Basic Christian Communities (BCCs)
What Are BCCs and Why Do They Exist?
Basic Christian Communities (BCCs) are small groups of believers formed in the model of the early Christian Church, aimed at fostering evangelization and communal Christian living. Rooted in Scripture (Acts 2:37–47, 4:32–37), these communities nurture faith-based unity and active Gospel witness within local parishes.
Key Characteristics of BCCs
Inspired by the early Church, BCCs embody five essential traits:
- A Believing Community — Formed by God’s Word, believers respond in faith, creating a community of disciples.
- A Worshipping and Praying Community — United through prayer and sacraments, fostering communion with God and one another.
- A Sharing and Serving Community — Driven by faith, members care for one another’s needs, promoting solidarity and compassion.
- A Witnessing and Evangelizing Community — Their collective life of faith, service, and prayer becomes a natural testimony of the Gospel.
- A Local Community Faithful to the Universal Church — Though local, BCCs remain committed to the parish, diocese, and the wider Catholic Church.
The Purpose of BCC Formation
The primary goal of BCCs is to build an ideal Christian society where everything is shared, and no one is in need. It seeks to empower parish communities to bear witness to the Risen Christ, strengthen fellowship, and realize the Church’s mission in today’s context through collective reflection, participation in the sacraments, service, and social commitment.
Additionally, BCCs aim to:
- Mobilize parishioners for active pastoral and social outreach.
- Gather and assess parish realities — strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and opportunities — for holistic growth.
- Prioritize the needs of the “last, least, and lost” within the community, giving them a voice and special care.
Through BCCs, the liberating mission of Christ continues, responding to contemporary realities by transforming society with Gospel values.