It all started when…
HISTORY OF WORLD BIBLE WAY FELLOWSHIP, INC
In 1943, Rev. Guy Shields met with a group of 35 other ministers to form a ministry group of ministers with a shared vision of reaching the world with the great commission.
First called the International Fundamental Christian Association, The organization was headquartered in Oklahoma City for the first two years, Then moved to Dallas, Texas
In coming to Dallas the headquarters was established with the Bible Way Seminary, Inc. which was the Bible Institute of the Fundamental Christian Association. Due to Texas law the two organizations merged forming a new charter and became World Bible Way Fellowship, Inc.
Rev. Shields traveled across the United States, bringing in ministers and Churches to this fledgling organization. He purchased the property and built the first office of the Fellowship with a small handful of volunteers. Until his passing in 1962, Guy Shields was relentless in his pursuit of building an organization that would teach, support and license Pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and teachers.
IT’S PURPOSE
World Bible Way Fellowship, Inc. is an associated fellowship of ministers, missionaries, Christian workers and Churches throughout the world.
This corporation is organized, not for profit and it’s prime, principle and all-pervading purpose is to promote and propagate the Christian faith and gospel throughout the world. In addition, it’s principle purpose is to promote fellowship, cooperation, protection and recognition and propagation of the Christian gospel at home and abroad and for the purpose of public worship. To ordain ministers and Christian workers to any and all as may be deemed expedient or necessary.
To build up one another in the most holy faith and earnestly contend for the faith. Its churches or institutions are to be absolute sovereignty to handle their own affairs and gives each minister to carry out, his or her, individual vision as God directs. And to assist one another in carrying out the command of the Master to evangelize the world.
To date the WBWF has had the honor to be led by 6 phenomenal Presidents.
Founder, Bishop Guy Shields (1943-1962)
Guy Shields is a man who had become somewhat of a legend during his life. Born on a homestead outside of Jacksboro, Texas in North Texas.
He was a committed man determined to make the most of the call of God on his life. He was a Church planter, moving from town to town throughout the south, the west coast, and on up to Washington state. He preached on street corners, tents, houses, or anywhere he could be accommodated.
Brother Shields felt strongly about the importance of training new ministers before they went out into the ministry they were called into. He started Bible schools in Topeka, Kansas; Amarillo, Texas; Ft. Worth, Texas; and was one of the founders of Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas. He was the first President of Southwestern Assemblies of God University.
Guy Shields left the Assemblies of God movement he was so closely ministering through, to start a new ministers organization dedicated to helping and supporting fellow ministers wherever the could be found.
Guy Shields died actually preaching behind the Pulpit while traveling through New England in 1962.
Rev. Albert Daly (1962-1974)
Dr. Dan Hope (1974-2010)
Dr. Dan Hope served as President of World Bible Way Fellowship for 38 years. We pay tribute to him by reflecting on his life. It is not how did he die, but rather how did he live? Not what did he gain, but what did he give? These are the merits used to measure the worth of a man. Not how did he live, but what did he give? Only eternity will reveal the number of lives that were touched by this man of God. Bro. Hope you will be missed by all who knew and loved you. We look forward to seeing you on the other side.
Today, I would draw our attention to the apostle Paul’s farewell message to his young follower in the faith; his message to Timothy found in II Timothy 4: 6-8: I say this to you because I won’t be around to help you very much longer. My time has almost run out. Very soon now I will be on my way to heaven. I have fought long and hard for my Lord. And through it all I have kept true to him. And now the time has come for me to stop fighting and rest. In heaven a crown is waiting for me which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give me on that great day of His return. And, not just to me, but to all those whose lives show that they are eagerly looking forward to His coming again.
Just as Paul left us with a message of encouragement, I believe Dr. Hope would say to each of us; First, to keep your mind on the day of the Lord’s appearing and to preach Jesus with unceasing diligence. Second, proclaim victory, as a battle scarred warrior of the cross and declared himself a winner, I have finished the race, and I have won. Finally, before kneeling beneath the executioner’s blade, Paul proclaimed, let it be known they may sever my head from my body but they can never separate me from the love of God which I have in Christ Jesus. Just as Paul was a conqueror, I am a conqueror, because Jesus conquered death and because He lives I live.
Dr. Kenneth Howe (2011-2019)
Dr. Kenneth K Howe ministered for more than 60 years. He was known for his unique presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He preached the Word of God in 6 countries on 3 continents and throughout the United States.
Dr. Howe was a graduate of Zion Bible College in East Providence, Rhode Island. He taught Theology and Biblical Doctrine at Export Bible College in Pittsburgh, PA. He pastored churches in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He was the founding pastor of Bethel Temple Church in Bridgeport, West Virginia. He ministered as an evangelist for 10 years.
Dr. Howe and his wife, Rhea, traveled extensively throughout the United States preaching in rallies and conferences, singing, playing his golden trumpet and ministering to ministers, many of whom say he was their pastor.
Dr. thomas r. calk (2019-2021)
Dr. Thomas R. Calk, affectionately known as “Pastor Tom,” age 70, passed from this life to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, March 5, 2021 at Paris Regional Medical Center in Paris, Texas.
He began his ministry in 1966 while he was a sophomore in high school at age 16. He was exhorted with the Assemblies of God in 1966, received his Ministerial License in 1968 and ordained in 1974. He was a youth evangelist at revivals in churches of all regions, youth camps, crusades, conventions, and rallies. As years passed, he was an evangelist, teacher, lecturer, speaker and preacher in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Israel, and 27 foreign countries. Simultaneously, he served offices in the Assemblies of God on Sectional, District, Regional, and General Council National Levels. He received his AA Degree in 1983 and his BA in 1990 from Berean College. He received his Masters Degree from North Carolina College of Theology in 2000, and his Doctorate of Theology in 2007.
In 1992 he resigned as Senior Pastor at First Assembly of God and pioneered The Lighthouse Family Church of Paris as an inter-denominational congregation. From the old Red Barn Steakhouse, the church has grown with a new auditorium and educational wing being added. He then purchased the original Burrows convenience store and gas station and turned it into the church’s Activities Building and Fellowship Hall. Then, in 2004 the church had grown large enough to need to build the gymnasium. He was elected to the Board of World Bible Way Fellowship in 2000 and was made the President of the Fellowship in 2019, a role that he took very much pride in. His constant communication and outreach phone calls caused the fellowship to grow tremendously over the past year and half, spreading into several other countries. Pastor Tom has always been dedicated to serving people, devoted to his wife and family, a proud American, and had a strong love for his fellow-man.
Rev. j. bryan chance (2021)
Bryan Chance was inducted as the 6th President of the World Bible Way Fellowship in June 2021. Bryan’s history with WBWF runs deep as his parents, James & Marie Chance, have served in the Fellowship for over 60 years. Since 1992 Bryan has been licensed & ordained with the WBWF. He holds a degree in Theology with an emphasis on Pastoral Leadership and also serves as the Pastor of Bible Way Tabernacle in Balch Springs, Texas. Bryan’s additional work as the Chaplain for the Balch Springs Police Department, extends the ministry of the Church directly to the first responders. With a deep passion for reaching the lost, sharing the Word and discipling the believer, Bryan is excited to work on behalf of WBWF to fulfill the mission of the Gospel by serving those who minister.
