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 congregation grew and relocated to a larger facility. In 1996, Bill Johnson became senior pastor, emphasizing revival-oriented ministry; attendance reportedly declined initially, and later expanded significantly. In 2006, the church became non-denominational and has since drawn large weekly attendance. As of 2018, Bethel has thousands of weekly attendees and has been involved in high-profile events, such as global prayer campaigns.

Bethel identifies with charismatic practices such as 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. Bethel’s leaders have also drawn scrutiny for responses to COVID-19 public-health measures, including a 2020 mask-skeptic video by a senior leader and a county-linked outbreak associated with its ministry school. Local news coverage has credited the church with civic and economic impacts in Redding.

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