Be Our V.I.P.
Be Our V.I.P.
Following.
Proclaiming.
Celebrating.
Rooted in Bakersfield since 1943 — a church that has followed, proclaimed, and celebrated truth for over 80 years.
We believe in a lifestyle committed to loving God holistically — with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. That lifestyle is centered in the Oneness of God and living out that revelation in completeness.
God calls individuals not only to know Him, but to proclaim His message. Prior to his ascension, Jesus instructed his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received power from on high — and they did.
Mark 12:30"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."
Repentance is a change of heart, mind, and life — a turning from sin and a turning toward God. Jesus said, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3)
Water baptism by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins — following the pattern of the early church in Acts 2:38, 8:16, 10:47, and 19:5.
The baptism of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance — the same experience recorded in Acts 2:4 and promised to all who believe.
Rev. I.H. Terry and his wife arrived in Bakersfield on March 5th, 1943. Despite opposition and humble beginnings — no hot water, no song books, pews made from boards and washtubs — they held their first church service on November 13, 1943. The first pulpit was two orange boxes. The altar was Sister Terry's mother's wash bench.
The church moved through several locations before finding a home at 36th and O Street, where the foundation of the church family, ministries, and soul purpose was built through years of hard work and revival. The motto became: "The best place to go is 36th and O."
On the church's 40th anniversary, Rev. Terry retired after four decades of faithful leadership, passing the torch to Bishop Leon Frost — a man raised in the church under Brother Terry himself. Under Bishop Frost's leadership, the church moved to its current home at 1418 W. Columbus Street, debt free.
In November 2010, Kevin Bradford became pastor of Greater Bakersfield's First Pentecostal Church. He holds a degree in Business Administration from California State University, Bakersfield, and a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. He has exemplified a true servant's heart with a desire to uphold the church's rich heritage without compromise.
Kevin is currently pursuing a Doctor of Leadership in Global Perspectives. The journey has reinforced a simple truth: the more you learn, the more you realize how much there is still to learn. Discipleship is a lifelong pursuit, and every season of growth is another reminder to remain teachable. It also turns out that the more you learn...the more it costs!
November 2013 marked a momentous occasion — the church's 70th anniversary, Bishop Frost's 30th anniversary of leadership, and Pastor Bradford's 3rd anniversary. Three generations of faithful men, one unbroken foundation: Jesus Christ. Today, GBFPC continues to grow and serve the Bakersfield community.
We believe the Holy Bible to be the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. The Scriptures are God's revelation to humanity and are the final authority for faith, doctrine, conduct, and Christian living.
We believe all doctrine, practice, and instruction must be tested by and remain subject to the authority of Scripture.
Scripture References: John 14:26; I Corinthians 2:9-13; II Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:105; II Peter 1:20-21.
We believe there is one God, eternal in existence, infinite in power, holy in nature, attributes, and purpose, and possessing absolute and indivisible deity.
God is eternally Father in His relation to creation, and has revealed Himself in the Son for redemption, and as the Holy Ghost in His indwelling presence within the believer and the Church. These are not separate divine persons, nor are they temporary roles in which God ceases to be one in order to become another. The Father remains the eternal Spirit; the Son is God manifested in flesh, the visible image and embodiment of the Father; and the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God dwelling in and working through believers.
We believe Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man. He is God manifested in the flesh, conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, crucified for our sins, bodily resurrected, ascended into heaven, and coming again in glory.
We believe that Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and the one true God revealed in redemption. We believe that the saving name of God revealed in the New Testament is Jesus Christ and that salvation is found in no other name.
Scripture References: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 44:6-8; John 1:1-14; John 14:6-9; Acts 4:12; Colossians 1:15; Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 3:16; II Corinthians 5:19.
We believe humanity was created in the image of God and for fellowship with Him. Through sin, humanity became separated from God and subject to spiritual death. Through the incarnation, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God has provided redemption and reconciliation for all who respond to Him in faith and obedience.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 3; Acts 17:28; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12-21; II Corinthians 5:17-19; Colossians 1:16.
