Brief History
In May of 1950, approximately 100 pastors and missionaries were led of God to begin a new fundamental, missionary, Baptist movement that would emphasize a worldwide church planting ministry. A simple fellowship of pastors was formed. In the years that have passed since those early days, it has grown dramatically; HOWEVER, it has never deviated from the purpose for which it was founded; to train, equip and support people for the ministry of establishing local Baptist churches around the world. Today, those original 100 have grown into the largest independent Baptist Missionary organization in the world.
Affiliation
The Baptist Bible Fellowship International is a fellowship of pastors believing in and adhering to the Word of God, on the basis of the Articles of Faith. We are Baptists, standing on the historic Baptist doctrines and practices. We are Independent Baptists. We are Fundamental Baptists, adhering to the fundamentals of the faith listed in the Articles of Faith. We are Missionary Baptists. Missions is the heart and soul of our beliefs and practices. We are Church Planting Baptists. Church planting is our main thrust thus fulfilling the Great Commission.
BBFI Missions Philosophy
The Baptist Bible Fellowship approves Church Planting missionaries. The Commission under which local Baptist churches operate is very clear; soul winning should result in the establishment of local Baptist churches.
The Baptist Bible Fellowship believes strongly in the indigenous church principle. Every church established by a BBFI missionary should one day be:
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Self-governing - they should have a national pastor
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Self-propagating - they should reproduce "after their kind," other local churches
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Self-supporting - they should be able to operate without the help of financial support
The Baptist Bible Fellowship has established stringent missionary approval requirements in order to present to the churches missionaries who are well educated, practically experienced and spiritually mature. The opportunity arises to voluntarily work together with sister churches in a mutual effort without ecclesiastical control. We are a fellowship, not a denomination. There is nothing for the local church to join.