Who We Are

What do you mean by Methodism?

Methodism, as originated by John and Charles Wesley in 18th century England, emphasizes a personal saving relationship with Jesus Christ, beyond the conversion experience. This relationship is so real and deep that it naturally compels purity of heart and intent, resulting in the Christian achieving the highest possible standard of moral conduct. Methodism is a rational system of human faith acting on divine truth by God’s grace. This “method” of obtaining salvation allows the believer to live in a daily state of loving obedience to God. We associate our name with Methodism because we are convinced that original Methodism represents the most complete and accurate presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

What does “Bethel” mean?

The Hebrew name “Beth-el” means “House of God” and communicates a number of things. Bethel is any place a human truly perceives the God of the universe. It describes the process by which the moral image of Christ is formed in the believer. "Bethel" is also the place where Jacob first perceived God. It was here that Jacob saw a vision of a ladder between heaven and earth with angels ascending and descending upon it. This is the process which Christ desires of all men - to “ascend” to learn a new truth about God, then “descend” to build upon the foundation of what we already know to be true.

Read through the Bethel Methodist Discipline

What do you mean by “A message-centered people with a God-centered message?”

God’s entire creation is not “about us” but rather about Him. We believe the Holy Bible is God-centered, meaning its full and complete revelation of God is central and superior to the wants and desires of man. This is the message that the Bethel Methodist Church endeavors to communicate; indeed, it is the reason we exist.

What is our purpose?

Our purpose is twofold; to perceive God and to present God. First, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, we are to come to an understanding of who God is. “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me…” - Jeremiah 9:24. When we are seeing God as He really is, then we are naturally compelled to present Him to anyone willing to listen.

What are services like?

Our Sunday morning worship services are best described as “traditional.” The pastor’s message is the central object of our services that include great hymns of the church, gospel songs, choral and instrumental music, scripture readings and prayer.