Forest City sits in one of the few spots in the country where the hills hold the frost off just a little longer — folks here have always called it the Isothermal Belt. New Bethel has been part of that ground since 1975: an independent congregation with no denomination steering the ship, just neighbors deciding together how to love God and look after each other.
We’re small enough that visitors get noticed — in the good way. Come in jeans or your Sunday best. Either way, someone will save you a seat.
New Bethel was established as an independent 501(c)(3), free to answer to our members and to Scripture rather than to a denominational office.
Congregational singing, hymns old and new, and preaching straight from Scripture.
No audition — just a willingness to show up and sing.
Weekly youth group and a children’s church that runs alongside morning worship (coming soon).
Local food-pantry support and short-term mission trips, planned a year at a time.
An open, unhurried hour of prayer every Thursday before Bible study.
Homecoming dinners, monthly potlucks, and a table that’s always got room for one more.
Christ Centered — real people leading others to a real Savior.
Committed — discipleship taken seriously, faith put into action.
Credible — built on prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Courageous — living a faith that draws others to Jesus.
Compassionate — loving each other through prayer and support.
Competent — every spiritual gift discovered and put to use.
Constructive — generous and outward-focused, meeting real needs.
Contagious — expecting to encounter God every time we gather.
That we may be an effective and relevant ministry for our time.