Meet Our Pastor

Pastor BJ Rudge, Ph.D. is the founding pastor of Truth & Grace Fellowship. The emphasis of his ministry is the careful study and teaching of God’s Word with an emphasis upon equipping believers to be able to give a reason for the hope they have in Jesus Christ. Under his leadership, Truth & Grace Fellowship provides two Sunday morning worship services, weekly Bible studies for youth, men and women, and additional programs to help equip others for ministry.

Pastor BJ served as the executive assistant for Bill Rudge Ministries. His responsibilities included speaking at churches, schools, leadership and men's conferences, and special outreaches as well as biblical research, apologetics, crisis intervention, writing books, blogs and articles, and producing radio broadcasts and audio messages.

Pastor BJ earned his MA in theology from Biola University and his Ph.D. in apologetics and philosophy from Trinity Seminary. He also serves as an adjunct professor for a seminary and part-time professor for a local university.

Pastor BJ has a heart for the Lord and ministry. Below is a link for a book written about how God worked in his life in midst of adversity. It has touched the lives of many young people and adults: Faith Through Fire E-Book

In June 2000, Pastor BJ married his high school sweetheart, Tara, and they are the proud parents of six wonderful children: Moriah, Anneka, Lucas, Hannah, Samantha, and Isabella.

Our Church History

Truth & Grace Fellowship began with BJ and Tara Rudge and Garett and Molly Rowe in the spring of 2021. The initial purpose was to start a home Bible study for our families with an emphasis on deeper teaching of the truth of God’s Word. After meeting in the home of BJ and Tara Rudge for several weeks, the growing size of the group prompted the need for a new location. It was at this time that BJ contacted Pastor Chuck Eckles to see if he would allow the Bible study to be held at his church (IHS Gospel Ministries). As the Bible study continued to grow, the Lord led Pastor Chuck and his congregation to give the church to Truth & Grace Fellowship for free. The very same decision that the previous congregation, Calvary Baptist Church, did for Pastor Chuck over 15 years ago. With this decision, Truth & Grace Fellowship held its first Sunday morning service on September 12, 2021, less than 6 months from when the Bible study first began.

Purpose Statement

Equipping believers in the truth of God’s Word.

Theme Verse

“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15, ESV).

Core Values

We are a Christ-centered church that desires to reflect Him in an authentic way to the hurting world around us (1 John 2:6).

We are a Bible-based church that preaches the authority, divine inspiration, and transformative power of God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).

We are a Spirit-led church that desires to know and obey God’s will (John 16:13; Romans 8:14).

We are a worship-driven church that seeks to praise and uplift God in all areas of life and ministry (1 Corinthians 10:31).

We are a fellowship-oriented church that understands the importance of all members using their gifts, abilities, and life experiences to advance God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

We are a mission-minded church that seeks to send out and support those serving Jesus Christ locally, nationally, and around the world (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8).

Our Name

WHY – TRUTH?

In these times we need God’s TRUTH, the Bible, more than ever! Discover how the clear teaching and power of Scripture can transform your life each day.

WHY – GRACE?

Because we all need it! God loves us and knows we need His love, help and forgiveness! We need to receive grace, and we need to give grace to others.

WHY – FELLOWSHIP?

We are all called to encourage and strengthen each other.

Our Leadership

Lead Pastor: BJ Rudge, Ph.D.

Associate Pastor: Aaron Christy

Elders: Garett Rowe and John Bailey

Deacons: Ted Burke, Tom Cokain, and Dave Martin

Worship Leader and Office Manager: Melissa Fowler