When and where was the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship established?

The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship was established in 1994 in New Orleans, Louisiana. However, its origins as a movement began earlier, in 1992, within the National Baptist Convention, USA.

What was the primary reason for the formation of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship?

The fellowship was founded as a response to traditional black Baptists who upheld cessationism, which is the belief that certain spiritual gifts, like speaking in tongues, ceased with the apostles. Full Gospel Baptists, in contrast, advocate for the continued operation of these Pentecostal/Charismatic spiritual gifts while still adhering to traditional Baptist doctrine.

What theological distinctives does the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship hold?

The fellowship upholds traditional Baptist doctrines such as believer's baptism by full immersion, soul competency, sola fide (faith alone), and congregational autonomy. Additionally, it embraces Pentecostal-Charismatic doctrines including speaking in tongues, laying on of hands, divine healing, and prophecy, often aligning its theological leanings with Wesleyan-Arminian theology.

How does the FGBCF's ecclesiastical polity differ from traditional black Baptist denominations?

While originating from Baptist traditions that typically follow congregationalist polity, the Full Gospel Baptists developed a presbyteral-episcopal polity. This structure is characterized by a Council of Bishops and a Presiding Bishop, which is a form of governance not typically found in historic black Baptist denominations.

Who is the current Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship?

The current Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship is Bishop Joseph W. Walker III. He succeeded the founding Presiding Bishop, Paul S. Morton, Sr., upon Morton's retirement.

Who founded the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship?

The fellowship was founded by Bishop Paul Sylvester Morton, who was also a notable Gospel singer and a former pastor in the National Baptist Convention.

What was Bishop Paul Morton's background before founding the FGBCF?

Before establishing the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, Bishop Paul Morton was a Gospel singer and served as a pastor within the National Baptist Convention, USA.

What is the reported membership size of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship?

Membership figures have varied over time. In 1993, it reported over 10,000 members, growing to 20,000 by 1995. By 1997, it claimed 1 million members and 5,000 churches. As of 2020, it reported approximately 2 million members, and by 2023, it had around 10,000 churches.

Does the FGBCF ordain women clergy?

Yes, the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship ordains and consecrates a significant number of female pastors and bishops. Their women clergy also operate an organization known as the Daughters of the Promise, or the Full Gospel International Women's Fellowship.

What specific Pentecostal/Charismatic doctrines are embraced by the FGBCF?

The fellowship embraces doctrines such as speaking in tongues, laying on of hands, divine healing, and prophecy, which are characteristic of Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity.

What is the FGBCF's stance on holiness and Christian sanctification?

The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship places a special emphasis on practicing holiness, which is also referred to as Christian sanctification. This focus aligns with certain traditions within Protestant theology.

What is the FGBCF's relationship with other Christian denominations?

Churches that align with the Full Gospel Baptists are permitted to affiliate with other Christian denominations and are not required to change their names.

Where is the FGBCF headquartered?

The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

What major Baptist convention did the FGBCF separate from?

The FGBCF separated from the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

What was the reaction of the National Baptist Convention leadership to the emerging FGBCF movement?

National Baptist leadership feared the movement would lead to a separate denomination. They urged members to either stay within the convention or leave, and the then-president, Rev. Henry J. Lyons, disapproved of the movement's belief in tongues and divine healing.

What happened to Bishop Paul Morton in 1995 in relation to the National Baptist Convention?

In 1995, Bishop Morton left the National Baptist Convention, USA, following controversies that arose among traditional black Baptists regarding the Full Gospel movement.

Can you name a notable church that was affiliated with the FGBCF but later left?

Yes, the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, which was one of the largest churches affiliated with the fellowship, left during Bishop Eddie Long's tenure after various controversies.

When did Bishop Paul Morton announce his intention to resign as Presiding Bishop?

Bishop Morton announced his intent to resign as Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship in 2013.

Who succeeded Bishop Paul Morton as Presiding Bishop, and when did this transition occur?

Bishop Joseph W. Walker III, from Nashville, Tennessee, was appointed to succeed Bishop Morton. He assumed the presiding office in 2015.

What led to Bishop Neil Ellis schisming from the FGBCF?

Bishop Neil Ellis established the Global United Fellowship after resigning from the FGBCF and losing the election to succeed Bishop Morton.

What is the FGBCF's claim regarding apostolic succession?

Within the fellowship, its bishops claim apostolic succession through Bishop Morton's consecrator, George Augustus Stallings Jr., who was an excommunicated Roman Catholic bishop.

What is the basis for the FGBCF's claim to apostolic succession?

