The History of Bible Church of God
The Bible Church of God began in 1970, born out of a powerful vision given to Rev. R. B. Maxwell and his wife, Belle, by the Lord. Feeling the call to step out into independent ministry, they founded the church in the UMWA Union Hall in Gore, WV. Initially named God’s House of Deliverance, the church soon underwent a name change to The Bible Church of God under the prompting of the Holy Spirit, signaling the foundation of a ministry built on the Word of God.
In 1973, the church moved to Carolina, WV, where a mighty move of God took place, and the congregation saw spiritual growth and revival. However, in 1983, the Lord redirected the church’s path, and the ministry returned to the Gore location for the next few years. During this time, the church continued to nurture and grow its community, staying faithful to the mission God had given them.
In 1986, God opened the door for the church to purchase a permanent location in Wilsonburg, WV. This move provided a stable home for the growing congregation and allowed for greater expansion of their ministry efforts. Under the leadership of Rev. R. B. Maxwell, the church continued to thrive, impacting the surrounding communities with the love of Christ and the message of salvation.
Sadly, on May 6, 1997, Rev. R. B. Maxwell passed away, leaving behind a legacy of faithfulness and dedication. At that time, his son-in-law, Jim Nuzum, who had served as the Associate Pastor for nearly 20 years, stepped into the role of Senior Pastor. Though the leadership had changed, the vision that had been birthed 27 years earlier remained unshaken. Pastor Jim Nuzum embraced the church’s mission with passion, determination, and a deep sense of responsibility to carry forward the work that had started under Rev. Maxwell’s leadership.
In 2014, another significant change occurred for the church. Feeling led by the Lord, the congregation moved to a new location in downtown Clarksburg, WV. The decision to relocate was a bold step to engage with the heart of the city and continue to expand their ministry’s reach. This new location provided greater opportunities for outreach and community involvement, with a fresh vision to serve the diverse population of the downtown area.
At around the same time, a new chapter in leadership began when Bobby Nuzum, the son of Pastor Jim Nuzum, assumed the role of lead pastor. Having been raised in the church and deeply involved in ministry throughout his life, Bobby and his wife Julia began to lead the church into its next season. He embraced the legacy of his grandfather Rev. R. B. Maxwell, and father, Pastor Jim Nuzum, and continued to lead the church with a renewed passion, vision, and energy.
In 2024, the church experienced a great loss when Lulla Belle Maxwell, co-founder of the Bible Church of God and a beloved spiritual matriarch, passed away. Lulla Belle’s unwavering faith, mentorship, and tireless service to the church and its members had been a constant source of guidance and love. Her passing left a significant void in the hearts of the congregation, but her impact and legacy continue to resonate in the church’s ministry and in the lives of those she mentored.
Today, under the leadership of Pastor Bobby, The Bible Church of God stands as a testament to the faithfulness of its founders and the many faithful servants who have poured into the ministry over the years. From its beginnings in the Union Hall in Gore, to its presence in downtown Clarksburg, the church continues to fulfill its mission of spreading the Gospel, serving the community, and building disciples of Christ. The vision that was birthed in 1970 by Rev. R. B. Maxwell and his wife, Belle, remains alive and well, carried forward by generations of faithful believers. Through both triumphs and losses, the church’s foundation in Christ endures, and its mission continues to thrive.