Brunstad Christian Church facts for kids

The Brunstad Christian Church (BCC) is a worldwide Christian church. It is based on the teachings of the Bible. The church started in Norway in the early 1900s. Today, it has more than 220 churches in 54 countries. In 2016, it had over 20,000 members. Most of its members live outside Norway. For many years, the group was known as Smith's Friends, especially in Norway.

How It Started

Johan O. Smith

The church was founded by Johan Oscar Smith (1871–1943). He was a member of the Methodist church before. In 1898, Smith had a special religious experience. After this, he started sharing his beliefs with small groups. In 1905, his brother Aksel Smith (1880–1919) joined him.

In 1908, Johan Oscar Smith met Elias Aslaksen (1888–1976). This happened while Smith was serving in the Norwegian Navy. With Johan Oscar Smith, Aksel Smith, and Elias Aslaksen leading, the group grew quickly. During World War I, Smith was a Naval officer. He patrolled the Norwegian coast. This helped him meet new believers. He also started churches in several Norwegian coastal towns. In the 1930s, churches were also started inland in Norway. Some were in Hallingdal and Valdres. Churches also began in Denmark during this time.

From the 1950s, the church started to spread across Western Europe. This included Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Brunstad Christian Church grew even more. It reached Eastern Europe, the United Kingdom, North America, Australia, Africa, and Asia. The first churches in South America were started in the 1970s.

Today, there are over 220 churches in more than 65 countries. The church holds big international meetings every year. These happen at the Oslofjord Convention Center. They also have smaller meetings around the world. The church has its own publishing house called Skjulte Skatters Forlag. It publishes books and videos about faith. A monthly magazine called Skjulte Skatter ('Hidden Treasures') has been published since 1912.

How the Church is Organized

The Brunstad Christian Church is a group of about 220 churches worldwide. It does not have official clergy like priests or pastors. Few members have special religious training. Leaders in each local church are chosen based on their good qualities. Members trust them and they have natural abilities. Leaders are not elected by voting.

After Johan Oscar Smith passed away in 1943, Elias Aslaksen became the main leader. Then Sigurd Bratlie took over in 1976. Since 1996, Kåre J. Smith [no] has been the leader. The church is independent and does not have many formal ties with other churches.

Members Around the World

What They Believe

Conference at Oslofjord Convention Center

The Brunstad Christian Church bases its faith on the New Testament. They believe the Bible is the word of God. Their main beliefs include:

• Faith in Jesus as God's son.
• Belief in the Holy Spirit.
• Forgiveness of sin.
• Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

They believe that forgiveness for sins is a gift. It is received through Divine grace when someone believes in Jesus Christ. They practice baptism for adults. This is done by fully dipping them into water.

Like other Christian churches, the Bible is very important to them. They believe it literally. Books and writings by past and present church leaders are also highly valued. The main publications are the monthly magazine, Skjulte Skatter, and Smith's Letters. This is a collection of letters written by Johan O. Smith.

The church teaches that Jesus not only died to forgive sins. They also believe He was tempted to sin, just like all humans. The church teaches that Jesus' victory over sin helps believers. It helps them overcome sin in their own lives. This process is called sanctification. It means becoming more like Jesus.

Their Work

Sigurd Bratlie

The Brunstad Christian Church is involved in missionary work. They also do humanitarian work around the world. This means they help people in need.