Brunstad Christian Church (BCC) is a worldwide evangelical non-denominational Christian church. Established in Norway early in the 20th century. It is represented by more than 220 churches in 54 countries. An overview of members per country shows a total of 20,000 members in 2016. As many as two thirds of its members live outside Norway. For many years the group did not have a formal name and was referred to as Smith's Friends, particularly in Norway.

History

thumb|left|100px|[[Johan Oscar Smith|Johan O. Smith]]

Johan Oscar Smith (1871–1943), the church's founder, was originally a member of the Methodist Church in Norway. After a religious conversion in 1898 Smith began preaching to small gatherings. In 1905, his brother Aksel Smith (1880–1919) joined him. Smith had early contact with the Pentecostal movement in Norway and Aksel Smith cooperated with Thomas Ball Barratt during the first few years after Barratt introduced Pentecostalism to Norway in 1906–1907.

In 1908, Johan Oscar Smith met Elias Aslaksen (1888–1976) while serving in the Norwegian Navy. Under the leadership of Johan Oscar Smith, Aksel Smith, and Elias Aslaksen the group began to grow quickly.

Today, there are more than 220 congregations in more than 65 countries. The church has annual international conferences at Oslofjord Convention Center and regional conferences throughout the world. When Johan Oscar Smith died in 1943, overall leadership of the church passed to Elias Aslaksen, followed by Sigurd Bratlie in 1976 and in 1996. The church is non-denominational and has little formal association with other churches. They believe that the forgiveness of sins is undeserved and by received through Divine grace when one believes in Jesus Christ. They practice the baptism of adults by complete immersion into water. The most central internal publications are the monthly magazine, and Smith's Letters, a collection of letters written by Johan O. Smith, mostly to his brother Aksel and Elias Aslaksen.

The church claims to differ from other non-denominational evangelical groups in its belief that Jesus not only died to bring forgiveness of our sins, but that he was also tempted to sin just like every human being. The church teaches that Jesus' victory over sin as a human being is the basis for personal victory over sin and transformation into Jesus image for believers, which is defined as the process of sanctification.

A study undertaken by Norwegian theologian Geir Lie concluded that the theology of Brunstad Christian Church was influenced by the Keswick revival at the turn of the 20th century and by individuals such as Madame Guyón and Jessie Penn-Lewis.

Controversy

A 2020 documentary by Norwegian state broadcaster NRK raised questions about whether BCC is a sect, and alleged that church leaders were benefiting economically from the church in a manner that could be illegal.

The BCC denied the allegations, and claim that they are part of a misinformation campaign run by the private Israeli intelligence company Psy-Group on behalf of an ex-member.

Bibliography

  • Bratli, Kjell Arne (1996): The Way of the Cross: An Account of Smith's Friends. Tananger, Norway: Skjulte Skatters Forlag.
  • Gjøsund, Alf (2004). Seier Likevel: Min Vei ut av Trossamfunnet Smiths Venner (Victory after all: My Way Out of Smith's Friends Fellowship) (Norwegian). Lunde.
  • Velten, Johan (2002). Ansatt av Gud: Et Kritisk Søkelys på Smiths Venner (Appointed by God: A Critical Review of Smith's Friends) (Norwegian). Genesis.

References

  • Official website in English
  • Missionary website