Bethel Baptist Church

Our First Year

October 18, 2009

On August 10, 2008 that Doug and Winnie Gifford along with Paul and Patricia Melton met at Essex Park  in order to discuss the starting of a new Southern Baptist Church in Rochester, MN.  After prayer and discussion, it was decided to move forward as God might lead.  At that point, it was only decided to start a Sunday Evening home bible study at the Gifford’s .

About this time, another group of believers were also meeting and seeking God’s will in regards to a new Southern Baptist Church in Rochester.  In fact, they had discussed the possibility of contacting Doug as a potential pastor and Paul as a potential worship leader.

As these two groups learned about the other, a relationship developed.  Doug was invited to lead a Bible Study at the home of Rich and Linda Williamson.  This was on August 21, 2008.  Ultimately, these two groups felt lead to join together and move forward with a new church start.  On Sunday evenings in September, the group met for Bible Study, prayer, and fellowship at the Gifford’s.  Worship services began the first Sunday in October, 2008.  Soldier’s Field Best Western Hotel was utilized as the first worship center.  Bible study classes were also started on October 5.  There were 23 in attendance at the first worship service. God’s presence was ever so evident .

Hiawatha Valley Baptist Church in  Red Wing, MN served as Bethel’s sponsoring church.  Within just a few short months, members of Bethel felt lead by God to move forward with constituting thus moving from a mission status to church status.  On January 25, 2009, Bethel constituted as a church with 24 charter members.  Since that time, Rich Williamson has been ordained as a deacon.  In Bethel’s first year, there have been six professions of faith made with five of those being baptized.  Bethel has  cooperated with .other Southern Baptist  both locally and nationally through  participating in all mission offerings as well as through ongoing gifts given through the Cooperative Program.  Following the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, Bethel was recognized as a church that met the P’ing Tu  challenge, for exceptional per capita giving.

Bethel moved into their current building on August 1, 2009.  That same week, Bethel’s first Vacation Bible School was conducted.  God blessed with nine children registered.  God has blessed Bethel with a building which provides plenty of growth potential.  God’s blessing has been abundant.

October, 2009 marked the first year of ministry for Bethel.  The year has been a very active one with the ongoing work of the ministry.  Worship services have been Spirit filled.  The overall fellowship at Bethel has been wonderful from the start.  We have seen and experienced God’s hand at work  and look forward to all that He has in store for us over the days, weeks, months, and years that stretch out before us.  To God, we give our honor, our  praise and our  thanks.

In 2010, Bethel is participating in the national GPS (God’s Plan for Sharing) emphasis, to communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ to everyone in Rochester. Information about GPS is posted under the GPS tab.