Bible Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church stands at 1520 8th Avenue in Oakland, the same address it has occupied since the late summer of 1956. Across almost eighty years of ministry, the congregation has been guided by three pastors and known for a welcoming spirit that draws people from every background. Pastor Timothy Hawkins, the church's third shepherd, sums up the heart of the place in a single line: "Embrace. Edify. Equip. Evangelize."
Three Shepherds in Seventy-Eight Years
The story of Bible Fellowship began in 1947, when the late Pastor O. P. Smith organized the congregation at 1784 7th Street in Oakland. Two years later, the body moved to 1136 34th Street to make room for its growing membership. On August 31, 1956, the church settled into its current home on 8th Avenue, where it has remained ever since. Under Pastor Smith's leadership the sanctuary was remodeled, classrooms were added, and Bible Fellowship earned a reputation as the "Holy Ghost Headquarters." Pastor Smith went home to be with the Lord on May 16, 1971.
That December, Reverend Adam Quincy West, who had been serving as an associate minister, was called to pastor the church. Over the next three decades the sanctuary and kitchen were refreshed, new auxiliaries were born, and two mini vans joined the church family. After thirty years of faithful service, Reverend West retired. He was called to glory on April 21, 2006.
In September 2001, God led a young military veteran named Timothy Hawkins to Bible Fellowship at the invitation of Pastor West. Eleven months later, on November 17, 2002, Hawkins was installed as the church's third pastor. He has served as the church's shepherd ever since, joined today by his son Reverend Matthew Hawkins, who leads the youth ministry.
Sunday Mornings on 8th Avenue
Sunday worship at Bible Fellowship gathers twice each week, at 8:00 AM and 11:30 AM. On the first Sunday of every month, the Lord's Communion is celebrated at 7:30 AM and 1:00 PM, giving members an early and a late option for that observance.
The atmosphere blends gospel-rooted music with spoken Word. A praise team, a women's choir, mimes, a step team, and a dance ministry bring a range of musical and visual gifts into the service. Pastor Hawkins preaches and teaches with the gifts he has honed through more than forty years in ministry, including a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Faith Seminary of Tacoma, Washington, and ongoing doctoral study.
Midweek Bible Study
Wednesday is Bible Study day at Bible Fellowship, with two gatherings each week: one at noon and another at 7:00 PM. The midweek hour gives the body a steady rhythm of study between Sundays and has long been a backbone of the life-on-life discipleship that Pastor Hawkins describes as the church's call.
The Pastor and His Family
Reverend Dr. Timothy Hawkins was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up watching his childhood pastor walk in humility, gentleness, and strength. In 1983 he answered the call to preach at Second Mount Olive Baptist Church in Cleveland. After serving in the United States Military as a Hospital Corpsman and Surgical Technologist, Hawkins moved with his family to California and was ordained into the Gospel Ministry on November 13, 1988, while stationed at Camp Pendleton.
He is married to Rachel Hawkins, who assists with premarital and family counseling and leads the Sisterhood Ministry. They are the parents of three sons: Reverend Dewayne Hawkins (married to Krista), Timothy Andrew Hawkins (married to Desireé), and Reverend Matthew Hawkins (married to Amaria). Pastor and Sister Hawkins are grandparents to Jaylen, Elijah, Kyla, Matthew Jeremiah, Maree Jaia-Nachel, and Moriah Joy-Nachel.
Ministries for Every Age and Gift
Under Pastor Hawkins's leadership a wide slate of ministries has been added to the church's life. Junior Deacons and Junior Brotherhood give younger members a path into service. Greeters meet newcomers at the door. The Sisterhood gathers the women of the church for fellowship and encouragement. A Singles and Marriage ministry walks alongside couples and those preparing for marriage.
Music and the arts fill a large place at Bible Fellowship. The Praise Team, Women's Choir, Mime, Step Team, and Dance ministries each find room to use their gifts in worship. Audio and Visual teams support the livestream and recordings that carry the church's services well beyond the neighborhood. A Parking Ministry and Greeters look after the practical side of gathering.
Weekly AWANA Children's Bible Study and AWANA Youth Bible Study meet on Wednesdays alongside the adult study hour. Reverend Matthew Hawkins leads the youth ministry and helps anchor a generation of young members in the Word.
A Building That Has Grown with the Church
The 8th Avenue edifice has been shaped and reshaped over the decades. Pastor Smith redesigned the choir stands, the pulpit, and added classrooms. Pastor West refreshed the sanctuary and the kitchen. Under Pastor Hawkins the sanctuary has been renovated, the baptismal pool refreshed, and new doors installed. A small theater with a sound system and theater-style popcorn machine was added, and the ladies' and men's bathrooms were completely renovated and made accessible for those with physical impairments. Computer equipment was added and record-keeping was automated, and the church has set its sights on a coming building project that will be a major step for the congregation.
Reaching Beyond Oakland
Bible Fellowship now reaches well past its Oakland neighborhood. Services are livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube, with a sermon archive of recent messages available online. A daily encouragement podcast, hosted on RSS, brings short devotionals to listeners wherever they go. Giving is offered through Zelle, PayPal, and the Kindest platform, in addition to monthly and mail-in gifts. A quarterly newsletter goes out by email and can be picked up at the church office.
Dr. Hawkins, who is also available to speak at other churches and gatherings, has published a book titled Empty Pulpit: Shifting Leadership and Greatness. The Benevolence Fund supports disaster relief efforts, sick-and-shut-in members, and specific needs that arise within the church community.
For almost eighty years Bible Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church has stood on 8th Avenue, first under Pastor O. P. Smith, then under Pastor A. Q. West, and now under Pastor Timothy Hawkins. Through three generations of leadership, the congregation has held fast to a single call: to embrace, to edify, to equip, and to evangelize, and to keep the gospel of Jesus Christ at the center.