Bethel Church in Redding, California is a non-denominational evangelical megachurch affiliated with the Assemblies of God denomination. The church was founded in 1954 and has over 11,000 members today. Some key things the Bible teaches about Bethel Church include:
Their Emphasis on Supernatural Experiences and Manifestations
Bethel is known for emphasizing signs, wonders, healings, prophetic words, and supernatural experiences. They believe these are meant to be regular parts of the Christian life today. Supporting verses include:
- “And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18)
- “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” (1 Corinthians 14:1)
Critics argue Bethel’s practices go beyond what is described in the Bible. But Bethel says God still speaks and moves miraculously today.
Their Belief in Present-Day Apostles and Prophets
Bethel believes that apostles and prophets are vital leadership roles given by God to guide the church today, not just in biblical times. Verses they cite include:
- “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)
- “God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.” (1 Corinthians 12:28)
Critics say apostles and prophets were foundational roles only for the early church. But Bethel believes they continue today.
Their Music and Worship Style
Bethel is known for its passionate, contemporary style of worship and lyrical focus on God’s supernatural power. Some key verses about praise include:
- “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” (Psalm 95:1-2)
- “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:19)
Critics believe Bethel’s music-focused services lack serious preaching of the word. But Bethel believes expressive worship ushers God’s presence.
Their Passion for Revival and Spiritual Awakening
Bethel actively prays and works toward revival, both locally and globally. Verses include:
- “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (Psalm 85:6)
- “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15)
Critics say Bethel’s focus on signs and wonders detracts from gospel preaching. But Bethel believes revival requires demonstrating God’s power.
Their Emphasis on Inner Healing and Deliverance
Bethel encourages members to find emotional and spiritual healing through prayer. Bible verses supporting this include:
- “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.” (Jeremiah 17:14)
- “And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons.” (Mark 16:17)
Critics believe this practice lacks theological support and depth. But Bethel sees emotional health as an important part of the salvation Jesus brings.
Their Commitment to Social Justice
Bethel engages in service and justice as a key part of applied Christianity. Verses calling for compassion include:
- “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” (Isaiah 1:17)
- “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (James 1:27)
Critics contend Bethel’s charismatic tendencies overshadow this calling. However, Bethel sees caring for the vulnerable as core to the gospel.
Their Belief in Continuing Revelation and God Speaking Today
Bethel teaches believers can receive direct revelation from God today through things like visions, dreams, and prophecies. Biblical support includes:
- “And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17)
- “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent.” (1 Corinthians 14:29-30)
Critics believe the Bible is the sole divine revelation today. But Bethel teaches individuals can directly hear from God.
Their Practice of Spiritual Gifts
Bethel encourages members to eagerly desire spiritual gifts like tongues, prophecy, and healing. Verses affirming these practices include:
- “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” (1 Corinthians 14:1)
- “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21)
- “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit…healing by the one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:7-9)
Critics say modern spiritual gifts should be carefully scrutinized. But Bethel sees them as ways God empowers the church.
Their Kingdom Theology and Dominionism
Bethel advocates kingdom theology – the belief Christians’ primary task is advancing God’s kingdom on earth through social transformation. Related verses include:
- “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
- “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.” (Matthew 11:12)
Critics reject full-throated dominionism. However, Bethel sees influencing culture as part of God’s call.
Their Views on Eschatology and Prophecy
Bethel generally promotes continuationist beliefs – that spiritual gifts like prophecy continue today and point to God’s ongoing work on earth. This contrasts with futurist end-time beliefs common in some evangelical churches. Relevant passages include:
- “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” (Matthew 16:28)
- “Having the hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.” (Titus 1:2)
Critics argue for a more literal interpretation of end-times prophecy. Bethel emphasizes present kingdom breakthroughs.
Their Focus on Supernatural Evangelism and Healing
Bethel trains believers to preach the gospel and heal the sick through signs and wonders. Supporting verses include:
- “Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.'” (Luke 10:9)
- “Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ…the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did.” (Acts 8:5-6)
Critics contend this methodology is unwise. However, Bethel sees power evangelism as biblical.
Their Emphasis on God’s Supernatural Goodness
Bethel focuses on God’s love and power vs. condemnation. Uplifting verses include:
- “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” (James 1:17)
- “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” (Numbers 23:19)
Critics argue Bethel downplays sin and judgment. However, Bethel sees highlighting God’s goodness as key to revival and transformation.
In summary, Bethel Church bases its beliefs and practices on pursuing the works, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit today. While some take issue with their charismatic emphasis, Bethel sees their approach as biblically warranted.
