Is Bethel affiliated with a denomination?

While most Presbyterian churches are affiliated with one of several Presbyterian denominations, Bethel was formed as an independent church and has remained so. This is why we identify Bethel as an Independent Church.

What makes Bethel a Presbyterian Church?

Bethel is Presbyterian in its form of church government. While it has been common for churches of the Presbyterian persuasion to have a system of courts above the local church, historically this is not necessary. There have also been numerous Presbyterian churches, particularly in the early days of our country, which have been Independent. We do not feel that the Scripture teaches a system of church courts above the local church, but we do feel that scripture does teach plurality of elders as the ruling body within the local church. We, therefore, distinguish our church from a Baptist church with the pastor being the sole elder or the Episcopal form in which there is a Bishop who is over several churches. Bethel is also Presbyterian in its doctrinal identity, with the exception of Infant Baptism. Like the standard Presbyterian confessions, we acknowledge the supreme authority of the Bible, God's Word, the importance of justification by grace through faith alone, and the historic emphasis on the sovereignty of God accompanied by the responsibility of man.

How does Bethel practice baptism?

While we hold that there has been enough argumentation in the history of the Christian church over the subject of baptism and we do not want this to be an issue of contention in the church, we believe that the New Testament clearly teaches that all believers are to be baptized and that as a church we have the responsibility to practice the ordinance of baptism. Our elders have been persuaded that baptism should be practiced as it was in the early church, which is by immersion and reserved for those old enough confess Jesus Christ as their own savior from sin. Accordingly, Bethel does not practice infant baptism, but does dedicate infants to the Lord through a prayer in our worship service. Presbyterian doctrine has generally viewed infant baptism as identification of a child with the family of faith, but not as effecting salvation, which comes through faith alone in Jesus Christ. At Bethel, we feel that a prayer of dedication accomplishes that identification of the child with the church family, and that baptism is more Biblical and significant for the participant when it is practiced by as a testimony to their own faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism is not a requirement of membership in our church, although we encourage all believers to identify themselves with Christ through baptism and will, upon request, perform baptisms for those who were baptized as infants in another church and wish to be re-baptized.

How do I become a member?

Church membership formalizes the commitment between individuals and a local church body. Before making such a commitment to Bethel, you must have received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and be able to give evidence by life and testimony of such a decision. We also desire that all who enter into the covenant of fellowship at Bethel understand what we believe and how our church functions before making their decision to join and so, periodically, we hold a Membership Class for newcomers.

If you are interested in becoming a member, contact the church office by phone, 713.782.8948 or email us at bethel@bethelipc.org, and we can sign you up for the next Membership Class. If you decide at the end of the class to become a member, an Elder or Pastor will meet with you to discuss your faith in Christ and your involvement in the church.