About Us

The vision for this ministry came at a very unusual time but never the less a unique time. It was a bright sunny day may 14, 1988 the first birthday of our first son. My brother Femi Ajimatanrareie invited many of his friends to this birthday celebration. It was during this time that the Lord caused me to "Lift up my eyes and look at the fields, for they were alreadywhite for harvest" [John 4:42]. The vision was planted in my spirit. Thus, after couple of months of personal struggle regarding my school, work, and family schedules I realized I can no longer resist this vision. So after my wife and I have had the chance to pray about it we felt the Lord was leading us to start an Evangelistic Bible Stud desi ned to reach the lost for Christ.

Phone calls were made and letters were written to all of our guests who came during this birthday celebration asking them if they would like to join us in a Bible Study. The response was very overwhelming. So on July 17, 1988, we started the Bible Study program in the garage of Bro. Ambrose Akinmusire on Keller Avenue, Oaldand CA. The We never thought of starting a church. But as God would have it African Christian

Bible Study grewvery rapidly so much that the neighborhood people started complaining that we were having a church service. A police officer was finally called who came to inform us about the complaints of the neighbors. That became the turning point. Thus, by the grace of God, through my field education supervisor Rev. Jess Baker of first Baptist Church of Novato and the then Director of Mission Larry E. Fisher of the East Bay Baptist Association, the American Indian Baptist Church of Oakland in 1989 under the leadership of Deacon Paul Brown and Deacon Jack Poolaw graciously adopted the fellowship as a Mission of American Indian Baptist Church.

On October 2, 1988 we had our first Bible Study session at the American Indian Baptis u Church Fellowship Hall. We were later given two portables that we were allowed to use until April 2004. We started meeting bi-weekly on Sunday evenings 6:30-8:OOPM for Bible Study/worship. The first offering collected was about Seventeen dollars. And through the leading of the Holy Spirit and based on the desire of the people our first mornin: worshis service took •lace Januar 03, 1990.

Fellowship was born January 1990. The name of the church was later changed to Victory Christian fellowship, The Church on the Rock, in 1992 to celebrate the faithfulness of the Lord that the gate of hell cannot and will not prevail against His church. And to also reflect the mission of the church to reach all peoples of the world for Christ.

Over the years many have given their lives to Jesus Christ and baptized through this ministry. Many Saints have been nurtured, equipped and trained in Sound Biblical Teaching through this ministry for works of righteousness. We now have various ministries: Men's & Women's Ministries; Youth & Children's Ministries; Single & Sunday School Ministries. I wrote and publish my first book "Make Disciple of All Nations" in this ministry. By the Grace of God VCF is now touching the lives of people in Nigeria through "Victory Hour" a Radio Ministry. And by the grace of God we now have an extension of VCF church in Nigeria with three campuses: the Akure Assembly, Igoba Assembly, & Lagos Assembly. The Resident pastor is Pastor Femi Folutile, coordinating the affairs of the ministries.

Now that you are a member of Victory Christian Fellowship, the Church on the Rock, we would love to share with you the reason why we exist as a Body of Christ. We believe the church of Christ was founded not to build monuments but to make disciple of all nations.

By the grace of God we exist:

• To make Christ the son of the living God known to the world
• To proclaim the day of the Lord's favor
• To challenge the world to accept God's Son, and To equip the saints in Sound Biblical Teaching for works of righteousness.

The church of the Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest institution that the world has ever known. Christ established it during his personal ministry, and he is its Head (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18). He promised that he would be with it through the ages and that the gates of hell should not prevail against it (Matt. 16: 18;28:20). To it he gave the Great Commission and the ordinances, and for it He went to the cross (Matt. 28:19·20; 1 Cor. 11:23·26; Eph. 5:25). He loved the church, and he wants his churches to honor and glorify Him as His representatives on earth (Eph. 3:21; 5:25·27).

The Lord's church has the greatest task ever assigned to any individual or group in the history of the world - to carry the glorious gospel of Christ the Savior to every nation and tongue. No other commission like that has ever been given or will ever be given. In carrying out this great commission, the church of Christ has done more for the world than all the governments ever organized, all the other institutions ever established, or all the armies ever assembled. World history has ever been changed by the work of Christ through his churches.

Membership also brings us great opportunities. These include opportunity for fellowship in the finest company that can be found and opportunity for Christian growth, development, and training through the various departments of church organization. We have opportunity for Christian service through the church in the name of Christ to those at home and around the globe. Where else can we find such opportunities to live for God and our fellow men?

