The Good News
We believe that in the beginning, the LORD God created the heavens and the earth and made man in His image to reflect His glory and nature. As the just and righteous Creator, God exercises sovereign rights over His creatures, having designed man for the express purpose of His worship. Put simply, man was made to worship God and this worship is God's rightful due as Creator.
Man, therefore, is accountable to God and must uphold the perfect standard for which he was created, namely, to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. But our father, Adam, rebelled—falling short of the glory of God—and we have inherited his rebellion. When Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, the curse of sin and death entered into creation through their rebellion. Now, we are all born as sinners in our very nature, meaning sin corrupts all we do and has mastery over us. As sinners, we are condemned to death and hell, for God will not deny Himself the justice due His name and must punish any violation of His personal rights.
But God, being gracious and merciful, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our sins, saved us from condemnation in Jesus Christ. For God has demonstrated His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. So, in order to reconcile a sinful people to a holy God, the Father sends His Son, Jesus Christ, God in flesh, to bear His wrath for our sins through His propitiatory death on the cross. Jesus became sin, though He knew no sin, bearing our rebellion in His body on the cross, so that through Him, we might be made right with God. As He died, the penalty for our sin was paid. And when He rose three days later, He proclaimed power over sin and death, reversing the curse that entered into creation.
Now to anyone who receives Jesus, who believes in His name, He grants them the right to become children of God. Everyone who turns from their sin and trusts in Jesus alone to make them right with God will be reconciled to God forever. This is the good news: that a holy God reconciles sinful men to Himself by the substitutionary death of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
Our Mission
Our mission is to glorify God by exalting His name, equipping His people, and evangelizing His world.
GLORIFY GOD:
We desire to reflect God's very nature, as individuals and as a church, in all we do and say.
Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 86:9, 12; Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 10:31
EXALT GOD'S NAME:
We desire to encounter God and worship Him for who He is and what He does.
Deuteronomy 6:5; Psalm 29:2, 150:6; Isaiah 25:1; John 4:23-24
EQUIP GOD'S PEOPLE:
We desire to teach others more about Jesus, helping them to understand His teachings and how to live by them in day-to-day life.
Ephesians 4:11-13; Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:2, 3:15-17; Hebrews 3:12-13, 10:24-25
EVANGELIZE GOD'S WORLD:
We desire to bring others into a meaningful relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 52:7; Matthew 28:19-20; John 14:6; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:14-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20
Our Beliefs
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
THE WORD OF GOD
We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Mark 13:31; John 8:31-32, 20:31; Acts 20:32
THE TRINITY
We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons, that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence, and redemption.
Genesis 1:1, 26; John 1:1-3, 4:24; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; Romans 1:19-20; 2 Corinthians 3:14; Ephesians 4:4-6
GOD THE FATHER
We believe in God, the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of all people, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.
Matthew 23:9; Luke 10:21-22; John 3:16, 6:27; Romans 1:7; 1 Timothy 1:2, 2:5-6; Revelation 1:6
JESUS CHRIST
We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary, atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth.
Matthew 1:18-25, 20:28; Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1, 20:31; Acts 1:11; Romans 5:6-8, 6:9-10; 9:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 7:25, 9:28; 1 Peter 2:21-23
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher, and guide.
John 14:16-17, 26, 16:7-15; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19; Galatians 5:22-26
HUMANITY
We believe God created humankind immutably as male and female to reflect and bear His image. As such, human beings of every ethnicity, age, ability, as well as the pre-born deserve dignity, protection, honor, respect, and Christian love. Because of Adam and Eve's free choice to sin, God's image in all humankind has become distorted and relationship with God has become disrupted.
Genesis 1:26, 27; Psalm 139:13, 14; Romans 1:18-27, 5:12; Colossians 3:12-14; Titus 3:1-5; Revelation 7:9
REGENERATION
We believe that all people are sinners by nature and by choice and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit.
Genesis 1:26, 2:17, 3:19, 5:2; Ecclesiastes 2:11; John 1:12-13, 3:14, 18-19, 5:24, 30, 8:12; Romans 8:1, 10:8-13; 2 Corinthians 5:17
THE CHURCH
We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work, and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world.
