About Us

   In November of 1996 Truth Bible Fellowship had our first service in the Nedrow Fire Department. It was attended by many of my friends and well wishers but on the following Sunday they all returned to their lives and church homes and we had only one person other than my immediate family come to our next Sunday Service. But we were not discouraged. In the weeks that followed God called many to visit and join TBF. Many people have been ushered into the Family of God through our ministry here and we have just celebrated our 10th year with an average Sunday attendance of 40 people. Numbers are not important as our top priority is teaching people how to be effective in life and ministry. There is intimate fellowship and accountability in a smaller church setting and as we grow we want to keep that same atmosphere.
    I began this work as a direct call of God. My call to the ministry was early in my Christian walk and shortly after this experience, during an intimate time of prayer, God revealed to me that I would someday pastor a church in Nedrow. Though I didn't see this fulfillment, God was serious. It took many years of study, hard work, tough times, and growth, but as always, He fulfilled this promise 12 years later in a whirlwind of miraculous events over a two week period that ended with the establishment of Truth Bible Fellowship! Over and over again The Lord has demonstrated His power and faithfulness in the birth and growth of TBF. His unfailing love continues to sustain us as we seek to worship Him, equip believers, and impact our community with the Truth of the Gospel (which means "good news").
    I grew up in Nedrow and attended Onondaga Central High School. I played sports but my biggest investment of time went to my music. I played in many successful bands in the area. Two of note would be "Toejam" in the mid and late 70's and "Reel to Real" in the late 70's and early 80's. I was married to my beautiful wife Mary in 1978 and I was saved in 1980. I dropped music all together as God was training me and rearranging my priorities. When I began to play again it was in church as part of the praise band and I soon became a worship leader. In the course of time God lead me to start a new band as a means of sharing my faith. The name of this band was ZOA. We put out 2 critically acclaimed CD's, toured in NE USA, Canada and the Netherlands. We were blessed to win a Sammy Award (Central NY Grammy) in 1996. At this time I was running my own business called Rockwell Protection Company Inc. doing lightning protection. Some of our work can be seen on the Carousel Center and other tall buildings down town. I have actually been up inside the star on the Old Mony (AXA) Tower. I was also studying for the ministry and heading up ZOA.WHEW! When I started TBF something had to give and so I left the band but continue to operate a studio that helps other Christian music ministries get their projects off the ground and I continue to write and minister in music when I am able. My wife was born in Lackawanna, NY (a small city south of Buffalo). We have been married 29 years and have 4 children. Zachary, Jonas, Elizabeth and Don. They help with activities in the church and are a blessing to us.

Hope to see you soon at TBF!

Mike Kerlin, Pastor