“The Spark That Started It ”
Tom Graham and the Birth of BBC Denver
A Vision Bigger Than Football
Tom Graham, a former linebacker for the Denver Broncos, began a greater legacy than football—one rooted in faith, truth, and the transforming power of God’s Word.
Tom came to saving faith in Jesus Christ while attending the University of Oregon. With a deep love for apologetics, he pursued theological training at Denver Seminary and would befriend many influential Bible teachers like Pastor Bob Fomer. There, Tom’s passion for sound doctrine and discipleship began to flourish.A Movement Begins
Tom's ministry took root through a Bible study he launched at Macedonia Baptist Church—one of the oldest Black congregations in Denver. That study quickly grew, drawing in over 100 teenagers. Several young men from that group, including Keita Andrews and Ronald Fox, would go on to become pastors—living proof of Tom’s fruitful investment in the next generation.
Later, Tom and his wife Marilyn began attending Galilee Baptist Church, a predominantly white congregation, where he served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher. However, cultural differences—particularly within styles of worship—made it difficult for many of the Black families who had followed Tom to fully connect.
Sensing a need for something new, Tom launched a home Bible study that quickly outgrew their living room. What began as a simple gathering soon evolved into a thriving church.
Later, Tom and his wife Marilyn began attending Galilee Baptist Church, a predominantly white congregation, where he served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher. However, cultural differences—particularly within styles of worship—made it difficult for many of the Black families who had followed Tom to fully connect.
Sensing a need for something new, Tom launched a home Bible study that quickly outgrew their living room. What began as a simple gathering soon evolved into a thriving church.
The Birth of Berean Bible Church
March 11, 1982 — Berean Bible Church was officially launched.
Tom served as an elder, men’s ministry leader, and Sunday School teacher. The church choir—originally formed in the Grahams’ living room—became a symbol of the warmth and worship at the heart of this new fellowship.
Just a few months later, several families pulled together, and the first official church service was held in Whatley Chapel on the campus of Colorado Women's College on Sunday, May 23, 1982. The church's first pastor was John L. Byrd.From the beginning, Berean Bible Church was marked by sound doctrine, sincere community, and a commitment to proclaiming the unadulterated truth of God’s Word.
Leadership and Growth
May 1988 — Berean Bible Church of Denver purchased its first and only church building at 1400 N. Birch Street.
About twelve years into its journey, Pastor John Byrd accepted the position of Dean at Houston Bible Institute. Pastor Robert "Bob" Fomer, Tom’s former classmate, ably led Berean as Interim Pastor for two years.
Berean’s next full-time Pastor was Dr. Paul W. Felix (1996–1999), a gifted Bible expositor and scholar. He brought strong academic depth and theological clarity to the church during his tenure. Around three years later, Dr. Felix accepted a teaching position and pursued further education at The Master’s Seminary in California.During Pastor Paul's leadership, Berean hired its first full-time Youth Minister, Ron Fox, a former student of Tom Graham. About a year after Pastor Paul’s departure, Ron Fox — became Berean’s third full-time pastor.
Reorganization & Theological Clarification (2007)
In May 2007, Berean Bible Church was formally reorganized under Pastor Ron’s leadership. Two major shifts marked this season:
- The church embraced a Mid-Acts Pauline Dispensational framework, clarifying its doctrinal convictions around Pauline truth and the proper division of Scripture.
- Pastor Ron cast a bold new vision: that Berean would no longer be identified as a “Black church,” but as a multi-ethnic, Christ-centered church—welcoming people from every culture and background.
Pastor Ron faithfully served until August 2024, when he retired after nearly a quarter-century of leadership. His vision laid a powerful foundation for the next generation of ministry.
A New Chapter: In Christ Fellowship
While the name has changed and the church has embraced a Mid-Acts Dispensational framework, the mission remains rooted in the same conviction that drove Tom Graham: to build up the Body of Christ through sound doctrine, authentic relationships, and Christ-centered living.
Today, under the leadership of Pastor Curt, In Christ Fellowship is being equipped and strengthened with a fresh vision:
“To equip a growing Body of believers from all cultures and backgrounds—grounded in truth, empowered by grace, and ready to impact their world for Christ.”
Pastor Curt faithfully leads ICF in its mission to inspire God’s people to walk confidently in their identity in Christ.
Today, under the leadership of Pastor Curt, In Christ Fellowship is being equipped and strengthened with a fresh vision:
“To equip a growing Body of believers from all cultures and backgrounds—grounded in truth, empowered by grace, and ready to impact their world for Christ.”
Pastor Curt faithfully leads ICF in its mission to inspire God’s people to walk confidently in their identity in Christ.
A Lasting Legacy
Tom Graham’s life was a testimony of transformation—from NFL linebacker to spiritual shepherd. Though he passed away in 2017 after a battle with brain cancer, his legacy continues through the people, principles, and purpose that still define this church today.
In Christ Fellowship stands as a living tribute to that legacy—moving forward by grace, grounded in truth, and committed to building up the Body for the glory of God.In the words of Pastor Curt: “Identity in Christ is the key.”