The essence of the churches of the BFP includes the actuality of faith in the triune God of the Bible and in the validity of the Word of God in the personal life of the individual as well as in the life of the church.
The Churches
in the Association of Pentecostal Churches in Germany (BFP)
The heart of the BFP are the local churches. The multitude of different church names is symbolic of a diversity of historical developments, imprints and orientations.
Together they share Pentecostal convictions and experiences through Word and Spirit, the foundations for faith and doctrine, and Jesus' commission to proclaim the gospel. Church of Jesus, that is people who unite bindingly under the "head" Jesus Christ as his "body". Therefore, the church asks for and expects the work of the Holy Spirit through ministries, gifts and effects in all its areas of life and ministry.
Local churches are led by elders, with the pastor usually understood as the church leader. Leadership responsibility in the BFP is understood to be team-oriented and perceived as complementary. In the BFP, the Reformation insight of the "priesthood of all believers" is taught and lived. Therefore, every member of the church is motivated and encouraged to take on spiritual responsibility and practical cooperation.
One becomes a member of a BFP church through the personal confession of faith in Jesus Christ and through baptism in water. Part of the essence of the BFP churches is the actuality of faith in the triune God of the Bible and in the validity of the Word of God in the personal life of the individual as well as in the life of the church.
Church planting and the building of new churches are among the special concerns of the BFP in view of the dramatic decline of Christian faith and church commitment in our country.