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About Bethany

Over a century of faithfulness — glorifying God and transforming lives in the Pioneer Valley and around the world.

Mission & Vision

Mission Statement

Bethany exists to glorify God by advancing the good news about Jesus so that lives are transformed as they are filled with the Spirit, marked by baptism, connected in community, and mature in worship.

God's Glory · Good News · Transformed Lives

Vision Statement

Renewing Bethany's foundation for an overflow of God's presence in the Pioneer Valley and around the world.

Renew Hunger

Igniting a deep desire for God's presence and His Word in every heart.

Renew Hope

Restoring confidence in God's promises and His plan for our lives.

Renew Heart

Transforming hearts through genuine encounters with the Holy Spirit.

Renew Hospitality

Creating a welcoming community where everyone feels they belong.

Meet Our Pastors

Our pastoral team is dedicated to shepherding the Bethany community with love, wisdom, and a passion for God's Word.

Rev. Stephen Thee

Rev. Stephen Thee

Lead Pastor

sthee@bethany-ag.org
Aaron Norrick

Aaron Norrick

Executive Pastor

anorrick@bethany-ag.org
Rev. Camellia Grace George

Worship & Media Pastor

Rev. Liz Hernandez

Rev. Liz Hernandez

Children's Pastor

lhernandez@bethany-ag.org
Dr. Adam Rondeau

Dr. Adam Rondeau

Connections Pastor

arondeau@bethany-ag.org
Rev. Jonny McIntosh

Rev. Jonny McIntosh

Youth & Evangelism Pastor

jmcintosh@bethany-ag.org
Rev. Chuck Schivley

Rev. Chuck Schivley

Prayer Pastor

cschivley@bethany-ag.org
Rev. Ken Milton

Rev. Ken Milton

Shut-In Pastor

Rev. Gregg Kretschmer

Rev. Gregg Kretschmer

Men's Pastor

What We Believe

The 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God

01

The Scriptures Inspired

The Scriptures are Inspired by God and declare His design and plan for mankind.

02

The One True God

There is only One True God–revealed in three persons… Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

03

Deity of Christ

As God's son Jesus was both human and divine.

04

The Fall of Man

Though originally good, Man Willingly Fell to Sin–ushering evil and death into the world.

05

Salvation

Every Person Can Have Restored Fellowship with God Through Salvation.

06

Ordinances

We practice Water Baptism by Immersion and Holy Communion as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice.

07

Baptism in the Holy Spirit

A Special Experience Following Salvation that empowers believers for witnessing and effective service.

08

Evidence of the Spirit

The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is 'Speaking in Tongues.'

09

Sanctification

A progressive lifelong process of drawing closer to God and becoming more Christlike.

10

The Church's Mission

The Church has a Mission to seek and save all who are lost in sin.

11

Ministry

A Divinely Called and Scripturally Ordained Leadership Ministry Serves the Church.

12

Divine Healing

Divine Healing of the Sick is a Privilege for Christians Today.

13

The Blessed Hope

When Jesus Raptures His Church Prior to His Return to Earth.

14

Millennial Reign

The Millennial Reign of Christ when Jesus returns and begins His benevolent rule for 1,000 years.

15

Final Judgment

A Final Judgment Will Take Place for those who have rejected Christ.

16

New Heavens & Earth

We look forward to the new heavens and the new earth for the eternal dwelling of the redeemed.

History of Bethany

Over 120 years of faithfulness — from a small chapel in Springfield to a thriving community in Agawam.

1904

Mabel Weaver built Peace Chapel at the corner of Springfield and Armory Streets in Springfield. Rev. A. B. Simpson, founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, dedicated it to the Lord's work.

Mabel Weaver, circa 1904
1919

Bethany Fellowship Chapel became affiliated with the New England District of the Assemblies of God.

Old church, circa 1919
1924

The church became incorporated under the name of Bethany Pentecostal Church. In 1954 the name changed to Bethany Assembly of God.

Old church, circa 1924
1976

The congregation voted to purchase fifty-one acres. Ground was broken November 8, 1980, and the first service was held Easter Sunday, April 3, 1983.

1997

A second building project began focusing on youth and children. Ground was broken March 16, 1997 and dedicated Easter Sunday, April 12, 1998.

Bethany Assembly of God today

2025

Bethany Assembly of God completed a major renovation of its sanctuary and lobby, modernizing 20,000 square feet of space to serve a growing congregation. This new season of growth included a full sanctuary renovation, upgraded technology, and a new café and lounge area.

Bethany sanctuary and lobby renovation

Pastoral Lineage

Rev. H.T. Carpenter (1922–1939) Rev. Wm. Belbin (1939–1943) Rev. V. Fredrickson (1943–1944) Rev. F.D. Eide (1944–1949) Rev. A.D. Skymer (1949–1953) Rev. D.W. Flower (1953–1965) Rev. E.B. Berkey (1965–1990) Rev. G.D. Cope (1990–2000) Dr. H. S. Ryan (2000–2004) Rev. Richard E. Adams (2004–2019) Rev. Stephen Thee (2019–Present)
Bethany Church Illustration