Before Jesus left Earth for Heaven, He gave a third very important command that most people refer to as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).  He basically said that it was the responsibility of Christians to share the Good News of forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ, with everyone they met.  Jesus effectively invited every Christian to be actively involved in changing the world.  To change the world the way Jesus commanded is not to be confused as simply a social gospel of helping the poor, or improving the moral standards of society; but rather, the specific making of "disciples" or followers of Jesus Christ.  Jesus wants us to change the world by helping those who have never trusted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, to repent, or turn away from, their sin, and place their hope & faith in Jesus alone.  He also wants us to change the world by helping other Christians to become more like Jesus every day.  We are to spur each other on to doing good works.  We are to encourage each other.  We are to challenge each other, and hold each other accountable in every area of life.  We understand that helping people repent from their sins, trust in Jesus, and obey Him better, is only possible through the leadership of the Holy Spirit of God.  We depend completely on Him for our guidance and strength.

The Bible teaches that all Christians are gifted with spiritual gifts that are to be used to glorify God & edify (build up) the church.  We believe that all Christians are called by God to serve in some ministry or mission. We also know that it's completely discouraging to be part of an institution (like the church) & not be an important part of its vision, its goal, its purpose...so we encourage all of our members to serve somewhere, somehow. We serve because Jesus first served us, by giving Himself for us on the cross.

Our members serve in various ministries within our church and community.  We offer ministries with children such as Awana, Worship KidStyle, Upward Basketball, Upward Camp, Hallelujah Kids' Choir, & nursery/preschool.  We offer opportunities for service for ladies, men, senior adults, youth, college students, families, singles, & even kids.

Our church is deeply devoted to missions.  We provide financial support to Southern Baptist missionaries serving in North America, and around the world.  We currently offer specific financial support to mission work in Central America, Eastern Europe and Africa.  Our church doesn't just believe in sending money...we go too! Members of Bethel have traveled to places like Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Poland, Mali, Transnistria, Moldova, Haiti & beyond to share the Good News of forgiveness & eternal life in Jesus Christ.  From building homes for widowed moms to renovating church buildings to putting boots on the feet of orphans to leading fun Bible studies in the inner city, Bethel makes a personal impact that reaches around the globe.  We believe everyone should be involved in missions...many can go, most can give (financially), all can pray.