A Brief History of Family Church of Chautauqua County

Bible Christian Fellowship (changed to Family Church of Chautauqua County in 2004) was started by the Reverends David and Connie Alessi in 1977 as a home based Bible study group. Recognizing the area's need for a full Gospel church, Bible Christian Fellowship was founded as an independent, nondenominational full Gospel church later that year. While continuing to meet at various locations in Dunkirk, the current building, a former factory, was acquired and renovated by the members. In December of 1983, the building was ready and the family of Bible Christian Fellowship moved into their new home.
 
In 1987, the staff was expanded to include the Rev. Michael J. Lokietek as Associate Pastor. A 1987 graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center, Pastor Michael served faithfully in that office for seven and half years.

In January of 1995, the founding Pastors, David and Connie Alessi, entered into full time evangelistic ministry and the Rev. Michael Lokietek became the new Senior Pastor. Since this time, Family Church has continually renovated and updated the facilities in order to encompass the expanding needs. This includes the foyer, platform, relocation of the Nursery and remodeling the office/lounge area. The most involved project was the major renovation of the basement into “The City”, a place for Children’s Church, Junior and Senior Youth Groups to meet.

Under Pastor Michael's vision and leadership additional ministries and services were added to accommodate the growing church membership as well as address the expansion of community, and campus, outreach.

Family Church continues to grow and serve the people of Chautauqua County.  There are two services every weekend, in addition to a fall and a spring semester of Wednesday night School of the Bible.

In 2003, to better accommodate the growing congregation and to reach the southern areas of the County, Family Church started a satellite church in Jamestown, NY. Since his installment as Senior Pastor, Rev. Timothy Stahlman has helped the church to grow in a dramatic way. In early 2010, the church completed a new building project, with seating for over 500.
 
In Fall 2010, Family Church will be expanding to two new locations in Western New York. Family Church of Warren will begin September 5, 2010, and will be led by Pastor Rita Beatty. They will meet at the Warren Holiday Inn. Family Church of Cattaraugus County will also begin on September 5, headed up by Pastor Mike and Courtney Anderson. The church is located at 203-205 Pine St., South Dayton, New York.