Altar Calls...

[Genevanpreacher]

If a church is a "Free" something or other church, in most cases it means they hold to reformed doctrine.
Around here the are free reformed, free Presbyterian, and even a free Baptist Church.
I have seen a free SDA, and even a free LDS Temple - and yes they do hold to a Calvinistic style of Mormonism.....

It is an indicative keyword of reformed theology.
It is a warning sign of false doctrine.

Wow! Invicta said all that?

[OLD fashioned preacher]

If a church is a "Free" something or other church, in most cases it means they hold to reformed doctrine.
Around here the are free reformed, free Presbyterian, and even a free Baptist Church.
I have seen a free SDA, and even a free LDS Temple - and yes they do hold to a Calvinistic style of Mormonism.....

It is an indicative keyword of reformed theology.
It is a warning sign of false doctrine.

Must be a commonwealth thing, in the US the only "free" churches I've heard of are Evangelical Free (or E-Free).Their doctrinal statements didn't indicate any Calvinistic or RT indicators and they have this to say about their name (just referring to the E-Free here):

 

The “evangelical” of Evangelical Free reflects the assertions that the scriptures are the inerrant word of God, people are born into a sinful condition, and salvation comes through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as a commitment to spreading these beliefs. They also believe in the premillennial return of Christ, the bodily resurrection of the dead, and the celebration of water baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

The “free” means that EFCA churches are congregational in governance. Each church is governed and financially supported by its own members. This is as opposed to being ruled by a presbyter, or board of elders, or an episcopate, which is a central leader over several churches. Although EFCA churches typically have a senior pastor and a board of elders, the pastors and elders receive their authority by the vote of the congregation. 

[HappyChristian]

In Ireland, the Free Methodists are pretty much down the line with US UFB.

[OLD fashioned preacher]

In Ireland, the Free Methodists are pretty much down the line with US UFB.

I know what a UFO is, but what's a UFB?

[HappyChristian]

Heh. Unidentified fundy Baptist? LOL. It's my phone...snicker. Supposed to be IFB.

[DaveW]

Well here the words "free" and "Reformed" mean basically the same thing - Calvinistic.

[Standing Firm In Christ]

Unidentified Flying Bagel

[DaveW]

Wow! Invicta said all that?

He used the term "Free", which John questioned. I explained what "free" means in this context.
I said what I said.
You try and figure out what he said.

[OLD fashioned preacher]

I've locked this post due to it having run its useful course (not because of the distinction of "free" in the US or overseas).

[OLD fashioned preacher]

Added at DaveW's request:

 

"I wish to clear up a misunderstanding with Invicta's post.
In Australia the term "Free" when applied to a church relates to that church holding reformed doctrine. I have found this to be universally true in Australia.
This does not appear to be the case in England or the US.
I therefore apologise for my assumption.

Regards,
DaveW"

Psalm 122:1 Don't be lazy - go and look it up!

The Text of the first sermon preached in Australia: "What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me." Psalm 116 vs 12, Richard Johnson, February 3rd, 1788.