About / Our history
Rooted here. Looking ahead.
Since 1958, Bethel has gathered in Bradenton to share the hope of Jesus and care for its neighbors.
A story that began with children in our neighborhood.
How it started
A small group with a big heart for Bradenton.
Bethel Baptist Church was founded in 1958 by a small group of Christ followers with a passion for people who did not know Jesus—especially local children. One day, a founding member was driving behind a school bus. When it stopped across from an agricultural field, she watched a multitude of children get off and felt the Spirit of God tell her that the field was the place to build.
More than 60 years later, Bethel Church has a 65,000-square-foot, debt-free campus in the heart of Bradenton. Although the surrounding area has changed since 1958, the heart and mission of Bethel have not. The church desires to be a light in the darkness, a haven for the hurting and broken, and a refuge for those in need of a Savior.
As Bethel revitalizes, this remains the hope and mission of its people: to align their hearts with the Gospel and God’s Word, proclaim the mission of God, and strengthen and encourage the people of God. Bethel believes its best days are yet to come.
Get to know us
Explore the heart of Bethel.
Dive into what the church believes, how it serves, and the people leading the way.
Bethel today
There’s room in the story for you.
Worship, grow in community, and discover ways to care for Bradenton alongside the Bethel family.
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Your next step
There is a place for you here.
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