Acts 1:8, 2:42; Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:19-22, 5:19-21; Hebrews 10:23-25
CHRISTIAN CONDUCT
We believe that Christians should live for the glory of God and the well-being of others; that their conduct should be blameless before the world; that they should be faithful stewards of their possessions; and that they should seek to realize for themselves and others the full stature of maturity in Christ.
John 14:15, 23-24; Romans 12:1-3; 1 Corinthians 4:2, 10:31; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9; Colossians 1:9-12; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 John 2:3-6
THE ORDINANCES
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 22:15-20; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE
We believe that Christian marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God for the well being and propagation of humankind. It is a covenant representing the spiritual and physical union into which one man and one woman may enter for the glory of God, symbolizing the relationship between of Christ to His church. As the sign of this covenant, sexual activity is reserved exclusively for the marriage relationship. According to the Scriptural ideal, marriage requires sacrificial love and faithfulness to each other for life.
Genesis 1:27-28, 2:24; Matthew 19:1-12; Ephesians 5:21-33; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other.
Acts 4:19-20; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:5
CHURCH COOPERATION
We believe that local churches can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one another in a denominational organization. Such an organization, whether it is the Conference or a district conference, exists and functions by the will of the churches. Cooperation in a conference is voluntary and may be terminated at any time. Churches may likewise cooperate with interdenominational fellowships on a voluntary independent basis.
Acts 15:36, 41; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; Revelation 1:4, 10-11
THE LAST THINGS
We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of the righteous, and the endless suffering of the wicked.
Matthew 16:27, 24:30-31; Mark 14:62; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 4:5, 15; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; Revelation 20
We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Mark 13:31; John 8:31-32, 20:31; Acts 20:32
THE TRINITY
We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons, that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence, and redemption.
Genesis 1:1, 26; John 1:1-3, 4:24; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; Romans 1:19-20; 2 Corinthians 3:14; Ephesians 4:4-6
GOD THE FATHER
We believe in God, the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of all people, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.
Matthew 23:9; Luke 10:21-22; John 3:16, 6:27; Romans 1:7; 1 Timothy 1:2, 2:5-6; Revelation 1:6
JESUS CHRIST
We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary, atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth.
Matthew 1:18-25, 20:28; Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1, 20:31; Acts 1:11; Romans 5:6-8, 6:9-10; 9:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 7:25, 9:28; 1 Peter 2:21-23
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher, and guide.
John 14:16-17, 26, 16:7-15; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19; Galatians 5:22-26
HUMANITY
We believe God created humankind immutably as male and female to reflect and bear His image. As such, human beings of every ethnicity, age, ability, as well as the pre-born deserve dignity, protection, honor, respect, and Christian love. Because of Adam and Eve's free choice to sin, God's image in all humankind has become distorted and relationship with God has become disrupted.
Genesis 1:26, 27; Psalm 139:13, 14; Romans 1:18-27, 5:12; Colossians 3:12-14; Titus 3:1-5; Revelation 7:9
REGENERATION
We believe that all people are sinners by nature and by choice and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit.
Genesis 1:26, 2:17, 3:19, 5:2; Ecclesiastes 2:11; John 1:12-13, 3:14, 18-19, 5:24, 30, 8:12; Romans 8:1, 10:8-13; 2 Corinthians 5:17
THE CHURCH
We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work, and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world.
Acts 1:8, 2:42; Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:19-22, 5:19-21; Hebrews 10:23-25
CHRISTIAN CONDUCT
We believe that Christians should live for the glory of God and the well-being of others; that their conduct should be blameless before the world; that they should be faithful stewards of their possessions; and that they should seek to realize for themselves and others the full stature of maturity in Christ.
