What is the difference between Presbyterians and Fundamental Baptists?

Some people who have been dissatisfied with some of the teachings or practices of the Independent, Fundamental Baptist (IFB) network have asked me about the difference between their church and a Presbyterian church, when I have suggested the latter as an alternative. Here is my best attempt to summarize this comparison in 5 points because I like short and simple!

1. IFBs tend to view conversion in terms of a one-time salvation experience. You tell a person about what Christ has done for them, they believe it, and they pray to receive Him. That person, then, writes down the date and the time this happened and cherishes it, since their salvation cannot be lost. It's now time to move on and grow. Presbyterians, on the other hand, tend to see conversion as the validation of God's eternal, sovereign plan to draw you to Himself. You first believe in Christ at some part of the process, but you continue believing in Him. The emphasis is not on the date you became a Christian, but on the fact that you are clinging to Christ now.

Presbyterians do not believe
that the water will save the child.

2. IFBs only baptize adult believers, as an outward sign that points to an inward conversion reality. Presbyterians baptize both adult believers and infants. As Calvinists, they believe that an infant born under one or both Christian parents is baptized as a surety of the hope that God is, little by little, drawing this helpless, passive child to Himself. This child is included in the household covenant of grace.

No need to wear this at a
Presby church.

3. IFBs believe that the world will only get worse and worse. The next thing in God's timetable is a secret rapture that will snatch the faithful, followed by a 7-year tribulation period and a 1000-year idyllic period of God's physical reign on earth. Presbyterians believe anything else but this. In a Presbyterian church, there are Amillennialists, Postmillennialists, and even a few Premillennialists, but no Dispensationalists. They believe the latter theory came to be in the 1800's.

4. IFBs tend to place an emphasis on external factors. The way you dress, the Bible version you use and the music you listen to are of utmost importance to them. Presbyterians are happy if you only showed up and enjoyed the service. 

5. IFBs have more unstructured worship services. The pastor is usually in charge of what goes on, and he can shorten or extend the service (with a longer sermon or altar call) as he sees fit. The congregation is treated like a choir, and the song leader may ask people to sing a cappella or in parts. Woe to you if you cannot read musical notation. Presbyterians have their service already printed out on a bulletin, and they will have no altar calls. You will be standing, and singing, and reciting, and praying, and being benedicted. And you'll always make it in time for lunch.