Bethel Church (Redding)

Bethel Church is a controversial American non-denominational neo-charismatic megachurch in Redding, California, with over 11,000 members. The church was established in 1952, and is currently led by Bill Johnson. Bethel has its own music labels, Bethel Music and Jesus Culture ministries, which have gained popularity for contemporary worship music. The church runs the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry with over 2,000 students annually.

Bethel Church was founded in 1952 and became affiliated with the Assemblies of God in 1954. Under Pastor Raymond Larson in the 1980s, the church grew rapidly, prompting a move to a larger facility. In 1996, Bill Johnson became senior pastor, emphasizing revival and supernatural experiences. Although his vision initially led to a loss of members, the church later grew significantly, ultimately becoming a non-denominational church in 2006. Bethel now has thousands of weekly attendees and has been involved in high-profile events, such as global prayer campaigns and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. It faced controversy over leaders mocking masks while claiming remote Zoom sessions produced miraculous recoveries.

Bethel emphasizes supernatural practices, including faith healing, prophecy, and raising the dead, with church services frequently including behaviors and experiences interpreted by participants as manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Some practices, such as “grave soaking” and attempts to raise the dead, have drawn controversy and criticism from religious scholars and local communities. Despite these controversies, the church has had a significant cultural and economic influence in Redding, funding city projects, schools, and police programs.

Politically, Bethel leaders have publicly supported conservative causes, including Donald Trump and opposition to restrictions on conversion therapy, through sermons, social media, and advocacy. Former worship leader Sean Feucht ran for United States Congress on a socially conservative platform. Bethel and its leaders have received extensive media coverage, both praising their influence and criticizing their unconventional beliefs and practices, particularly regarding supernatural claims and their intersection with politics. Provided by Wikipedia