We believe salvation is made available through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The biblical response to the Gospel is repentance from sin, water baptism by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. We believe this experience constitutes the New Birth taught by Jesus Christ and proclaimed by the Apostles.
Scripture References: Acts 2:38; Acts 2:4; Acts 8:12-17; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:1-6; John 3:3-8; Romans 6:3-4.
We believe salvation is by the grace of God through faith. Grace not only provides forgiveness of sins but also enables believers to live godly lives. We believe believers are called to continue faithfully in the grace of God through obedience to His Word and a continuing relationship with Him. We believe that believers must persevere in faith and that Scripture warns against departing from the faith and turning away from God's grace.
Scripture References: Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 2:11-12; Jude 21; Hebrews 6:4-6; Hebrews 10:26-29; II Peter 2:20-21.
We believe the Church is the Body of Christ, composed of all who have obeyed the Gospel and been born again according to the Scriptures. The Church exists to worship God, proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, nurture believers, and demonstrate the Kingdom of God in the world.
Scripture References: Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38-47; Ephesians 4:11-16; I Corinthians 12:12-27.
We believe God calls His people to holiness and sanctification. Sanctification is both an initial work of God's grace and a continuing work of the Holy Spirit whereby believers are separated unto God and progressively conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.
Scripture References: Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:1-2; II Corinthians 7:1; I Peter 1:15-16; I Thessalonians 4:3-7.
We believe God created humanity in His image as male and female. We believe biological sex is a gift of God and is not determined by personal preference, self-identification, or cultural definition.
We believe marriage is a sacred covenant established by God and is the union of one man and one woman. We believe sexual intimacy is a gift from God intended for the marriage relationship. We affirm the sanctity of human life and the inherent dignity and value of every person as one created in the image of God.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6; Psalm 139:13-16; Romans 1:24-32; I Corinthians 6:9-11.
We believe divine healing is provided through the atoning work of Jesus Christ and remains available to believers today. We believe God hears and answers the prayer of faith and continues to heal according to His will and purpose.
Scripture References: Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 16:17-18; James 5:14-16; I Peter 2:24.
We observe the Lord's Supper in remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and in obedience to His command. We also practice foot washing as an expression of humility, servanthood, and Christian love following the example given by our Lord.
Scripture References: Luke 22:19-20; I Corinthians 11:23-29; John 13:14-15.
We believe God is the owner of all things and that believers are called to faithfully steward the resources entrusted to them. We affirm the biblical practice of tithes and offerings as acts of worship, obedience, and support for the work of God's Kingdom.
Scripture References: Genesis 14:18-20; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 23:23; Hebrews 7:1-10; II Corinthians 9:6-8.
We believe in the personal, visible, and triumphant return of Jesus Christ. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. We believe that the saints shall be gathered unto the Lord and that believers are called to live in continual readiness for His appearing. We believe that Satan shall ultimately be defeated and that God's redemptive purposes shall be brought to completion.
We believe in the final judgment, at which every person shall give account before God. We believe that those whose names are written in the Book of Life shall inherit everlasting life in the presence of God, and that those who reject God's salvation shall face eternal judgment. We affirm the certainty of Christ's return, the resurrection of the dead, the gathering of the saints, the final judgment, the ultimate defeat of evil, and the everlasting Kingdom of God.
Scripture References: Matthew 24:30-31; Acts 1:11; I Corinthians 15:51-58; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; II Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 20-22.
We believe God calls and equips individuals for service and leadership within the Church. We affirm the ministry gifts and leadership offices established in Scripture for the edification, equipping, and spiritual growth of the Body of Christ. We believe that those called to spiritual leadership should exemplify biblical character, sound doctrine, faithful service, and spiritual maturity.
Scripture References: Ephesians 4:11-13; Acts 13:2-3; I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; I Peter 5:1-4.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning home, we'd love to have you. Join us any Sunday or Tuesday and experience GBFPC for yourself.