Many congregations practice the ritual of footwashing, but some consider it an ordinance while some make it a test of fellowship. The King James version of the Bible is preferred but usually not mandatory. The local church consists of members, deacons, and elders. Members must be adult baptized believers. Deacons oversee the temporal affairs.
Ministers have little or no theological training and, typically, no salary.
They are expected to study the Scriptures. No musical instruments are used in worship. Sermons are delivered extemporaneously, in a distinctive sing-song voice. Also associated with the Primitives is Harp Singing, a cappella singing in four-part harmony which sounds much like eighteenth century folk music. While not organized in a hierarchical fashion, there is a definite organizational structure to the Primitive Baptist movement which can be defined by doctrine and by letters of correspondence.