Discover Bethel
Get to know who we are, when we meet, where we stand, and what matters the most to us.
Bethel Baptist Church is an Independent Baptist Church located in Richmond Hill, Georgia. It is our conviction that God's Word provides the only solid foundation on which to build our lives. We believe God has a purpose and plan for every life.
Many families and individuals have discovered the joy of being a part of a compassionate Bible-believing church like Bethel. Our prayer is for people to come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and then become involved in a church that honors Him.
We invite you to come discover God's plan and purpose for you life at Bethel.
Plan Your Visit
Our History
View TimelineBethel Baptist Church was born in the heart of a people who felt the need of a Bible-believing Baptist Church. This group of people started meeting in January 1976 under the leadership of Rev. J. Carswell Milligan. The group continued to meet for a period of 18 months even though no organizational service was held.
In March of 1977, Rev. Milligan resigned as "pastor" of this group of believers. In June 1977, Bible Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia, Dr. Cecil Hodges, pastor, agreed to become the sponsoring church of this group of believers. In June 1977, an organizational meeting was held in Richmond Hill with Dr. Hodges serving as moderator. During this meeting the church called William N. Sheppard of Savannah, Georgia as pastor. The church voted to adopt its constitution and by-laws as a New Testament Baptist Church. The church was organized with approximately 35 people. Bro. Sheppard would continue as pastor of the church until July 1981. During this time the church grew to an average of 75 and started supporting Independent Baptist Missionaries.
The church in Oct. 1981 voted to call Carlton Cooper from Augusta, Georgia as pastor. Pastor Cooper and his family assumed the pastorate on Nov. 1, 1981. Pastor Cooper and his wife, Lynette, have three children and eight grandchildren. He pastored Bethel Baptist Church faithfully for thirty-three and a half years. During this time, the Lord greatly blessed and prospered his ministry to the community of Richmond Hill, Georgia; the church grew and matured greatly under his leadership. Pastor Carlton Cooper went home to be with the Lord on July 29th, 2015.
In November of 2015, Bethel extended a call to Brian Cooper (son of the late Carlton Cooper) to become the next pastor. Pastor Brian followed the Lord's call to become the Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church and arrived on January 27th, 2016. Pastor Brian is married to Eja and has four children.
Bethel Baptist Church has grown and God has blessed over the years. Prior to Covid, the church averaged 275 to 300 on Sunday mornings. It also supports and partners with 100 different missions projects. Over the years, the church has given in excess of 2 million dollars to worldwide missions through Faith Promise Missions giving. Bethel has had the pleasure to send out many of its members into full-time Christian ministry, such as church planters, pastors, and missionaries. The church is busy serving God through a number of outreach ministries doing it's best at fulfilling the Great Commission.
After many years of ministry, Bethel Baptist Church continues to be a Bible-believing Baptist Church. By God's grace, it will continue to be a light in our area and around the world.
Service Times
Our Morning Service, Evening Service, and Wednesday Service all are separate services. None of them are repeated services. You can watch our Sunday morning and Wednesday evening services live on YouTube, Facebook, and on our live stream page.
All of our services have a nursery available for children ages infant - 3 years.
SUNDAY
- Growth Groups & Classes 9:30 AM
- Morning Worship Service 10:30 AM
- Junior Church Service 10:30 AM
- Evening Worship Service 5:00 PM
WEDNESDAY
- Kidzpointe/Awanas 6:45 PM
- Strive Student Meeting 6:45 PM
- Bible Study & Prayer Meeting 7:00 PM
Growth Group Leaders
These are classes that meet at 8:45 on Wednesdays
Endeavors Singles Class
Tim & Taryn Spears
The Endeavors Singles Class is designed to encourage and strengthen single adults through biblical teaching, meaningful fellowship, and practical application of God's Word. Together, we strive to grow in faith and serve Christ with purpose.
CrossPointe Couples Class
Mitch & Kim Shores
The CrossPointe Couples Class equips married couples to build Christ-centered homes through biblical teaching, encouraging discussion, and genuine fellowship. Our desire is to help couples grow together in their walk with the Lord and with one another.
Foundations Class
Nick & Nayla Shwayri
The Foundations Class provides a solid understanding of essential biblical truths for those who are new to the faith or seeking to deepen their knowledge of God's Word. It is a welcoming place to ask questions and build a strong spiritual foundation.
Heritage Class
Tom & Chrisie Hill
The Heritage Class is focused on helping believers continue growing in their faith through sound biblical teaching, prayer, and encouraging fellowship. Together, we seek to honor Christ by living out His Word in our daily lives.
Our Vision
To Inspire people to live a life that pleases Jesus Christ.
To Include people in a loving church family.
To Instruct people in the Word of God.
To Involve people in the work of the ministry.
To Impact our city and the world with the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
Our Beliefs
Authority of Statement of Faith
The statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing statement of faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible, and therefore, is binding upon all members. All literature used in the church shall be in complete agreement with the statement of faith.