A global Christian community with a mission of faith and transformation.
Brunstad Christian Church (BCC), originally founded in Norway in 1898, has evolved into a worldwide evangelical Christian denomination. The church emphasizes a life of victory over sin, based on the teachings of the New Testament, and holds that living a Christian life means following Jesus Christ in a process of sanctification. BCC operates without ordained clergy, relying instead on leaders appointed within each local congregation based on their virtue and the trust of the members, rather than on formal theological training.
History and Development
BCC’s roots trace back to Johan Oscar Smith, who, after dedicating his life to God, sought to revive the original Christian faith characterized by a personal transformation through living according to God’s will. The movement he initiated, initially modest in size, grew significantly over time, spreading from Norway to other Nordic countries and eventually across the globe. The church’s international reach is now extensive, with congregations in more than 65 countries and a significant following in Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, and beyond.
Teachings and Practices
Central to BCC’s teachings is the belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Bible as God’s word, guiding principles for a life of overcoming sin. The church upholds the practice of adult baptism by immersion and celebrates the Lord’s Supper as a remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice and a commitment to living a life in accordance with His teachings. Unlike many other denominations, BCC has no paid preachers, and its meetings feature active participation from its members, reflecting the church’s emphasis on personal faith and accountability.
Organization and Activities
BCC is structured as an international federation of local churches, with significant youth engagement and a high percentage of young members. The church’s headquarters are in Moss, Norway, but it has a broad international presence, facilitated by regional conferences and the annual international conference at the Oslofjord Convention Center. The church also engages in missionary and humanitarian efforts worldwide, emphasizing the spread of the Gospel while respecting the dignity and needs of those they serve.
Controversies
Like many religious movements, BCC has faced its share of controversy, particularly concerning allegations of being a sect and economic benefits accruing to church leaders. The controversies surrounding Brunstad Christian Church, particularly highlighted in a 2020 documentary by Norwegian state broadcaster NRK, have sparked discussions and raised questions about the church’s practices and leadership. The allegations suggested that church leaders might have been benefiting economically in ways that could potentially contravene legal standards, hinting at economic exploitation within the organization. BCC has fervently denied these claims, attributing them to a targeted misinformation campaign orchestrated by Psy-Group, a private Israeli intelligence company, on behalf of a former member. The church has responded to such allegations by emphasizing its transparent organizational practices and the spiritual, rather than material, focus of its mission.
Youth Exchange Program
A notable aspect of BCC’s work is its Youth Exchange Program (YEP), which encourages young people from its global congregations to spend a year engaging in volunteer work, cultural exchange, and spiritual education. This program reflects the church’s commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and faith among its younger members, ensuring the continuity of its foundational beliefs and practices.
Media and Publications
BCC operates its own publishing house, Skjulte Skatters Forlag, and produces a variety of media content aimed at spiritual edification, including the monthly journal “Skjulte Skatter” (Hidden Treasures), which has been published since 1912. This is part of the church’s broader effort to provide resources for spiritual growth and education within its community.
image via Brunstad Christian Church