Membership places upon us an inescapable obligation: an obligation to make the church and its work first in our lives; an obligation to use our time and our talents for the glory of God; an obligation to support the work of the church with our presence, our influence, and our means.

Local churches are never stronger than their membership; and a membership of worldly, careless, negligent, stunted Christians will prevent a church from accomplishing much for the Lord. There is need for every member to be consecrated, trained, and enlisted in active service. We are under obligation to be the very best members possible under the leading of the Lord.

The church covenant is a voluntary agreement by members of our church in affiliation with Southern Baptist churches and churches of like mind, whereby they promise to conduct their lives in such a way as to glorify God and promote the ongoing work of His church. Every member should study it carefully, refer to it often, and seek to live by it. It clearly outlines the obli ations of church membership at Victory Christian Fellowship.

Covenant

Having been led, as we believe, by the spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk in the Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel though all the nations.

We also engage to maintain family and quiet devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings; faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our savior.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow ti take offense, but always be ready for reconcikiation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other churches of like mind, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.

Basis of Covenant

The obligations of the church membersip outlined in the covenant are all scriptural, as may be seen from the following study.

Salvation and Baptism

(John 1:11-12; Matt. 28:19-20)

Duties of the Church

a.   To walk together in Christian love (John 13:24-25)

b.   To strive for the advancement of the church and promote its prosperity and spirituality (Phil. 1:27; 2 Tim 2:15; 2 Cor. 7:1; 2 Peter 3:11)

c.   To sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrine (Heb. 10:25; Matt. 28:19; Cor 11:23-26; Jude 3)

d.   To give it pre-eminence in my life (Matt. 6:33)

e.   To contribute cheerfully regularly (1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 8:6-7)

f.   To carry my membership when I move and be active in churc work wherever I live Acts 11:19-21.18:24-28 .

Duties in Personal Christian Living

a.   To maintain family and secret devotions (1 Thess. 5:17-18; Acts 17:11).

b.   To religiously educate the children (2 Tim. 3:15; Deut. 6:4-7).

c.   To seek salvation of the lost (Act 1:8; Matt. 4:19; Psalm 126:5-6; Prov.11:30).

d.   To walk circumspectly in the world, and to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment (Eph. 5:15; Phil. 2:14-15; 1 Peter 2:11-12).

e.   To avoid gossip and excessive anger (Eph. 4:31; 1 Peter 2:21; Col. 3:8; James 3:1-2).

f.   To abstain from sale or use of liquors. (Eph. 5:18; Hab. 2:15).

g.   To be zealous in our efforts for Christ (Titus 2:14).

Duties to Fellow Members

a.   To watch over one another in love (1 Peter 1:22).

b.   To pray for one another (James 5:16).

c.   To aid in sickness and distress (Gal. 6:2; James 2:14-17).

d.   To cultivate sympathy and courtesy (1 Peter 3:8).

e.   To be slow to take offense, alwa s read for reconciliation (Eph. 4:30-32).

The church covenant is a voluntary agreement by members of our church in affiliation with Southern Baptist churches and churches of like mind, whereby they promise to conduct their lives in such a way as to glorify God and promote the ongoing work of His church. Every member should study it carefully, refer to it often, and seek to live by it. It clearly outlines the obli ations of church membership at Victory Christian Fellowship.

ARTICLE I

I.   Purpose

The purpose of this Church is to worship God, to proclaim the gospel of the revelation of God through Jesus Christ, to minister in the name of Jesus Christ, to proclaim earnestly the gospel message, to urge its personal acceptance, and to teach the Biblical revelation for the equipping of the Saints for service.

II.   Fundamental Matters

a.    The Scriptures: (Sola Scriptura - The Scripture Alone): The scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by the inspiration of God, and are the sole Or the only sufficient, certain and authoritative rule of the church, of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience.

b.    God: There is but one God, the Maker, Preserver and Ruler of all things, having in and of Himself, all perfection, and being infinite in them all; and to Him all creatures owe the highest love, reverence and obedience.

