At Independent Faith Church, as well as within the philosophy of Barbequianism, we do not impose rigid rules on how individuals must conduct themselves, other than the commitment to live by and apply the 5 Foundational Principles of the faith. Each person is encouraged to explore and express their spiritual journey in a way that aligns with their unique path.
Sin, in the context of Barbequianism, is not viewed through the traditional lens of moral judgment. Rather, we define sin as any action, thought, or behavior that hinders an individual’s personal growth or progress toward fully embodying the Founding Principles. Since we believe that all thoughts and actions carry natural consequences, there is no need for punishment from a god, deities or the church for such actions. Instead, individuals are encouraged to learn from their experiences and make conscious efforts to align their lives with the values of Barbequia.
Ministers, however, are held to a higher standard due to their role as spiritual leaders and representatives of the Independent Faith Church. Ministers are expected to actively integrate the Founding Principles into their lives, demonstrating a commitment to personal growth and the application of these principles on a daily basis.
To ensure the integrity of the church and its leadership, ministers are required to adhere to a Ministerial Agreement while serving as representatives of the Independent Faith Church. This agreement outlines the conduct and expectations for ministers, and any violations are reviewed by the Council of Ministers, which is comprised of 3-6 ordained ministers, presided over by the Presiding Minister.
While we encourage personal responsibility and growth, severe violations of the Ministerial Agreement—such as acts of violence, criminal behavior (including offenses related to honesty, violence, cruelty to humans or animals or sexual misconduct), or any actions deemed unbecoming of a representative of the church—may result in the termination of the Ministerial Agreement. It is important to note that this termination is not an act of excommunication, but a necessary consequence for behavior that contradicts the Founding Principles and jeopardizes the safety, reputation, or legal standing of the church.
All ministers are fully aware of the church’s expectations and the philosophical principles they must uphold during their preparation process. As part of their training, they receive a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes unacceptable behavior while serving as a minister, and this is assessed prior to ordination.