In June of 1975, about 25 members of a denominational congregation quietly left to form a new independent fellowship with a dynamic vision for outreach, missions, evangelism, Christian education, and ministry. It was their desire that each member truly reflect the person of Jesus Christ in their lives and that their fellowship would evidence the fruit, warmth, and power of the Holy Spirit.
The first service was held on a Sunday evening at Westminster Memorial Park Chapel and was attended by about 110 people. Following this service a core group met in a home where they chose the name Bethany Bible Fellowship and set into motion the church’s formal establishment and incorporation calling of Rev. Donald Shoff as pastor. Bethany was officially constituted in November of 1975, leasing the classroom and auditorium facilities of La Quinta High School in Westminster for Sunday School and Worship Services. Numerous midweek home Bible studies were formed for biblical instruction and fellowship.
Bethany slowly grew over the next four years while seeking property on which to permanently locate. In the summer of 1979 the Lord directed to the ten-acre Hayden Elementary School facility in the Westminster School District, which had closed due to declining enrollment. A lease was obtained and the church moved in August of that year. Now that facilities were available throughout the week, ministry expanded and Bethany Christian Preschool and Academy were established.
In 1985 Pastor Shoff resigned to take a leadership role in the Africa Inland Mission. Bethany had two interim pastors until Chuck Leckie became its pastor in 1987. Soon after he arrived, the Westminster School District informed gave notice that they intended to re-open Hayden School, leading Bethany to again search for another home.
At a memorial service for a Bethany member, which was held at Faith Bible Church, church leadership was approached about the possibility of a merger of the two churches. Discovering that the members of Faith Bible had a desire for a Christian school on their campus, the possibility of joining with Bethany seemed to be a perfect fit.
The two congregations merged under Bethany’s name in 1992 and immediately began a building program to meet the needs of the schools.
With the retiring of Pastor Leckie in September 2017, Pastor Jared Burke was called as Bethany's next lead pastor and began serving on May 1st, 2018. Under Pastor Jared’s leadership, a major revision was made to the church constitution which included the establishment of a team of shepherding elders to replace the board of governing deacons. The church membership voted in 2023 to affiliate with the Evangelical Free Church of America.
For nearly fifty years, members of Bethany have seen first hand God’s steadfast love and kindness. By his grace Bethany will continue to represent him well and make him known until the day of his return.