Providence: God from eternity, decrees or permits all things that come to pass, and perpetually upholds, directs and governs all creatures, all events; yet not in any way the author or approver of sin nor destroy the free will and responsibility of intelligent.

d.   The Trinity: God is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence of being.

e.   Election: Election is God's eternal choice of persons unto everlasting life not because of foreseen merit in them, but of His mere mercy in Christ in consequence of which choice they are called, justified and glorified.

f.   The fall of Man: God originally created man in His own image, and free from sin; but through the temptation of Satan, he transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original holiness and righteousness; where by his posterity inherit a nature corrupt and wholly opposed to God and His law, are under condemnation, and as soon as they are capable of moral action become actual transgressors.

g.   The Mediator: Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God, is the divinely appointed mediator between God and man. Having taken upon Himself human nature, yet without sin, He perfectly fulfilled the law, suffered and died upon the cross for the salvation of sinners. He was buried and rose again on the third day, and ascended to His Father, at whose right hand He ever liveth to make intercession for His people. He is the only Mediator, the Prophet, Priest and King of the Church, and Sovereign of the universe.

h.   Regeneration: Regeneration is a change of heart, wrought by the Holy Spirit, who quickneth the dead in trespasses and sins, enlightened their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the Word of God, and reviewing their whole nature, so that they love and practice holiness. It is a work of God's free and special grace alone.

i.   Repentance: Repentance is an evangelical grace, wherein a person being, by the Holy Spirit, made sensible of the manifold evil of his sin, humbleth himself for it, with godly sorrow, destination of it, self-abhorrence, and a changed heart, with a purpose and endeavor to walk before God so as to please Him in all things

j.   Faith: Saving faith is the belief of God's authority, of whatsoever is revealed in His Word concerning Christ; accepting and resting upon Him alone for justification and eternal life. It is wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit, and is accompanied by all other saving graces, and leads to a life of holiness.

k.   Justification: Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal of sinners, who believe in Christ, from all sin, through the satisfaction that Christ has made, not for any thing wrought in them or done by them; but on account of the obedience and satisfaction of Christ, they receiving and resting on Him and His righteousness by faith.

l.   Sanctification: God's Word and Spirit dwelling in them also sanctify those who have been regenerated. This sanctification is progressive through the supply of Divine strength, which all saints seek to obtain, pressing after a heavenly life in cordial obedience to all Christ's commands.

m.   Perseverance of the Saints: Those who God hath accepted in the beloved, sanctified by the Spirit, will never totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere to the end; and though they may fall, through neglect and temptation, into sin whereby they grieve the spirit impair their graces and comforts, being reproach on the church, and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be renewed again unto repentance, and be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

n.   The Church: The Lord Jesus is the Head of the Church, which is composed of all His true disciples; and in Him is, invested supremely all power for its government. According to His ministries, Christians are to associate themselves into particular societies or churched and to each of these churches he hath given needful authority for administrating that order, discipline and worship which he hath appointed. The regular officers of a church are Pastors or Elders, Deacons and Deaconesses o. Baptism: Baptism is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus, obligatory upon every believer, wherein he is immersed in water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit as a sign of his fellowship with the death and resurrection of Christ, of remission of sins and of the giving himself up to God, to live and walk in newness of life. It is a prerequisite of church fellowship, and to participation in the Lord's Supper.

o.   Baptism: Baptism is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus, obligatory upon every believer, wherein he is immersed in water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit as a sign of his fellowship with the death and resurrection of Christ, of remission of sins and of the giving himself up to God, to live and walk in newness of life. It is a prerequisite of church fellowship, and to participation in the Lord's Supper.

p.   The Lord's Supper: The Lord's supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ to be administered with the elements of bread and wine and to be observed by his churched till the end of the world. It is in no sense a sacrifice, but is designed to commemorate his death, to confirm the faith and other graces of Christians, and to be a bond, pledge and renewal of their communion with Him, and of their church fellowship.

q.   The Lord's Day: The Lord's day is a Christian institution for regular observance, and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, resting from worldly employment and amusements works of necessity and mercy only expected.

r.   Liberty of Conscience: God alone is Lord of the conscience and He hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men. Which are in anything contrary to His word, or not contained in it.

s.   The Resurrection: The bodies of men after death return to dust but their spirits return immediately to God - the righteous to rest with Him, the wicked to be reserved under darkness to the judgment. At the last day, the bodies of all the dead, both just and unjust, will be raised.

t.   The Judgment/Imminent Return of the Lord Jesus Christ: God had appointed a day wherein he will judge the world by Jesus Christ, when everyone shall receive according to his deeds, the wicked shall go into everlasting punishment, the righteous into everlasting life.

III. Cooperation

This Church is subject to the control of no ecclesiastical body other than itself. This Church shall, however, cooperate with other churches of like faith and order in the fulfillment of its purpose. This Church shall at all times maintain its status as a cooperating church with East Bay Southern Baptist Association, the California Southern Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention.

ARTICLE II

Qualifications

Any person who meets each of the following criteria shall be a Member of this Church. A Member shall have made a public confession of conversion by the faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

A Member shall have been baptized by immersion in accordance with the Scripture by this Church or a church of like faith and order.

