The Bethel Church is a nondenominational, neo-charismatic megachurch in the United States. It has grown to more than 11,000 members and is currently led by Bill Johnson. The church began in 1952 and has been known for its controversial preaching and controversial evangelism. It has been attracting a large number of followers since its founding. The congregation believes that Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life.
The Bethel church has an interesting history. The city was originally named Luz, but was renamed by Jacob after he slept there on his journey from Beersheba to Haran. The story goes that while Jacob was there, he dreamed of a ladder leading to heaven, and saw angels and God standing at the top of the ladder. Upon waking up, he was overcome with joy and felt the presence of the Lord. He declared Bethel to be the house of God, and the gate to heaven.
During his time as pastor of Bethel, Johnson was accused of false teachings. This is dangerous for Christians, so he called upon the artists of the church to turn from the false teachings and embrace solid biblical teaching. Many of the Bethel artists are very talented, but we should pray for God to use their talent for His glory. The Bethel ministry is a busy place, but the people in Bethel are very gifted.
Among Bethel’s members are the esteemed President and his wife. The couple are known for distributing late-night cinnamon rolls to students during finals week, and President Barnes hosts a marriage preparation class in his home. In addition to their ministry work, these artists are also provided with room and board and a monthly allowance to cover their personal expenses. In fact, some Bethel artists have become Christian celebrities. It is a joy to see their talents utilized in the service of the Lord.
The ever-popular content of Bethel sends a message of approval. I have searched for the lyrics of Bethel songs during and after church. And if I find the lyrics of a song by a Bethel artist on the Internet, I’ll search for it. It’s also worth checking out other Bethel artists’ Facebook pages, as they share their music with fans and followers. It’s like a community of people who love God.
While the newest craze for Facebook may seem insignificant on its own, the enduringly popular content of Bethel’s artists is a powerful message of approval. I’ve even been known to find song lyrics on Facebook during and after church. Several songs from Bethel are posted on the website. The artist’s songs and sermons are also shared on Facebook. The message is clear: the Bethel community is a positive place for faith-based expression.