What is now known as Bethel Worship Center began in 1890 as a United Brethren Church. This little community church remained open throughout the years and eventually became a United Methodist Church. In the mid 1970’s a new pastor, Duane Sydenstricker, along with his wife Elsie, was assigned to the church.  Under their leadership, the church flourished and many people came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. In the early 1980’s the church decided to leave the United Methodist Conference and become independent. The church was renamed South Bethel New Testament Church.

The genuine love of God was expressed to everyone who attended this little country church. Pastor Duane introduced the fullness of the Holy Spirit and many lives were touched through his ministry, including the current pastor of Bethel, Pastor Rob Barber, and his wife, Tammi. They dedicated their lives to Christ one fall evening in 1978 at a Bible study led by Pastor Duane. Rob and Tammi were actively involved with South Bethel until 1983, when they moved to Athens, Ohio.

Over the years the church steadily grew and was known in the community as being a church full of love and compassion for all people. In 1995, Rob was asked to return to South Bethel to pastor the flock. This was due to the failing health and retirement of both Pastor Duane and Elsie. After much prayer and consideration, Rob accepted the position and became the new pastor.

Under the leadership of Pastor Rob, the church continued to grow in numbers and outreach ministries. The little country church was filled each week with people who were coming to hear from God. It was soon obvious that more room was needed to accommodate the needs of the ministries and people. Since it was not possible to build onto the existing structure, primarily due to lack of property, the leadership began to make plans to purchase property to build a new church.

In 2001, five acres of land was purchased on State Route 7 near Eastern High School. Plans were being drawn up but it was obvious that it would take time to get a building up and ready for services...and something needed to be done right away. During this time, South Bethel’s name was changed to Bethel Worship Center. In November of 2001, Bethel took a step of faith and leased part of a school in Tuppers Plains, where services were held for one year. Then God opened the door to lease a former elementary school in Chester. These moves enabled Bethel to continue to grow and expand the ministries.

From November 2002 to August of 2005, Bethel held their worship services in the renovated elementary school in Chester. God was faithful to meet the needs of this growing body and on July 21st 2002, they held a groundbreaking service at the new property.

After many months of anxiously awaiting the completion of the new church building, their first service was held on the first Sunday of August, 2005. This was also the ten year anniversary of Rob and Tammi assuming the pastor position at the church.

The ministry staff and body of believers at Bethel Worship Center are still writing the history of this church and firmly believe God has great and mighty things in store for His people.

For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

John 3:16-17