How it all started...
For over 75 years, the small church was located on a corner near the heart of downtown Devils Lake, in a building affectionally known as ‘the stone church.’ In the late 1970’s, the church was small. The truth is, some wondered if the 15-20 attenders would be able to survive as a church. But God had a plan for Bethel.
During the next decade, the church grew. More space was needed, so the church relocated and constructed a larger facility in 1988. But God still had bigger plans for Bethel... In 1997, Bruce Dick, a Dallas Seminary graduate who was from the area, was hired as an Associate Pastor. In January 2000, he would become the Senior Pastor, a position in which he faithfully served for two decades. Pastor Bruce’s ministry was marked by excellent teaching of the Word of God and by continued spiritual and numerical growth. Growth continued at Bethel. More space was needed, and so in July 2011 the current sanctuary was dedicated to God’s glory.
Upon Pastor Bruce’s transition from Bethel, one of the associate pastors; Bryce Harcey; became the Lead Pastor. Pastor Bryce served at Bethel from 2017-2021. Throughout its history it has been evident that God has a plan for Bethel.
During the next decade, the church grew. More space was needed, so the church relocated and constructed a larger facility in 1988. But God still had bigger plans for Bethel... In 1997, Bruce Dick, a Dallas Seminary graduate who was from the area, was hired as an Associate Pastor. In January 2000, he would become the Senior Pastor, a position in which he faithfully served for two decades. Pastor Bruce’s ministry was marked by excellent teaching of the Word of God and by continued spiritual and numerical growth. Growth continued at Bethel. More space was needed, and so in July 2011 the current sanctuary was dedicated to God’s glory.
Upon Pastor Bruce’s transition from Bethel, one of the associate pastors; Bryce Harcey; became the Lead Pastor. Pastor Bryce served at Bethel from 2017-2021. Throughout its history it has been evident that God has a plan for Bethel.
Expanding the vision...
God’s plan is still being worked out at Bethel. Yes, as was true for many ministries, Covid hit hard. The size of the church contracted. However, Bethel remained stable and is now ministering effectively in many areas. On most Sundays there are 200 +/- in worship. 400 people call Bethel ‘home’.
Several indicators point to God’s blessing upon Bethel
•Every Wednesday evening, there are over 100 children engaged in our excellent children’s and youth ministries.
•Every Sunday, the Bethel worship service is live-streamed into several rural churches which are part of the Rural Church Network that Bethel pioneered over a decade ago.
•Bethel is a regional, multi-generational church attracting folks from 30-45 miles away.
Several indicators point to God’s blessing upon Bethel
•Every Wednesday evening, there are over 100 children engaged in our excellent children’s and youth ministries.
•Every Sunday, the Bethel worship service is live-streamed into several rural churches which are part of the Rural Church Network that Bethel pioneered over a decade ago.
•Bethel is a regional, multi-generational church attracting folks from 30-45 miles away.
Where we are headed...
After a two year search under the leadership of interim Pastor David Lewis, Bethel commissioned its new lead Pastor, Richard Eng, on September 24th, 2023. God continues to have big plans for Bethel as we move into the next phase of ministry.
