediscover what it means to engage others with both strength and grace.
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