Details for Boaters' Christian Fellowship Return to Clubs List

Club Profile

The Boaters' Christian Fellowship is a group of Christians who appreciate the Inland Waterways. We are
from all denominations, and we only ask that members support our aims.
The BCF was founded in 1995 by Alan and Hazel Dilnot, and now has over 600 members (individuals, couples
and families), with approximately 350 privately owned boats between them. However, owning a boat is not a
condition of membership. We have members who hire, some who live near a canal, some who crew on other
members' boats - and some who live abroad!
If you share our love for the Inland Waterways and our Lord, then you area eligible to join the Boaters'
Christian Fellowship. Although we are spread throughout the country (as well as having International
members!), we try to make it possible for members to get together. We have an annual Fellowship weekend
and our AGM is another good time to meet up, as we keep the business side to a minimum. Every two years
we hold a Spring gathering - a chance to meet up before the start of the main cruising season. Plus, of course,
boaters meet up informally as they cruise the system. Members also organise ad-hoc get-togethers. Sometimes
a pub lunch, maybe a canal or river walk. We have also enjoyed a trip through the Dudley Tunnel with the
Dudley Canal Trust, followed by a fellowship lunch.

We are corporate members of the IWA (Inland Waterways Association) and AWCC (Association of Waterways
Cruising Clubs).

We are a registered charity.

The aims of the BCF are Fellowship, Worship and Witness.
Fellowship with the Boaters' Christian Fellowship
The Boaters' Christian Fellowship are committed to enabling our members to find Christian friends and to
enjoy one another’s company.
We encourage fellowship through both chance and planned meetings whilst on and off the waterways. To
facilitate this, members display the BCF logos on their boats, enabling instant recognition. The Members'
Directory (updated four times a year) enables easy identification of opportunities for fellowship as members visit all areas of the country.
BCF get-togethers are great opportunities to meet up afloat, in each others home, over a meal, on an outing or
at a church service. Details of these events are published in the BCF magazine The Word, produced four times
a year. Members are encouraged to arrange and/or join in such gatherings whenever they can.
Many of us have built strong friendships with other members through our involvement with BCF.
Worship with the Boaters' Christian Fellowship
We are committed to enabling our members to find a church or fellowship in which to worship, no matter
where they may be on the waterways. BCF encourages places of Christian worship near the waterways to
display their service times.
Every member has access to a church directory online. A hard copy can be supplied on request. This gives
details of over 1,250 churches and fellowships within walking distance of the waterways and covers virtually
the entire connected network. Information includes the denomination, service times, and how to get there. It
also contains telephone numbers of church contacts and information about weekday access and fellowship
opportunities.

We also worship together on many occasions at organised events, both regionally and nationally. At waterways
festivals and shows wherever possible, we get involved with or organise a service of worship.
Witness with the Boaters' Christian Fellowship
We are committed to proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to being faithful witness for Jesus,
demonstrated by our daily lives. BCF supports, initiates or participates in services at boating events at both
local and national level, often in cooperation with other churches.
We can often be seen at many events around the system. We may be running a stand, and/or providing fun
interactive games and activities for old and young alike. When appropriate, we offer a hospitality boat, where
people are welcome to come aboard for a chat, a cuppa, maybe cake and, of course, prayer is always on offer.
For those that want it, we produce and supply a range of literature. This is available for members to use as
appropriate, and constantly reviewed and updated.
We work with and alongside other churches, Canal Ministries and the Waterways Chaplains in many outreach
projects. Every other year, we all work together to run a specific mission in whichever area God leads us to.

Our website includes photos and videos of our activities.