Core Values | The Bethel Story | Staff | Beliefs

Bethel’s Core Values

What Bethel values most:

TRUTH – We believe the Bible completely, proclaim it passionately, and apply it creatively.

WORSHIP – At Bethel, Jesus Christ is held in the highest esteem as our ultimate object of affection and devotion.

LEADERSHIP – We believe that great churches must be led by God-centered, servant-hearted leaders.

EXCELLENCE – We believe that the Creator of the universe deserves the very best we have to offer in all areas of ministry.

FAITH – A great church must be willing to take great risks, anticipating that God will respond and provide.

HARMONY – We are a team of believers, working together to accomplish a common mission.

PARTICIPATION – We believe in an “every-member” ministry where believers may discover, develop, and invest their gifts.

FELLOWSHIP – Though we are not a perfect church, we attempt to be a family where every member is loved and cared for.

STEWARDSHIP – At Bethel, believers have the vision to sacrificially invest their resources in the eternal Kingdom of God.

EVANGELISM – We never want to forget that our primary mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the lost and hopeless, in northwest Arkansas and around the globe.

The Bethel Story

A small group of fundamental, Bible-believing, baptized believers began meeting together for the purpose of organizing a Baptist Church. The group first met in the home of Bro. and Sis. Elliott McGaugh on South Main Street in Bentonville. On July 24, 1952 a church was organized to preach the Gospel of Christ, seek the salvation of the lost, and to provide fellowship for born again Christians in Bentonville. These five united together, W. T. Gann, W. G. Jones, Elliott and Lola McGaugh, and Frankie Lybrand, with the motion made that anyone joining the membership by the last Sunday in August 1952 would also be considered charter members. Added as charter members were: Charles and Mary O’Kelly, Nancy Larkin, Cynthia Shirley, Albert and Lucille Ford, and Minnie McDaniel.

The Church voted to be called the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, and voted to affiliate with the Benton County Missionary Baptists of Arkansas (now BMA of the Ozarks), the Arkansas State Missionary Baptists (now BMA of Arkansas), and the North American Baptist Association (now BMA of America). The missionary Pastor was Elder Roy Williamson. A Sunday School was organized on August 3, 1952 with three classes.

At one point in time, this young church worshipped at the National Guard Armory. Later, property was purchased on S. W. “F” Street where services were held in a tent and later a basement was constructed for worship. While worshipping underground, the church became affectionately known as the “Groundhog Baptist Church.” As a guest preacher, Bro. Forrest Gann, father of current Deacon Nick Gann, said he could remember preaching in the basement while standing in water.

The first phase of construction on the building at 407 S. W. “F” was completed in 1958. Four additional construction changes were made at this location during the thirty-six years of expansion, along with the purchase of two adjoining pieces of property.

Throughout the years, Bethel Church has ordained sixteen Deacons: Jarvis Dawson, David Ford, Max McGaugh, Lee Owen, Raymon Bever, Paul Mather, Herb Leach, Lonnie McVay, Steve Rose, Don Holland, Charles Young, Jim Glover, Steve Hignight, Darrell Boling, Randy Ewalt, and Bentley Fisher. The last three listed, along with Lou Shults and Nick Gann are currently serving as Deacons. Three preachers were ordained by the church, namely A. L. Ford, Bill McDaniel, and Jim Lee. Bethel Church has had nine Pastors: Roy Williamson, Marshall Gus, H. G. Burch, Lee Norman, Doyle Howard, Gus Hart, John Whitely, E. C. Watson, Brandon Cox and our current pastor is Brother Mike McEuen.

Through the years, as the Lord blessed and added to the membership, there was still a need for property expansion. After much prayer and planning, on April 14, 1988 Bethel Baptist Church moved to its present facilities at 2907 N. Walton Boulevard in Bentonville.

Since moving to the present location, we have expanded with a new educational wing, paved the driveway and four parking areas, built an Activity Center, remodeled the main building by replacing carpet, recovering pews, painting and building handicap accessible restrooms. The latest project has been the building of a parsonage.

Our prayer is for Bethel to glorify our great God, seek the salvation of the lost, to proclaim God’s Word, and to faithfully serve Him by giving of our time, talents, and treasure for the ministry of the gospel of Christ – till Jesus comes!