John 14:15, 23-24; Romans 12:1-3; 1 Corinthians 4:2, 10:31; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9; Colossians 1:9-12; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 John 2:3-6
THE ORDINANCES
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 22:15-20; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE
We believe that Christian marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God for the well being and propagation of humankind. It is a covenant representing the spiritual and physical union into which one man and one woman may enter for the glory of God, symbolizing the relationship between of Christ to His church. As the sign of this covenant, sexual activity is reserved exclusively for the marriage relationship. According to the Scriptural ideal, marriage requires sacrificial love and faithfulness to each other for life.
Genesis 1:27-28, 2:24; Matthew 19:1-12; Ephesians 5:21-33; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other.
Acts 4:19-20; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:5
CHURCH COOPERATION
We believe that local churches can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one another in a denominational organization. Such an organization, whether it is the Conference or a district conference, exists and functions by the will of the churches. Cooperation in a conference is voluntary and may be terminated at any time. Churches may likewise cooperate with interdenominational fellowships on a voluntary independent basis.
Acts 15:36, 41; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; Revelation 1:4, 10-11
THE LAST THINGS
We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of the righteous, and the endless suffering of the wicked.
Matthew 16:27, 24:30-31; Mark 14:62; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 4:5, 15; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; Revelation 20
Our Staff
Josh Robertson
Senior Pastor
It is my joy and privilege to be here at Bethel Baptist Church! My aim is to proclaim Christ in order to make disciples who make disciples who Exalt God's Name, Equip God's People, and Evangelize God's World.
God has blessed me with an incredible family! I get to do life with my beautiful wife Heidi, and our six kids: Ethan, Abbie, Anaya, Ty, Ruthie, and Malachi! I love spending time with my family, reading, running, watching sports, and hanging out at coffee shops.
It is my joy and privilege to be here at Bethel Baptist Church! My aim is to proclaim Christ in order to make disciples who make disciples who Exalt God's Name, Equip God's People, and Evangelize God's World.
God has blessed me with an incredible family! I get to do life with my beautiful wife Heidi, and our six kids: Ethan, Abbie, Anaya, Ty, Ruthie, and Malachi! I love spending time with my family, reading, running, watching sports, and hanging out at coffee shops.
Tyler Hanson
Associate Pastor, Family Ministries
My wife, Kayla, and I are passionate about Biblical literacy and investing in children and youth. We have a vision for supporting families, disciple-making, and helping others follow Jesus in their day-to-day lives, for His name's sake and our greatest joy.
My wife, Kayla, and I are passionate about Biblical literacy and investing in children and youth. We have a vision for supporting families, disciple-making, and helping others follow Jesus in their day-to-day lives, for His name's sake and our greatest joy.
Kayla and I have two daughters, Ellia and Sophia, both of whom we adore! When I am not working, or spending intentional time with my family, I am pouring over books, trying to write something worth reading, or playing the piano.
Nate Hill
Pastoral Resident
It is a blessing for my family and for me to be here in Brookings and at Bethel Baptist Church! I am thankful to be able to learn and grow in shepherding Christ's body, and I love being able to serve Bethel while doing so.
It is a blessing for my family and for me to be here in Brookings and at Bethel Baptist Church! I am thankful to be able to learn and grow in shepherding Christ's body, and I love being able to serve Bethel while doing so.
My wife, Kaylee, and I have two boys -- Elliot and Isaiah -- and they keep us busy! When we're not spending time together as a family, which is often outside, I enjoy doing just about anything if it's with people -- outdoors or indoors. Some of my most favorite time, however, is spending time with people studying Scripture, praying, and talking about life over some absurdly strong coffee.
Nikki Mann
Ministry Assistant
As the ministry assistant at Bethel Baptist Church, I offer support to the those who make our church body function. I love to participate in and witness the workings of God through His Church and His growing us in the process.
As the ministry assistant at Bethel Baptist Church, I offer support to the those who make our church body function. I love to participate in and witness the workings of God through His Church and His growing us in the process.
Together with Christ I have learned (and am still learning!) much about living life abundantly and about loving others unconditionally.
I love spending time with my family and with little ones, sharing in life with friends, staring at the sky, and beholding the beauty in the details of life that I've often overlooked—God's creativity amazes me!
Bethel Baptist Church in Brookings, SD is affiliated with Converge Heartland District.