We Are Bethel
Bethel AME Church, Wilmington, DE, has worshipped in and served the Historic Eastside of Wilmington since 1846. God has blessed the work of our hands for 176 years, and we strive to live out our motto, “The Church that Cares!” We are disciples of Jesus Christ, seeking to share and live out the Gospel in our community, state, country, and the world. Rev. Dr. Stanley Hearst II serves as the 48th pastor in Bethel’s history. He was appointed by Bishop Julius H. McAllister in November of 2021, following the election of Bethel’s 47th pastor, Bishop (then Rev. Dr.) Silvester Scott Beaman, at the General Conference in Orlando, FL. Bethel is truly a local church making a global impact, and you can learn more about our ministries, worship schedule, discipleship training, and outreach at www.BethelWilmington.org.
Bethel’s Mission: We are called to I.M.P.A.C.T. Wilmington & beyond through the liberating Gospel of Jesus Christ. IMPACT stands for I- Influencing Culture, M- Making Disciples, P- Praying with Purpose, A- Advocating for the Oppressed, C- Community Outreach & Engagement, T- Transformational Worship Experiences.
Bethel’s Vision: We strive to be a community of faith that aids individuals and families in being CONVERTED by Christ, CONNECTED through Christ, COMMITTED to Christ & COMMISSIONED for Christ.
Bethel’s Core Values: PASSIONATE WORSHIP (John 4:23), KINGDOM CITIZENSHIP (Phil. 3:20-21), TRANSFORMATIVE DISCIPLESHIP (Matthew 28:19), FAITHFUL STEWARDSHIP (2 Cor. 9:6-7), SERVANT LEADERSHIP (Luke 22:26), COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP (Jer. 29:7), JOYOUS FELLOWSHIP (Acts 2:42)