The Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ was formed in 1957 when about seventy churches, led by Smallwood Edmond Williams, left the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith.
After the death of Williams in 1991, a division occurred over the governance of the church. The denomination's Order of Succession and Constitution, stated that two of its bishops, Lawrence Campbell and Huie L. Rogers, would each serve a three-year term, after which the church body would vote to determine who would be the successor to Williams.
According to the agreement, Campbell would serve the first term, in which Rogers would serve as vice presiding bishop under Rogers. Instead, Campbell viewed this as a demotion and refused to do so.
In 1997, the general assembly voted to retain Rogers for an additional year, but to postpone voting on a permanent successor. Although the motion passed with 85% in favor, the majority of the bishops preferred Campbell, and this led to a schism.
There are two separate organizations, Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ World-Wide, headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, and the International Bible Way Church of Jesus Christ in Washington, DC.
Most of the bishops, pastors, and churches stayed with Campbell and the International Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and this remains the largest of the two.
The two denominations are similar in theology, except for the issue of the ordination of women. The Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ World-Wide does not ordain women to the ministry, while the International Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ does.
Both Pentecostal bodies hold that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the source of its doctrine and practices.
Differing from many Christian denominations, the denominations are non-Trinitarian, maintaining that God exists in two modes, as the Father in heaven, and as Jesus the Son on earth, but that they are the same person, not separate persons. The Holy Spirit is not viewed as an actual person, but as a manifestation of the power of Jesus Christ. During the incarnation, Jesus was both human and divine. Upon his death on the cross, his human nature died.
They believe that salvation is made possible only through the Lord Jesus Christ, following repentance and the remission of sins.
Baptism is for believers only, and conducted by immersion in water, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
As a Pentecostal body, they believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, including the evidence of speaking in tongues.
Members are expected to live a life of humility, consecration, and Godliness.
The denominations believe in the premillennial Second Coming of Jesus Christ, which will be followed by the final judgment of the dead and the establishment of a new heaven, a new earth, and a new Jerusalem in which the righteous will dwell.
The leadership of the church is undertaken by a presiding bishop and a general assembly, which consists of bishops, overseers, district elders, pastors, elders, ministers, deacons, missionaries, and laity.
Topics related to either the International Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ or the Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ World-Wide are appropriate for this category, including sites representing regional organizations, missions, publishing arms, or associated organizations or corporations. Local church sites should be submitted to the appropriate Local & Global category.
Recommended Resources
Affiliated with the International Bible Way Church of Jesus Christ, the church is in New Rochelle, New York. Its location, schedules, and a gallery of photographs are published to the site, along with an introduction to its bishop and first lady, with links to the International Bible Way Church of Jesus Christ, the United New York Diocese, Christ Community Apostolic Church, and administrative contacts.
http://www.abundantlifeworshipcenterny.org/
Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, the denomination was founded in 1957. Its history and a profile of the Pentecostal body are set forth, along with its doctrine and practices, convention and conference schedules, registrations, and vendor information. Its auxiliary organizations are highlighted, leadership contacts are posted to the site, and report blanks may be downloaded from the site.
http://biblewaychurch.org/
Commonly known as Temple Nation, the fellowship focuses on generational ministries, involving families and all age groups, from youth to retirees. A program of Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the program offers non-perishable foods for community members, as well as offering training and supplies, and opportunities for middle-school and high-school aged youth. Photos and contacts are included.
http://btnation.org/
Affiliated with the International Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the apostolic fellowship organization offers apostolic covering and fellowship to churches and ministries within the United Kingdom and internationally. Its board of bishops, apostolic doctrine, missions, and ministries are highlighted, along with a directory of member churches, informational articles, a blog, and a podcast.
http://biblewaychurches.org/
Greater Bible Way Tabernacle Miracle Temple
Located in Inman, South Carolina, the church has its origins in 1960, and its facilities were constructed in 1966. A history of the church is put forth, along with directions, contact information, service times, and a calendar of programs and events. Biographies of the pastor and first lady are published, the church’s working auxiliaries, prayer requests, messages, and a photo gallery are featured.
https://www.greaterbibleway.org/
International Bible Way Church of Jesus Christ, Virginia State Diocese
The Virginia State Diocese is based on four acres in Danville, Virginia, on which its headquarters and retreat center is located. Highlights of its facilities are set forth, along with a calendar of events, a directory of member churches, convention reports, photographs, flyers, and access to various reports and forms. An introduction to the denomination’s presiding bishop and others in leadership positions are included.
http://virginiastatebibleway.com/
International Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Founded in 1957, the denomination is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. The official denominational site presents a history and profile of the Pentecostal body, including a statement of faith, core values, and introduction to its chief apostle. Its organizational structure and administrative contacts are posted to the site, along with a list of auxiliary organizations, member churches, and announcements.
http://www.internationalbibleway.org/
