Our Story So Far
Bethel Church is a non-denominational, multi-cultural, Spirit-filled church and has been since its birth in 1979, when it was founded by Butch and Judy Farnum.
In June of 1979, Pastor Butch Farnum and his family returned from Pensacola, Florida where he had attended Liberty Bible College, and began meeting with seven families who had a vision for a new work in the Orangeburg area. Pastor Farnum believed, as a result of a vision, that if he would be obedient that the Lord would cause dry places to bloom. The first service was held on the third Sunday of September, 1979. The Lord was faithful to His Word and many people were being blessed.
As a result, the church purchased a two-story facility at 901 Ellis Avenue to be used as a worship and education building in 1981. Extensive remodeling and redecorating had to be done to make it more functional.
In 1985, the church was the recipient of a ten-acre parcel of land and construction of our present facility was begun. Our first meeting in the new facility was April 9, 1989.
Bethel Church continued to grow and the Farnums faithfully pastored the church for twenty-five years, until they transferred leadership in 2004 to Joey and Renée Bozard, a son and daughter of Bethel. The Farnums continue to be active members of the church and reside as elders on the church's leadership team. Just in case you're wondering, they certainly haven't stopped ministering. They're ministering more than ever in the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Department.
In June of 1979, Pastor Butch Farnum and his family returned from Pensacola, Florida where he had attended Liberty Bible College, and began meeting with seven families who had a vision for a new work in the Orangeburg area. Pastor Farnum believed, as a result of a vision, that if he would be obedient that the Lord would cause dry places to bloom. The first service was held on the third Sunday of September, 1979. The Lord was faithful to His Word and many people were being blessed.
As a result, the church purchased a two-story facility at 901 Ellis Avenue to be used as a worship and education building in 1981. Extensive remodeling and redecorating had to be done to make it more functional.
In 1985, the church was the recipient of a ten-acre parcel of land and construction of our present facility was begun. Our first meeting in the new facility was April 9, 1989.
Bethel Church continued to grow and the Farnums faithfully pastored the church for twenty-five years, until they transferred leadership in 2004 to Joey and Renée Bozard, a son and daughter of Bethel. The Farnums continue to be active members of the church and reside as elders on the church's leadership team. Just in case you're wondering, they certainly haven't stopped ministering. They're ministering more than ever in the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Department.
Accountability
We believe in accountability and the importance of being globally connected, and are partnered with DOVE Christian Fellowship International, based in Lititz, PA. DOVE exists to facilitate and nurture meaningful relationships among Christian leaders, equipping and enabling them to be more effective in their callings, for the purpose of building and multiplying strong local churches around the world. We purpose to reach our world from house to house, city to city and nation to nation. For more information on DOVE, click here.
Our Leadership Team
Joey and Renée Bozard - Senior Elders
Butch and Judy Farnum - Founding Elders
Robin Livingston – Deacon
Ginger Barron - Intercessor
Megan Page and Kenny Pace - CROSSLINK'D Youth Leaders
Carolyn Pace Anderson - Wednesday Night Prayer Leader
Life Group Leaders
And countless volunteers………
Butch and Judy Farnum - Founding Elders
Robin Livingston – Deacon
Ginger Barron - Intercessor
Megan Page and Kenny Pace - CROSSLINK'D Youth Leaders
Carolyn Pace Anderson - Wednesday Night Prayer Leader
Life Group Leaders
And countless volunteers………
