Church Development Policy

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of the Church Development Ministry of the Baptist Bible Fellowship International (BBFI) is to equip pastors and strengthen local churches within the Fellowship (or in doctrinal agreement with the Fellowship) through pastoral support, leadership development, and church health initiatives.

This ministry exists to serve pastors and churches through encouragement, guidance, and cooperative assistance, while fully honoring the autonomy of the local church and the authority of its leadership.

2. MISSION ALIGNMENT

The Church Development Ministry operates in alignment with the doctrine, mission, and cooperative spirit of the Baptist Bible Fellowship International.

All Church Development activities shall support:

  • Faithful proclamation of the Gospel

  • Establishing Healthy and biblically grounded local churches

  • Development of capable and spiritually mature leaders

  • Cooperative ministries in doctrinal agreement with the Fellowship

The ministry functions in a supportive and equipping role and shall not exercise governing authority over any local church.

3. SCOPE of MINISTRY

The Church Development Ministry shall focus on strengthening pastors and existing churches within the Fellowship (or in doctrinal agreement with the Fellowship) through the following health initiatives:

A. Church Health and Revitalization
Assisting churches seeking renewed vitality, improved ministry effectiveness, or organizational stability by connecting them with experienced leaders, training resources, and practical guidance consistent with BBFI values.

B. Leadership Development
Promoting biblical leadership growth among pastors and ministry leaders through training opportunities, mentoring relationships, and cooperative learning environments.

C. Pastoral Support and Care
Providing encouragement, counsel, and relational support to new and existing pastors, particularly during seasons of transition, discouragement, conflict, or personal challenge.

D. Ministry Transition and Crisis Assistance
Providing guidance and support to churches and pastors during pastoral transitions, leadership changes, or ministry crises, in cooperation with State Representatives and BBFI leadership when appropriate.

4. LEADERSHIP and RESPONSIBILITIES

The oversight of the Church Development Ministry is entrusted to the BBFI Church Development Committee, under the leadership of the Fourth Vice President.

Responsibilities of the Church Development Committee:

Policy Development:
Drafting, revising, and publishing the BBFI Church Development Policy, subject to approval by the BBFI Executive Committee and BBFI State Representatives.

Ministry Awareness and Resource Development:
Staying informed of ministry trends and cultivating resource relationships that may benefit pastors and churches within the Fellowship.

Church Health, Transitions, and Succession:
Supporting church health by assisting with leadership transitions, succession awareness, and pastoral continuity in cooperation with State Representatives.

Leadership Development and Training:
Promoting and coordinating leadership development opportunities, including mentoring, conferences, training events, and pastoral assessment tools in cooperation with BBFI leadership.

Pastoral Care and Prayer Support:
Providing spiritual encouragement, prayer support, and pastoral care focus for new and existing BBFI pastors and churches.

5. PARTICIPATION from Churches and Pastors

  • Participation in Church Development initiatives shall be voluntary.

  • All mentoring, training, consultation, and assistance shall be offered as supportive resources and shall not be considered directives or requirements.

  • Local churches shall retain full responsibility and authority for decisions regarding doctrine, leadership, finances, staffing, and ministry direction.

6. LIMITATION and LEGAL LIMITATIONS

  • All guidance, mentoring, and assistance provided through the Church Development Ministry is offered based on biblical principles and ministry experience.

  • No services provided shall be considered legal, financial, medical, or professional counseling.

The BBFI, its officers, and those serving in Church Development roles shall not be liable for decisions or actions taken by churches or individuals based on guidance received through this ministry.

All final authority for ministry decisions remains with the local church and its leadership.

Approved April 28, 2026, in Springfield, MO

Click here to download a PDF of the BBFI Church Development Policy