A Member shall have requested admission to the membership of this Church, on one of the bases for membership set forth as follows:

1.   By Public profession of faith before this Church and baptism by this Church

2.   Upon transfer of letter from another church of like faith and order.

3.   By statement in which the applicant affirms that the above criteria are satisfied and provides a sufficient reason why a letter from another church of like faith and order cannot be obtained.

4.   By restoration when individual's status as a Member has been previously terminated for any reason.

A Member shall have been accepted into the membership of this Church by vote of a majority of those Members present and voting at a business meeting of service of worship at which a quorum is present. Transfer of Membership:

Upon dues respect from another church of like faith and order, the Church may grant the transfer of the membership of any Member, in its sole discretion, by a vote of the Members. Membership may not be transferred in any other manner, and no right arising from membership shall be transferred for value or otherwise.

Resignation and Termination of Membership

The membership of a Member shall terminate as follows:

Membership shall terminate immediately upon the death of a Member, the resignation of a Member, or the transfer of membership to another church. The membership of a Member shall terminate upon vote of the Members when there is satisfactory evidence that the person whose membership is terminated is affiliated as a member with another church or religious group or has moved from the area served by this Church and established permanent residence in another location.

The church may deem it necessary to terminate the membership of a member for the following reasons:

•   If a member has not been heard of or is a non-resident for a period of a year.

•   If by the vice of his or her immoral and unchristian conduct, he/she has become an offense to the good name of the church. But such a step shall not be taken until the church and its leaders (the Pastor, Deacons, Deaconesses and other leaders) have made all efforts to bring such a prodigal member back to repentance and have given his or her due hearing. Only the church-shall undertake resolutions for termination of membership.

Restoration

•   The church may restore the membership of any person whose membership with the church had earlier been terminated provided there is satisfactory evidence of his or her repentance and reformation or other satisfactory explanations.

Duties of Church Members:

•   To be actively involved in all the churches related activities.

•   To be faithful in all duties essential to Christian life bearing witness to the course of Christ wherever opportune.

•   To attend the services of the church.

•   To faithfully support the Church financially by ways of Tithes and Offering, pledges and contributions.

New Membership

•   Believer that joins the membership of our church with the evidence of walking with God will take two years of joining the membership of our church before serving in any areas of the ministries of our church.

OUR VISION/OUR PURPOSE/OUR MISSION

Love the Lord Supremely (Deut. 6: 4-6) Through Worship; Obedient and Holy living.

Reach [Mathew 28: 18-20] Through Aggressive Outreach and Evangelism Program.

Equip [2Tim. 3: 16-17; Eph. 2: 10; James 2: 17-18] Discipleship training; Small group Bible study programs through Sunday School; Effective teachers' training.

Missions [Acts 1: 8] Participating in Missions where we are in our community; Praying for missions and Giving generously to Missions.

Build Warm Fellowships of the brethren where people will find true love; where lost sinners will find forgiveness; where the hopeless can find hope and assurance; where the distressed can find comfort; where new believers can grow in the grace of God; and where maturing Christians can find strength and courage to persevere in the service of Lord.

To Build Lasting and enduring marriages and Families [Ephesians 5: 22-33; 6: 1-4]

l believe the church of this age is in a desperate need of revival. The church seems to have lost the vision of glory. In his book 'The Empty Church" Historian, Thomas C. Reeves in the Daily Bread of Thursday January 27 2005, said "Christianity in modern America [which in my judgment is a reflection of the state of the church worldwide] tends to be easy, upbeat, convenient, and compatible. It does not require self-sacrifice, discipline... What we now have might best be labeled 'Consumer Christianity.' the cost is low and customer satisfaction seems guaranteed."

Moreover, the church of our age has drifted into what someone has described as entrepreneurial organization. This kind of church undoubtedly is designed to please and satisfy the consumer instead of confronting the people with the love of God, His demand and the ultimate judgment that will surely come. This entrepreneurial principle can be seen in the core beliefs of many local churches of our contemporary age. When you look at the bill board of many of these local churches what you will probably see will be; we believe in healing and miracles; we believe in charismatic movement; We believe in signs and wonders; We believe in psychic connections; We believe in financial prosperity and if you join our church all your problems will be over.

Indeed a local church without heavenly vision has lost the purpose of her calling. The church was founded on the sacrifice of Christ on the cross and He has committed to the church the ministry of reconciliation when He said to the early disciples "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, ... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you ... " [Mathew 28: 19-20]. This indeed is the mission of the church. The church is a redeeming Body of Christ set apart to transform the world and not to conform to the image of the world.