Steps for Connection
- See if you are doctrinally compatible with the Bible Fellowship Church. We hold to a Reformed view of soteriology, believer’s baptism by immersion, and premillennial eschatology. Each of our churches is governed by a body of elected elders. You can review our complete Articles of Faith here.
- Be willing to become ordained through the BFC credentialing process. Pastors are required to have three years of theological education or its equivalent. The BFC may also recognize your previous ordination. Click here for more details about becoming a pastor in the BFC.
- Email Church Extension Mentoring Assistant Tim Zuck at CEMoffice@bfc.org and let him know you are interested in connecting with the BFC. He will schedule a 30 minute exploratory phone call with you.
Experience the joy of Christian unity by joining together with a larger part of the body of Christ. We look forward to talking with you about becoming a church in the Bible Fellowship Church denomination.
Why Join the Bible Fellowship Church?
Pastoring an independent church can be lonely. The burdens of ministry are hard to bear on your own. When conflict arises in the church, you have no one to support you to restore order and peace. You know that there are experienced pastors out there who have been in your shoes, but it’s hard to find a place to meaningfully connect with them. You want accountability, too. Where can you find other mature Christian brothers in Christ who can catch you before you fall into sin or encourage you not to become weary in doing good?
You can find all this and more when your church joins the Bible Fellowship Church denomination. You will receive:
Regular Prayer and Fellowship with Other Pastors
The Bible Fellowship Church (BFC) denomination is divided into regions. Each region meets regularly in a small group format for prayer and fellowship. In addition, all the BFC pastors meet twice yearly. In the spring, BFC Conference gathers the pastors and elders together for worship, preaching, and to conduct denominational business. In the fall at Ministerial Convention, the BFC provides a speaker and plenty of laid-back fellowship time for a retreat in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.
Accountability and Freedom
The Executive Board along with other denominational boards and committees have checks and balances in place to keep you and your congregation on track doctrinally, ecclesiastically, and financially. At the same time, you maintain control over the care of your congregation and your budget since you know best how to reach your local church and its community.
Help in Times of Conflict
The Ministerial Relations Committee is available to support you and your church in times of conflict or pastoral change. The Ministerial Credentials Committee This committee also provides a Conference Pastor whose sole responsibility is to be a pastor to the pastors and their families.
Resources for Growth
The Board of Church Health is a resource for you in times of plateauing or declining growth. Call the Director of Church Health to consult with your church and prayerfully find wisdom to promote your church’s growth.
Work Together for the Kingdom
Participate in church planting and missions with BFC Church Extension Department and the Board of Missions. Work together with other Bible Fellowship Churches to support domestic church planting and overseas missionaries. Your church decides which Kingdom-building projects to be involved in financially and practically.
Connecting with the Bible Fellowship Church
View detailed steps for connecting with the Bible Fellowship Church denomination.
