The Free Will Baptist denomination interprets Matthew 16:18 within its Baptist ecclesiology. The 'rock' refers to Peter's confession of faith that Jesus is 'the Messiah, the Son of the living God.' Peter is affirmed as a foundational apostle, but the Free Will Baptist understanding emphasizes that the church's foundation is ultimately the confession of faith in Christ, not Peter's person or position.

Free Will Baptist polity is congregational: each local church is autonomous and democratic, with leadership by pastors and deacons. The denomination does not recognize hierarchical church authority or papal claims. The 'keys of the kingdom' are understood as authority given to the church as a whole for exercising church discipline and pastoral care, not as personal authority granted to a single leader.

The Free Will Baptist interpretation reflects its Baptist heritage: the church is a company of believers who have made a personal profession of faith in Christ. Church authority is exercised locally and congregationally, with respect for apostolic tradition but without hierarchical structure.