Bethel Church Complete Profile & Latest Information.
All important details about Bethel Church. The Bethel Church is an American non-denominational neo-charismatic megachurch located in Redding, California. The church was established in 1952, and is popularly known for her strides in contemporary worship music with music labels, such as the Bethel Music and Jesus Culture ministries. The church runs the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry with over 2,000 students annually. Bethel is a congregation of worshippers of Jesus Christ in Redding, California, who long to see hearts ignited until heaven meets earth.
This is a comprehensive write-up on the Bethel Church. Discover the essence of Bethel Church, a vibrant Christian community located in Reddings California, Led by a dedicated team of pastors. The church is committed to loving God and others. In this profile, you will explore the church’s history, leadership, ministries, and core values. Whether you’re interested in joining Bethel Church or simply learning more about their faith, this concise overview will provide you with essential information. Stay connected through their social media handles and experience the thriving community firsthand.
HISTORY OF BETHEL CHURCH.
Who is the founder of Bethel Church?
In the 1950’s
Bethel Church started their first gathering by Robert Doherty in a private home, which served as the foundation of a global movement. This was in the year 1952. The congregation was an affiliate of the Assemblies of God beginning in 1954. By 1954, under Pastor Doherty’s leadership, the church outgrew their home and moved to a new location on Magnolia Avenue.
In the 1960’s
Precisely in 1964, Bethel acquired and dedicated a new facility on Bechelli Lane to house the growing congregation. By 1966, Reverend Vic Trimer became the pastor of Bethel Church. 2 year later, in 1968, M. Earl and Darliene Johnson became the pastors of Bethel Church. Earl being the father of Senior Leader Bill Johnson.
In the 1980’s
Raymond and Rebecca Larson were called to pastor Bethel Church, 4 years into the 80’s (i.e 1984). During his 11-year tenure, Bethel church grew to an estimated attendance of 2,000 and relocated to its present site (College View Road). This dramatic growth led to the purchase and construction of a new 71-acre (29 ha) facility with more than 46,000 square feet (4,300 m2) of space in the new church building.
By 1988, Bethel Church established King’s Kids Christian School out of a desire to disciple children in the way of the Lord. Ray Larson, senior pastor at that time, led the school during its first years. The school was located at the former church site on Bechelli Lane. The school later is renamed Bethel Christian School.
In the 1990’s
Bethel completed construction of the College View Campus facilities by 1995. The following year (1996), Bill and Beni Johnson became the pastors of Bethel Church. One year prior to joining Bethel in 1995, Johnson visited the revival meetings of the Toronto Blessing where he made the promise to God that he would make “the outpouring of the Holy Spirit” the sole purpose of his existence, a focus which he brought to Bethel Church. The church lost 1,000 members over Johnson’s vision after he joined, but has since seen considerable growth.
By 1997, Bethel opened the Transformation Center, which annually gives over 11,000 hours of ministry towards inner healing and personal transformation. In 1998, Kris and Kathy Vallotton became the Senior Associate Pastors of Bethel.
During this period, Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM) was founded with 37 students. It now hosts over 2,000 students annually from 64 countries.
In 1999, The renowned, Jesus Culture (Bethel’s youth ministry at the time) hosted their first conference, and Bethel completed the construction of the Alabaster Prayer House.
In the 2000’s
Danny and Sheri Silk moved to Redding in 2001, to become a part of the Bethel Senior Team. In November 2005, the membership of Bethel Church voted unanimously to withdraw the church’s affiliation with the Assemblies of God, and became a nondenominational church.
By 2008, Bethel.TV was established. It is reported that the online streaming now reaches over 412,800 users internationally.
The world acclaimed Bethel Music was founded in 2009, by Brian and Jenn Johnson to steward songs coming out of Bethel Church. Bethel Music now reaches 2 million+ monthly listeners and over 4 million through social media.
Bethel Church started leasing the Twin View Campus location. Bethel Church acquired the Caterpillar Road facility. This now houses Bethel Media, Human Resources, and Advancement.
In the 2010’s
in 2011, BSSM established the City Project Team. Since 2015, over 12,000 hours are given annually towards practical city improvement projects. At this time, Bethel Church started leasing the Redding Civic Auditorium to create space for larger conferences and growing enrollment at BSSM. Similarly, Eric and Candace Johnson become the Senior Pastors of Bethel.
By 2012, Bethel acquired the Lake Blvd facility, home to many Bethel ministry offices and the Transformation Center. Bethel Church purchased the Collyer property, preparing for the future expansion of Bethel.
By 2013, Jesus Culture moved to Sacramento, CA and started their own church.
By 2016, Bethel Conservatory of the Arts founded to train and equip professional actors, musical theater performers, and dancers.