The claim is based on the consecration of Bishop Morton by George Augustus Stallings Jr. in March 1993. Stallings' own consecration, though considered 'valid but illicit' by the Roman Catholic Church due to his excommunication, provided him with episcopacy and historic claims that the FGBCF recognizes.

How does the Roman Catholic Church view the concept of 'valid but illicit' ordinations in relation to apostolic succession?

According to Roman Catholic doctrine, 'valid but illicit' ordinations mean that while the sacrament itself is considered effective, it was performed outside the proper canonical authority. This means the bishop retains his sacramental character and authority to administer sacraments like baptism, but doing so without faculties is illicit.

What are the core tenets of believer's baptism as upheld by the FGBCF?

Like most Baptist denominations, the FGBCF upholds believer's baptism, which is administered to individuals who profess their faith, and it is performed by full immersion in water. This practice signifies a conscious decision to follow Christ.

What does 'soul competency' mean in the context of Baptist doctrine, as upheld by the FGBCF?

Soul competency, a principle held by Baptists, emphasizes the individual's direct responsibility to God and their ability to understand and interpret scripture without the need for an intermediary, fostering personal faith and accountability.

What is the significance of sola fide in the FGBCF's doctrine?

Sola fide, meaning 'faith alone,' is a core Protestant and Baptist doctrine upheld by the FGBCF, signifying that salvation is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ rather than through good works or adherence to religious laws.

How does congregational autonomy function within the FGBCF?

Congregational autonomy means that each local church within the fellowship has the right to govern its own affairs, including selecting its leadership and managing its resources, without external hierarchical control, though they are part of the larger fellowship structure.

What is the FGBCF's stance on the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

The fellowship believes in the free expression of the gifts of the Spirit as a vital part of the Body of Christ, which includes practices like speaking in tongues, divine healing, and prophecy, distinguishing them from cessationist views.

What is the FGBCF's relationship with the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith?

The fellowship's historical context notes a reminiscence of early Baptist Christianity's acceptance of the bishopric being synonymous with the pastorate, as outlined in the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, which itself has roots in the Church of England's schism from the Roman Catholic Church.

What is the FGBCF's official website address?

The official website for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship is fullgospelbaptist.org.

What is the FGBCF's classification within broader religious traditions?

The FGBCF is classified as Protestant, specifically within the Baptist tradition, and is also identified with the Charismatic movement.

What is the FGBCF's theological orientation?

Its theological orientation is Baptist, with a strong emphasis on Full Gospel and Holiness aspects, and it is identified with the Charismatic movement.

What is the FGBCF's polity classification?

The FGBCF's polity is classified as Episcopal.

Who is listed as the Presiding Bishop in the infobox?

Joseph W. Walker III is listed as the Presiding Bishop.

What are the FGBCF's abbreviations?

The abbreviations for the fellowship are FGBCF and FGBCFI.

What is the FGBCF's relationship with the Global United Fellowship?

The Global United Fellowship was established by Bishop Neil Ellis after he schismed from the FGBCF, following his resignation and loss in the election to succeed Bishop Morton.

What is the FGBCF's stance on the ordination of women as bishops?

The fellowship actively ordains and consecrates women as bishops, a practice that aligns with its embrace of Charismatic principles and distinguishes it from denominations that do not permit women in such high-ranking clerical roles.

What is the name of the women's organization within the FGBCF?

The women's organization within the FGBCF is called the Daughters of the Promise, also known as the Full Gospel International Women's Fellowship.

What was the attendance at the first conference of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship in 1994?

The first conference, held in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1994, was attended by an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 people.

What other black Baptist conventions were mentioned in relation to the FGBCF's origins?

Besides the National Baptist Convention, USA, the fellowship's origins involved exploring gifts of the Holy Spirit against cessationist views within the National Baptist Convention of America and the Progressive National Baptist Convention.

What specific controversies led to Bishop Morton's departure from the National Baptist Convention, USA?

The controversies involved the movement's belief in spiritual gifts like tongues and divine healing, which were disapproved of by the National Baptist Convention's leadership, particularly its then-president, Rev. Henry J. Lyons.

What is the FGBCF's view on the historical episcopacy?

The fellowship's polity development is noted as reminiscing early Baptist Christianity's acceptance of the bishopric being synonymous with the pastorate, referencing the historical episcopacy upheld by both the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church.

What is the FGBCF's relationship with the concept of ex opere operato?

The article mentions ex opere operato in the context of Roman Catholic views on sacraments, particularly regarding women's ordination. While the FGBCF claims apostolic succession through a bishop whose ordinations were considered 'valid but illicit,' the article contrasts this with the Catholic Church's view that such ordinations, especially for women, are invalid according to their doctrine of ex opere operato.

How does the FGBCF's doctrine of spiritual gifts relate to its Baptist identity?

