The Beginning
Bethel Missionary Baptist Church was founded on May 4, 1983, beginning with 39 individuals who gathered in the home of church members. The name "Bethel Missionary" was inspired by the biblical account of Jacob’s ladder and reflected the church’s heart for missions and supporting missionaries. As the Lord blessed and the congregation grew, Bethel relocated to the Tri-County Tabernacle, where they rented space until the completion of their current church facilities.
Foundations of Bethel
Rev. Tommy Thomas served as the church’s first interim pastor. In August 1983, Rev. Luther Carver of Banner Elk, NC, was called as pastor, joined by his wife Phyllis and their children, Tommy, David, and Robin. That same year, the church broke ground on property near the Mitchell-Avery County line.
Construction soon began on both the church building and the parsonage, with the fellowship hall added later. During this time, many of the men gathered on Saturdays to work on the building, while the women prepared and served meals on the church grounds. The original sanctuary was completed and opened in September 1984.
Construction soon began on both the church building and the parsonage, with the fellowship hall added later. During this time, many of the men gathered on Saturdays to work on the building, while the women prepared and served meals on the church grounds. The original sanctuary was completed and opened in September 1984.
The Austin Center
Under Pastor Carver’s leadership, the church was blessed to see the construction and completion of the Robin Austin Memorial Center. This facility, named in honor of Robin Carver Austin—a beloved singer, pianist, teacher, and faithful servant of Christ—was dedicated and opened for use the following year.
New Building
The dawn of a new millennium brought significant changes to Bethel. On December 31, 2000, Pastor Carver stepped down after nearly 18 years of faithful service to the church family. In April 2001, Darrin Waldroup became the new pastor, joined by his wife Jeanna and their children, Shelby and Luke.
Under Pastor Darrin’s leadership, the church voted in 2005 to expand its sanctuary. To help fund the $2.4 million project, Bethel secured a $1.9 million loan. During the renovation period, services were temporarily held in the Austin Center.
The new sanctuary more than doubled the seating capacity—from 220 to 550—and featured a redesigned layout, turning the sanctuary clockwise and adding a spacious vestibule and a baptistery. On April 1, 2007, the new sanctuary was joyfully dedicated to the Lord.
Under Pastor Darrin’s leadership, the church voted in 2005 to expand its sanctuary. To help fund the $2.4 million project, Bethel secured a $1.9 million loan. During the renovation period, services were temporarily held in the Austin Center.
The new sanctuary more than doubled the seating capacity—from 220 to 550—and featured a redesigned layout, turning the sanctuary clockwise and adding a spacious vestibule and a baptistery. On April 1, 2007, the new sanctuary was joyfully dedicated to the Lord.
Bethel Christian Academy
As growth continued through the years, a new chapter began in 2011 when the church launched Bethel Christian Academy with an initial enrollment of just 19 students. Since then, the academy has experienced remarkable growth and now serves over 150 students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is located in the Austin Center and has become a vital part of Bethel’s ministry.
In 2014, Bethel Christian Athletics was established, beginning with high school girls’ and boys’ basketball teams. Since then, the athletic program has expanded to include baseball, golf, softball, and volleyball. Over the years, Bethel’s teams have achieved great success, earning numerous state championships.
In 2014, Bethel Christian Athletics was established, beginning with high school girls’ and boys’ basketball teams. Since then, the athletic program has expanded to include baseball, golf, softball, and volleyball. Over the years, Bethel’s teams have achieved great success, earning numerous state championships.
Debt Retirement
On Sunday, November 24, 2024, Bethel joyfully celebrated the burning of the loan note.
By the grace of God and the generosity of His people, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church successfully paid off the $1.9 million debt—a remarkable achievement for which we give all praise to the Lord!
This milestone stands as a powerful testimony to God's faithfulness and the unwavering commitment of His people. We are deeply grateful for every prayer, every gift, and every heart that believed with us throughout this journey.
As we enter this new chapter, our hearts are filled with anticipation for what God will do next through Bethel to bless our community and reach beyond. To God be the glory!
By the grace of God and the generosity of His people, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church successfully paid off the $1.9 million debt—a remarkable achievement for which we give all praise to the Lord!
This milestone stands as a powerful testimony to God's faithfulness and the unwavering commitment of His people. We are deeply grateful for every prayer, every gift, and every heart that believed with us throughout this journey.
As we enter this new chapter, our hearts are filled with anticipation for what God will do next through Bethel to bless our community and reach beyond. To God be the glory!