Discover Bethel

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. We invite you to come discover God's plan and purpose for your life at Bethel!

Many families have discovered the joy of being a part of a friendly Bible-believing church that works diligently at meeting the needs of people from all walks of life. Our prayer is that people come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and then become involved in a church that honors Him.

From our beautiful nursery facilities to our Senior Saints ministry, we extend to you an invitation to find out what Bethel Baptist Church is all about! Come and see"The church that cares about you"

Our History

Bethel 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.

1976

Bethel Baptist Church begins with a few families in Richmond Hill, GA under Rev. J. Carswell Miligan.

1977

In March 1977, Rev. Milligan resigned from the pastorate, and in June Bethel Baptist Church is officially organized with approximately 35 people. Bro. William N. Sheppard becomes the Pastor.

1981

In July, 1981 Pastor Sheppard resigns. In October Carlton Cooper accepts the call to be the Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church. Over the next 30 year, Bethel experiences significant growth.

2015

In late July of 2015, Pastor Carlton Cooper goes home to be with the Lord. In November, Bethel Baptist Church extends the call to Brian Cooper to become the Pastor.

2016

In January 2016, Brian Cooper became the Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church Church.

Join Us

Service Times

Sunday School & Growth Groups 9:30am

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30am

Sunday Evening Worship 5pm

Wednesday Evening Prayer Meeting 7pm

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