The FGBCF seeks to merge Pentecostal-Charismatic doctrines, such as the operation of spiritual gifts, with traditional Baptist doctrine, creating a unique theological blend that distinguishes it from more cessationist Baptist groups.

What does the phrase 'The Right to Choose' signify for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship?

The phrase 'The Right to Choose' is central to the fellowship's essence, reflecting their belief that the Gospel should be promoted by recognizing the free expression of the gifts of the Spirit as a vital part of the Body of Christ. They consider the choice to exercise these spiritual gifts imperative for a local New Testament Church to function fully as intended by God.

What is the FGBCF's connection to the Holiness movement?

The fellowship's theology includes an emphasis on holiness and Christian sanctification, aligning it with the Holiness movement within Protestant Christianity.

What is the FGBCF's relationship with Wesleyan-Arminian theology?

The theological distinctives of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship tend to merge with the separate Protestant tradition of Wesleyan-Arminian theology, which often emphasizes free will and the possibility of entire sanctification.

What is the FGBCF's stance on the operation of spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues?

The fellowship advocates for the operation of Pentecostal/Charismatic spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues, as a viable and imperative part of the functioning of a local New Testament Church.

What is the FGBCF's position on divine healing?

Divine healing is one of the Pentecostal-Charismatic doctrines embraced by the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, distinguishing it from cessationist viewpoints.

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Overview

Defining the Fellowship

The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship (FGBCF), also known as the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International (FGBCFI), is a predominantly African-American, Charismatic Baptist denomination. It was established by Bishop Paul Sylvester Morton, a prominent figure in Gospel music and a former pastor within the National Baptist Convention. The FGBCF emerged as a response to traditional Black Baptist churches that adhered to cessationism, advocating instead for the active operation of Pentecostal/Charismatic spiritual gifts while maintaining traditional Baptist doctrine.

Scope and Influence

As of recent reports, the fellowship comprises approximately 10,000 churches and serves around 2 million members. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, it represents a significant movement within American Protestantism, blending traditional Baptist tenets with charismatic expressions and an episcopal form of governance.

Historical Context

Founded in 1994 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the FGBCF's roots trace back to a movement initiated within the National Baptist Convention, USA in 1992. The fellowship's emphasis on charismatic gifts and its adoption of a presbyteral-episcopal polity, distinct from the prevailing congregationalist model in historic Black Baptist denominations, led to significant discussions and eventual separation from the National Baptist Convention.

Historical Trajectory

Genesis of the Fellowship

The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship was formally established by Bishop Paul S. Morton Sr. in 1994 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Its origins can be traced to 1992 when a movement began within the National Baptist Convention, USA. The initial conference in 1994 saw an attendance of 25,000 to 30,000 individuals, signaling the significant interest in its distinct theological and organizational approach.

Navigating Denominational Tensions

The fellowship's embrace of spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues and divine healing, contrasted with the cessationist stance of many traditional Black Baptist leaders. This theological divergence, coupled with the adoption of an episcopal Baptist governance structure, created friction within the National Baptist Convention. Leaders within the convention urged members affiliated with the emerging movement to either conform or depart. Bishop Morton ultimately left the National Baptist Convention in 1995 amidst these controversies.

Growth and Leadership Transitions

The FGBCF attracted substantial congregations, including New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, before its departure. Bishop Eddie Long was consecrated as a bishop within the fellowship in 1994. In 2013, Bishop Morton announced his retirement, appointing Bishop Joseph W. Walker III of Nashville, Tennessee, as his successor. Bishop Walker assumed the presiding office in 2015. A notable schism occurred when Bishop Neil Ellis established the Global United Fellowship after losing the election to succeed Morton.

Theological Foundations

Baptist and Charismatic Synthesis

The FGBCF upholds core Baptist tenets, including believer's baptism by full immersion, soul competency, sola fide (faith alone), and congregational autonomy. However, it distinctly integrates Pentecostal-Charismatic doctrines, emphasizing the active operation of spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, laying on of hands, divine healing, and prophecy. This theological framework aligns closely with Wesleyan-Arminian theology, particularly concerning the pursuit of holiness and Christian sanctification.

Emphasis on Spiritual Gifts

A defining characteristic of the FGBCF is its conviction that the free expression of spiritual gifts is essential for the local New Testament Church to function dynamically as intended by God. This belief is central to its identity and distinguishes it from more traditional Baptist denominations that may view these gifts as having ceased.

Core Doctrines

Traditional Baptist Beliefs

The fellowship adheres to foundational Baptist principles:

Believer's Baptism: Administered by full immersion, signifying a conscious commitment to Christ.
Soul Competency: The belief that each individual is directly responsible to God.
Sola Fide: Salvation is achieved through faith alone.
Congregational Autonomy: Each local church governs its own affairs.

