Bethel Baptist Fellowship, Brooklyn, NY

ABOUT BETHEL BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP

Born of a desire to take the Gospel to the Jew especially and the Gentile equally (Romans 1:16), the Lord led the Bickels to start a church in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. At Bethel Baptist Fellowship Pastor Jim Bickel is an experienced pastor that preaches and teaches the Bible in its historical and cultural context. The Bickels moved to Sheepshead Bay in August 1996. Having located and renovated a storefront at 2307 Voorhies Avenue, Bethel Baptist Fellowship conducted its first service on Sunday, April 13,1997.

In its first year, Bethel Baptist Fellowship launched educational and outreach programs: Bethel Bible Institute, missionary sponsorship, and radio ministry. The Bethel Bible Institute trains believers to know and serve the Lord Jesus better, "teaching a Jewish book in its Jewish context." Bethel currently provides support to five USA-based missionaries/ministries and a half-dozen missionaries in serving in foreign countries. BBF's Tape Ministry offers cassette recordings of special messages, weekly sermons, and informative biblical topic specific series tapes.

Steadily moving forward in the Lord's purpose, BBF continued making headway in the community, leading folks to Jesus and developing His disciples. In the summer of 1998, BBF began training pastoral interns and hosting the Shalom Ministries Summer Intern Program. That year, the church's first baptism, of 15 believers, was held on a nearby beach. BBF introduced outreach ministries including NET (Neighborhood Evangelism Time), SWAT (Soul-Winning and Tract), Haym Salomon Home for the Aged, Prison Ministry and Neighborhood Bible Time.

In 1999 and again in 2001, the growing church expanded into additional storefronts. The original site became the Youth Annex where Sunday school and nursery services are provided. In the fall of 2001, we opened and additional storefront location and enlarged the auditorium to meet the needs of the growing congregation. Currently BBF is working on yet another expansion project in 2004 that will consist of two more additional store front locations and the resizing of the main auditorium to accommodate our rapidly growing church. BBF offers opportunities throughout each week for worship, prayer, education and fellowship, plus youth programs.

BBF's leadership is ardently committed to God's desire that all be saved and none perish (2 Peter 3:9). BBF's people share a love for God and for each other. Visitors find a warm and friendly atmosphere, encouragement and solid Biblical guidance. All are invited to come and see the difference a church that really cares can make.