Welcome
to Bethel
We're a diverse group with one thing in common:
we’ve experienced the transforming love of
Jesus and want to follow him.
Hi from Johan, our Pastor
Welcome to Bethel.
Coming to a new-to-you church can feel like a big step – will it be weird? Am I really welcome? What do they believe here? I hope our website will help you see that we’re a group of ordinary people who love God and love our community (Hale and the wider Farnham area). Our meetings and activities tend to be relaxed, contemporary and warm. Our focus is on meeting and following Jesus Christ, who said that he was the only way to God and whose message has shaped our country and its values. The way he welcomed anyone (whatever their story) inspires us as a church family to share his transforming love with everyone. We would love to meet you – bring your questions and be prepared for good news.
What we believe
We believe that although there is a lot of good in the world, we have to be honest with ourselves and recognise that there is something wrong in us that we cannot fix. The good news is that God can. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, came into the world to restore what was broken. Through faith in Christ there is a relationship with God that brings
peace, forgiveness and real hope.
Who comes to Bethel?
Our church community includes people of all ages, with lots of families who have children and teenagers. On Sunday mornings we all meet together to worship - normally about 120 of us. And we have activities throughout the week for various ages.
Meet our staff
We have three staff members: one Pastor who leads the church, an Administrator and a Kids' Club Coordinator.
We have a group of elders who, together with our Pastor, are responsible for spiritual leadership.
And our team of deacons work with the Administrator to oversee church practicalities.
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Church history
Bethel Baptist Church has a long history, opening on 4th June 1834 as the first place of worship in the Upper Hale area of Farnham. The church has changed a lot over nearly 200 years! But we've always been worshipping God and serving our community. In 1984, we wrote a history booklet for our 150th anniversary:
We are FIEC members
Bethel is a member of the FIEC,
linking us with similar churches across Great Britain.
This also gives us access to support, training and guidance.