Free Will Baptist roots can be traced to England as early as 1611.  The first Free Will Baptist Church was founded in Chowan, North Carolina, by Paul Palmer, in 1727.  The National Association of Free Will Baptists was formed in 1935 by the merger of the Cooperative General Association of Free Will Baptists and the General Conference of Free Will Baptists. 

Free Will Baptist churches enjoy local church autonomy (self-governing).  The local church is the highest authority in the denomination.

From the NAFWB statement of faith, Free Will Baptists believe that God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Righteous Ruler of the universe.  He has revealed Himself in nature, and in the Scriptures of the Holy Bible as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: yet as one God.  It is God's will that all be saved, but since man has the power of choice, God saves only those who repent of their sin and believe in the work of Christ on the cross.  Free Will Baptists believe the Bible teaches three ordinances for the church to practice: Baptism in water by immersion, the Lord's Supper, to be perpetuated until His return, and the Washing of the Saints' feet, an ordinance teaching humility.