IFCA International – What is it?

TL;DR:

IFCA International is a fellowship of Bible-centered churches committed to guarding sound doctrine. The IFCA unites like-minded believers to uphold God’s Word and advance the Great Commission.

Independent Fundamental Churches of America (IFCA) International is a fellowship of Bible-anchored churches united to guard sound doctrine and strengthen the body of Christ for the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The IFCA’s mission reflects the set-apart people of God who are called to uphold and defend the Gospel, teach Scripture faithfully, and partner in ministry. Both the Old and the New Testaments teach that God has a set-apart people (Exodus 19:5–6; Deuteronomy 7:6; 1 Peter 2:9).

Formed in 1930 amid rising theological compromise, the IFCA provided a home for churches determined to remain rooted in biblical authority. It continues to preserve that legacy by championing doctrinal clarity, Christlike leadership, earnest evangelism, and intentional partnerships. The Bible supports these goals. Throughout Scripture, a faithful few recognized the importance of faithfully following God’s work. An example in the Old Testament is when Hilkiah found the Book of the Law, alerted King Josiah to it, and Josiah gathered all the people to hear a reading from it (2 Kings 22–23). The book of Acts commends the Bereans because they tested Paul and Silas’ words against Scripture to ensure they were being taught rightly (Acts 17:11). The IFCA stands as a modern-day reminder that God’s people thrive when they unite around His Word, His mission, and His truth.

from the old testament

Throughout the Old Testament, God formed and preserved a covenant people who were set apart for Him (Exodus 19:5–6; Deuteronomy 7:6). This pattern of a separate, faithful community lays the foundation for organizations like IFCA International, which emphasize doctrinal purity and faithfulness to God’s revealed Word.
Israel’s leaders were commanded to teach Scripture accurately and guard the people from false worship and false teaching (Deuteronomy 4:1–2; 31:9–13; Nehemiah 8:1–8). This mirrors the mission of IFCA International, which exists to encourage sound doctrine, biblical leadership, and faithfulness to Scripture.

from the new testament

The New Testament repeatedly commands the church to guard the Gospel, teach the Scriptures faithfully, and resist false doctrine (Acts 20:28–30; 1 Timothy 1:3–5; Titus 1:9). IFCA International aligns with this calling by providing fellowship and resources for churches and leaders committed to doctrinal integrity.
The early church encouraged partnerships among like-minded believers for encouragement, accountability, and shared mission (Philippians 1:5; Acts 14:26–28). This principle reflects the purpose of IFCA as a network of churches, pastors, and ministries united by common beliefs and cooperative ministry efforts.
Christians are exhorted to test everything by the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 5:21–22), contend for the faith (Jude 3), and build up the church in truth and love (Ephesians 4:11–16). IFCA’s emphasis on biblical authority and doctrinal clarity flows directly from these New Testament commands.

implications for today

The Independent Fundamental Churches of America (IFCA) International is an association, not a denomination, of evangelical, conservative churches working together though operating independently. Its website says, "IFCA International is a movement of churches and believers from around the world who are committed to biblical ministry in an effort to enhance the strength of the Church by proclaiming biblical truth, equipping individual believers, and defending fundamental doctrine to accomplish the Great Commission”" (2024).

The IFCA was founded in 1930 as a successor to the American Conference of Undenominational Churches. The organization grew out of a concern with the growing Modernism in America that was affecting mainline denominations. Some mainline denominations were being influenced by leaders who did not believe in the inerrancy of the Bible and other core doctrines. Many churches began leaving denominations because they wanted to remain biblically sound. The association was formed to give those congregations a spiritual home. The name was changed to IFCA International in 1996.

The association desires that like-minded churches work together without jeopardizing each church's independence. It is not ecumenical and the churches within the association hold to varying degrees of ecclesiastical separation and personal separation. Some have taken this separation to extremes, but the IFCA encourages a biblical balance.

The IFCA is strongly conservative in its doctrine. Its five core values are:

Biblical Doctrine – Contemporary importance of the historic fundamentals

Biblical Leadership – Christ-like integrity, humility, zeal, and sacrifice

Biblical Outreach – Evangelism at home and abroad

Biblical Partnerships – Accomplishing more together than separately

Biblical Excellence – Doing the best we can for His glory

Members of the IFCA International believe God's Word is verbally inspired by God and is the absolute authority in life and faith. Generally speaking IFCA churches are biblically solid. But, as with any church, it is best to compare the doctrines and practices of the specific church to what the Bible says (Acts 17:11). Before becoming involved in or joining the church, pray for God's wisdom (James 1:5).

understand

IFCA International is a fellowship of independent, Bible-centered churches committed to sound doctrine and faithful ministry.
The IFCA follows the biblical pattern of a set-apart, covenant people called to uphold God’s Word.
Founded in 1930 to resist theological compromise, the IFCA advances the Great Commission through cooperation while preserving church independence.

reflect

How do you personally prioritize sound doctrine and biblical truth in your life and ministry?
How are you seeking fellowship and accountability with like-minded believers?
How do you understand the connection between your personal relationship with God and communal worship?

engage

What biblical principles help us understand modern church associations like IFCA?
What can we learn from IFCA’s emphasis on doctrinal clarity, leadership, and partnership?
What churches do to maintain unity and cooperation without compromising their biblical convictions?