Pentecostal and Holiness Emphasis

In addition to traditional Baptist doctrine, the FGBCF places significant emphasis on:

Charismatic Gifts: The belief in the ongoing operation of spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues, divine healing, and prophecy.
Holiness and Sanctification: A focus on living a life dedicated to God, often referred to as Christian sanctification, aligning with Wesleyan theology.

These distinctives shape the worship experience and the overall spiritual life of the fellowship's adherents.

Organizational Structure

Episcopal Governance

The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship employs a mixed polity, incorporating elements of congregational, presbyterian, and episcopal governance. The fellowship is collectively governed by the Full Gospel Baptist Council of Bishops. The presiding bishop serves as the chief clerical and executive leader, exercising authority alongside other episcopates in the administration of the fellowship.

Clergy and Leadership

The FGBCF ordains and consecrates a notable number of female pastors and bishops, although the majority of its clergy remains male. The women clergy are organized under an entity known as the Daughters of the Promise, or the Full Gospel International Women's Fellowship, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity in leadership roles.

Apostolic Succession Claims

The Claim and its Context

Within the FGBCF, bishops assert apostolic succession, tracing their lineage through Bishop Morton's consecration by George Augustus Stallings Jr. Stallings, an excommunicated Roman Catholic bishop, consecrated Morton in March 1993. While Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions recognize the validity of sacraments administered by bishops with valid, albeit illicit, ordinations (particularly concerning the concept of ex opere operato), they typically do not recognize the validity of female clergy or the succession claims of various independent Catholic and Protestant groups.

Theological Perspectives

The concept of apostolic succession, particularly as understood by the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches, pertains to the continuity of teaching, governance, and sacramental authority. The FGBCF's claim, originating from an independent Catholic source and extending to a denomination with a different theological tradition, is viewed differently by various Christian bodies. The validity of sacraments administered by women bishops, within this context, is a point of theological divergence.

Key Figures

Founding Bishop

Bishop Paul S. Morton Sr. is recognized as the founder of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship. A respected figure in Gospel music and a former pastor, his vision led to the establishment of a denomination that sought to integrate charismatic practices with Baptist traditions.

Successor Presiding Bishop

Bishop Joseph W. Walker III, a prominent pastor from Nashville, Tennessee, was appointed by Bishop Morton to succeed him. Walker, one of the founding figures of the FGBCF, assumed the role of International Presiding Bishop in 2015, continuing the fellowship's leadership.

Notable Departures

Bishop Neil Ellis played a role in the fellowship's early years but later resigned and established the Global United Fellowship, marking a significant schism within the movement following the succession process.

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References

Ramsey, Arthur Michael. The Gospel and the Catholic Church (translated from the Spanish edition published in the Dominican Republic: 1964, pp.134ff)

A full list of references for this article are available at the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily Wikipedia, and may not represent the entirety or nuances of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship's beliefs and practices.

This is not theological or pastoral advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consultation with qualified religious leaders, theologians, or denominational representatives. Always seek guidance from appropriate authorities for matters of faith, doctrine, and church governance.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.

Theological Currents

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Overview ℹ️

✝️ Defining the Fellowship

🌍 Scope and Influence

📜 Historical Context

Historical Trajectory 📜

🚀 Genesis of the Fellowship

⚖️ Navigating Denominational Tensions

➡️ Growth and Leadership Transitions

Theological Foundations 📖

🤝 Baptist and Charismatic Synthesis

✨ Emphasis on Spiritual Gifts

Core Doctrines 📚

📜 Traditional Baptist Beliefs

🔥 Pentecostal and Holiness Emphasis

Organizational Structure 🏛️

👑 Episcopal Governance

👩‍💼 Clergy and Leadership

Apostolic Succession Claims 🔗

🧐 The Claim and its Context

❓ Theological Perspectives

Key Figures 👤

🌟 Founding Bishop

➡️ Successor Presiding Bishop

↔️ Notable Departures

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📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Defining the Fellowship

Scope and Influence

Historical Context

Historical Trajectory

Genesis of the Fellowship

Navigating Denominational Tensions

Growth and Leadership Transitions

Theological Foundations

Baptist and Charismatic Synthesis

Emphasis on Spiritual Gifts

Core Doctrines

Traditional Baptist Beliefs

Pentecostal and Holiness Emphasis

Organizational Structure

Episcopal Governance

Clergy and Leadership

Apostolic Succession Claims

The Claim and its Context

Theological Perspectives

Key Figures

Founding Bishop

Successor Presiding Bishop

Notable Departures

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice