The church was birthed in the Gehret’s home during the summer of 1966. Shortly thereafter the Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church was petitioned to provide a pastor for the new work.

On Friday, October 14, 1966, Rev. Robert W. Smock, formerly of Easton, PA was assigned to the charge under the supervision of the Church Extension Department of the BFC. Rev. Earl Hosler was the Director of this Department.

Pastor Smocks' first service was held on Sunday, October 16, 1966. There were 66 present in the morning and 50 in attendance for the Evening Service. The first prayer meeting was held October 19 with 29 attending. The Sunday Bible School began Oct.23 with 61.

The first church building and parsonage was purchased from the Nazarene Church at the corner of Washington & Chestnut Streets for $ 32,500. It had been conservatively valued at $100,000 several years prior to the purchase.

In March of 1967, at its second local conference, the congregation voted to petition Annual Conference to recognize Ephrata as an organized church of the conference and as a station providing complete support of the pastor.

Two years later the church bought the Sensenig Bus Company Building located directly across the street from the church. This building was remodeled over the course of several years. With a gift of the property located at 110 E. Chestnut Street used for parking in 1972, the church property value went to over $125,000 and was complete for the many activities. However, the church continued to grow and needed more space.

In 1972 the Church of the Brethren building at the corner of Church & Locust Streets was purchased at public auction for a cost of $ 95,000 (this included pews and a 21 car parking lot, plus a double frame house on Church Ave). A service of dedication in 1974 became a community affair as the entire Sunday School marched from the old location at Washington & Chestnut Streets to the new church. There were 458 present for this occasion including WGAC-TV and the Ephrata Review.

A Bus Ministry began in the fall of 1973 with three buses. This outreach proved fruitful in the 70's and beyond. Countless children and adults were affected for the glory of God. Only time and eternity will reveal how many lives were reached.

The church continued to grow during the mid 70's. A Christian Academy, utilizing the Accelerated Christian Education Program, was implemented. Robert Rineer became its first principal. This started in 1977. Around this time Dave and James Smock joined their father and the pastoral staff. Norman H. Wolf had been an assistant up until the Lord called him home in 1976. Bill Aukamp joined the staff when Dave Smock left to further his education.

In 1980 Pastor Robert Smock resigned from the church and moved to Royersford. Five months later Rev. John H. Riggall, formerly of the Faith BFC of York, became the pastor. He added to his staff Rev. Dan Allen to be the administrator of the school and assist in the chores of the church.

In June of 1982 Rev. John Riggall retired and Pastor Dan Allen became the third full time pastor of the church. His staff consisted of Mr. Earl Gill who was the administrator of the Academy and a full time secretary. The administrator was replaced by Mr. David Allen in 1983.

Pastor Dan Allen began a radio ministry in 1982. It was called "Minute Meditation" and aired on two local stations, WIOV and WGSA. Several years later the radio ministry was expanded to include a half-hour Sunday morning program on WGSA and placed Minute Meditations on several other stations, WDAC, WLPA, WNCE, WAGO. The Minute Meditations continue on a limited basis. For five years the church has been using the medium of television with the program entitled: Public Pulpit (a 30-minute debate format). The church has also utilized TV Christian service announcements (30-seconds presenting a moral and religious message).

A FAITH PROMISE plan for missions giving was installed in 1983. It netted over five thousand dollars the first year. This nearly doubled in the first few years reaching the $ 30,000 mark in 1988. In 1992 almost $ 40,000 was given to missions and mission projects. In 1997 almost $80,000 was received to give toward missions.

Evangelism Explosion started in 1984. Twenty-five individuals made a profession of faith during the first two semesters. In 1987 Mr. Harold B. Fravel, III was hired to oversee the evangelism program and also work with the Youth. He left a year and a half later. Evangelism continues to be an important part of this fellowship.

In 1984 a Feasibility Study was initiated to determine the advisability of either renovating our present facilities or buying land. After much research, including a bid of over a half million dollars to renovate, it was determined at the Annual Meeting in December of 1985 to "secure a suitable site and feasible facility financing in order for us to be in our comfortable convenient complex by December 1, 1987, D.U." (Robert Gehret).

Various properties were studied. God miraculously provided a 17.5 acre tract with a price of $124,500 at a public auction.

Due to various problems, especially with the State, the church did not reach it's goal to be in a new building by December 1, 1987. In fact, the Dedication of the new building was not held until November 12, 1989.

Since that time the church again has outgrown its facilities, especially with classrooms.

On October 20, 1990, the BFC of Ephrata celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary. The church heard special greetings from State Senator Noah Wenger, County Commissioner Jim Huber, and former Church Extension Director Dr. Earl Hosler. Rev. John H. Riggall and Rev. Robert W. Smock preached in the Morning and Evening services respectively. Charter Members were recognized.

In the beginning of 1993 the "Worker Friendly System" was started. The volunteer work force was changed into a committed team of workers.

Toward the middle of 1993, Pastor Smock retired to the Ephrata area and rejoined the staff of the church. His official position - Pastor of Pastoral Care. Unofficially, his involvement is felt in many areas of the church.

During the month of October of '93 a new educational wing (Phase 2), costing just over three hundred thousand dollars, was completed. Eighty five percent of this building was paid for by one couple who saw what God was doing in Ephrata. The remaining fifteen percent was covered by the folks at Ephrata.

In the summer of 1996 Pastor Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., was hired as Pastor of Ministries. Due to health reason, he retired the next year.

In the Fall of 1996 the church celebrated its thirtieth anniversary. At the celebration, Mr. & Mrs. Bob Gehret were given the honor of being named - Mr. & Mrs. Ephrata Bible Fellowship Church. Also, the founding pastor, Robert W. Smock was named Pastor Emeritus. He and his wife were given a cruise in thanks for their years of service.