By 2017, Bethel School of Technology founded to equip kingdom-minded believers for in-demand IT careers.
Bethel Collyer Campus Expansion Project: Redding Planning Commission approved plan development and Environmental Impact Report. Redding City Council approved Bethel to apply for development of a new church and school campus facilities.
By 2018, Bethel’s first global campaign, Arise & Build, launches.
The Johnsons became pastors of Bethel Church in 1996.
- FOUNDING DAY: Bethel Church was founded in the year 1952
- NUMBER OF MEMBERS: The Bethel church has over 11,000 members
- HEADQUARTERS: The headquarters is sited at College view Road, in Redding, California.
- BRANCHES: Bethel Cleveland, Atlanta, Austin, Valparaiso, and New Zealand.
- FOUNDER: The founder of Bethel Church is Robert Doherty
- CURRENT LEADERS: The current leader of the Bethel Church is Bill Johnson, assisted by Kris and Kathy Vallotton – (senior associate leaders) and Dann Farrelly (Associate Pastor and Dean of BSSM).
Bethel Church Leadership
Senior Pastor: Bill Johnson
Pastor: Kris vallotton (senior associate leader)
Pastor: Dan Farrelly (Associate Pastor and Dean of BSSM)
Pastor: Danny Silk
Bethel Church Programme / Events Calendar
Stay- up-to-date with Bethel Church events and programmes calendar for this year.
- Sunday Service
- Open Heavens (September)
- Young Saints conference (October)
- BraveCo Men’s Conferenc
- Bethel Music Worship School
- School of the Prophets
- Art Sozo Leader Training
- Bethel Music Holy Land Tour
- Join Bethel Music in Israel on the Holy Land Tour!
- Single Life Workshop
- School of Encounters
How to Become a Member of Bethel Bible Church?
The Bethel Bible By-Laws state that anyone desiring to become a member of Bethel Bible Church must believe in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, affirm the essentials, and submit to the elder board.
Bethel views membership as a meaningful commitment. The church family is committing itself to you just as you are committing yourself to the church family. Therefore, members should consistently and actively participate in the ministry of the church. Specifically, our desire is that each member maintains active participation in a small group, regularly serves in a ministry and financially contributes to the church. By remaining committed to these three areas we believe Bethel can best function as the Body of Christ.
While our pastors, teachers and elders affirm their substantial agreement with the FULL DOCTRINAL STATEMENT, members need only agree with these eight essentials.
To become a member, endeavour to visit the Bethel Church closest to you.
Bethel is a vibrant family of hope-filled believers who deeply experience the love and presence of God and partner with Jesus to express the joy and power of His kingdom in every area of life. At the center of our gatherings is a pursuit of God’s presence, where our hearts are transformed and launched into our destinies. We are excited to run with you and pursue God’s presence until the earth looks like heaven.
We welcome you to join us in this adventure!
FULL DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
- The authority and inerrancy of Scripture
- The Trinity
- The full deity and humanity of Jesus Christ
- The spiritual lostness of all humanity and need for regeneration
- The substitutionary atoning death and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ
- Salvation by grace alone, by faith alone in Christ alone
- The indwelling by the Holy Spirit of every Christian at new birth
- The physical return of Jesus Christ in glory, followed by His reign on earth.
Bethel Church Vision and Mission Statement
VISION
Vision is about looking forward to the future. Here at Bethel, we believe that God is in charge of the future, and the best is yet to come! We, as God’s people, get to partner in faith with His envisioned future. This is how we express the vision God has for our church:
We envision a Spirit filled, growing community of believers who love their city and are empowered to spread the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
MISSION
Jesus gave his followers the mission that they were supposed to execute until his return:
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). This mission applies to every believer and every church.
Here at Bethel, we expresses that mission with the following statement:
We exist to worship God, grow in faith, and show the world who Jesus is.
BETHEL’S Mission is revival.
CORE VALUES
Core values are what we hold most dear as a community. They help frame all of our decisions, strategy and ministry design. At Bethel we have five core values:
- Empowering Leadership: We empower our leaders who, in turn, empower others to do the ministry God has called them to do. (Matthew 20:25-28; Mark 10:42-45; Ephesians 4:12-13; 2 Timothy 4:5)
- Spiritual Vitality: The power and presence of the Holy Spirit is at the center of everything, as we lead people into growing relationships with Jesus Christ. (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, 12:4-7; 2 Corinthians 3:18)
- Prioritizing People: The Church is not a building or an organization; it is a community of people called to love and serve one another. We are in this together. (John 13:34-35; Romans 12:9-21; Hebrews 10:23-25; 1 Peter 4:8-11)
- Strategic Partnerships: We build strategic partnerships locally and globally in order to strengthen our ministry and fulfill the Great Commission. (Acts 13:2-3; Romans 10:14-15; Philippians 1:3-8; Matthew 28:18-20)
- Blessing our Community: God has called us to be a people of blessing who make the world a better place. We take every opportunity to serve sacrificially and practice radical generosity all for the glory of God. (Matthew 22:37-40; Luke 6:27-36; Genesis 12:2-3; Jeremiah 29:7)
Bethel Church Belief
- God Is Good
God is good, so we’re required to dream big.
- Nothing Is Impossible
Nothing is impossible, so a huge part of our life is designed around taking risk.
- The Blood of Jesus Paid for Everything
Everything we’ll ever need was dealt with at the cross, so we must come to a place of trusting Him in everything.
- We Are Significant
God has made us each to be significant, so we must serve well
Bethel Church Ministries and Affiliation
- Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry
- Student activities in Redding
- Grave soaking
- Bethel Music
- Jesus Culture
- CHANGED Movement
BETHEL SCHOOLS
Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry began in the fall of 1998, under the direction of Kris Vallotton, Bethel’s senior associate pastor. The school trains its students in the supernatural and miracles, such as faith healing, in order that they may become revivalists. The normal program is one academic year and students have the opportunity to return for a second and third year. Approximately 15% of the students stay for the full three years. The school was founded with 36 students, and has grown to more than 2,400 students from over 70 countries in 2019. They are an unaccredited program and do not offer a degree or credits but a certificate. The school has gotten the nickname “Christian Hogwarts” among students because of its focus on the supernatural.
BSSM now has more than 10,000 alumni. In 2016–17, an extensive survey on alumni was carried out by Eido Research by alumni of the program. From a representative sample from all years of graduation since 1999, the survey found that 97% of graduates are still “confident in their faith”, and that 90% attend a church service at least monthly. Likewise, graduates reported seeing at least 35,000 salvations since 1999, and 50,000 physical healings over the previous year. The report also showed that BSSM graduates have a divorce rate that is four times lower than the American Christian average.
Bethel schools are as listed below;
- BETHEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
- BETHEL SCHOOL OF SUPERNATURAL MINISTRY
- BETHEL CONSERVATORY OF THE ARTS
- BETHEL SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY
- BETHEL MUSIC COLLEGE
JESUS CULTURE
Bethel Church is responsible for the formation of the Jesus Culture youth outreach ministry. Jesus Culture Ministry hosts conferences and operates a record label, Jesus Culture Music, to share its message and spread worship. They remain committed to Bethel Church, but were sent out by Bethel in 2012 to plant a church in Sacramento, California.
BETHEL MUSIC
Bethel Church has set up ministries in conjunction to the needs of its growing congregation within Redding, California. These ministries span a range of different sections for public service, internal structure, and even products and brands. One of the more well known of these ministries is Bethel Music due to the popularity of its music domestically and worldwide.
Bethel Music is an American record label and publishing company associated with Bethel Church, led by Bill Johnson’s son Brian Johnson. Its music was among the most played contemporary worship music in American churches in 2019 and its albums have reached the Billboard 200 multiple times. Bethel Music has many songs with tens of millions of views on YouTube, and two with over 100 million views as of 2019. The live performances of its songs are characterized by extended duration with much repetition and emotion.
In 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic, Bethel Church closed the healing rooms and moved healing operations of 700 people online. The church also suspended faith healings at hospitals. The church’s official position was to follow the recommendations of health officials, and that “wisdom, modern medicine, and faith are meant to work together”, but the church simultaneously upheld belief in God’s ability to heal supernaturally.
The CHANGED Movement was started by Bethel pastors Elizabeth Woning and Ken Williams in 2019 for people who “once identified as LGBTQ+ and through encounters with the love of Jesus, have experienced His freedom in their lives” and is led by the Equipped to Love ministry at Bethel. Both Woning and Williams used to identify as homosexual. Woning claims she changed after 18 months when “the Lord was able to displace my sense of belonging as a lesbian with my sense of belonging as a daughter of God”. Williams credits his change to undergoing five years of weekly therapy which he claims resolved his same-sex attraction as well as addiction to masturbation and pornography.
Bethel does not financially support the CHANGED Movement but does pay the salaries of the pastors, promote it, and house them in the offices of another one of Bethel’s ministries. In August 2019, they received attention when Bethel promoted CHANGED through a series of Instagram posts, which was criticized by The Trevor Project and Q Christian Fellowship, among others. As a response to this criticism, Bethel Church said that “The message of CHANGED has never been ‘All Must Change’” and “For those of you who feel fulfilled and happy as you are, we love you!”
Bethel Church in Photos
