About Bethel Tabernacle

God knows us better than anyone yet loves us better than anyone. With this truth in mind our vision is to: Love God, Love People, Make Disciples. Jesus said by this all people will know we are His followers, by our love one to another.

Our Mission

Out of His great love for us God has given each of us a special purpose - everyone is indispensable in God's eyes. Our mission (the way we fulfill our vision) is to help God's children discover their unique gifts and callings so that they can be a light at home, in the Body (church), at work, and in the community. The purpose of those in ministry is to equip all believers for service so that the whole Body receives the truth of God's Word and builds itself up in love:

“11) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12) to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13) until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14) Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15) Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16) From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (NIV)

— Ephesians 4:11-16

What to Expect at Bethel

Bethel is an inter-denominational, Bible-based, Spirit-filled community of believers united with each other, other believers in this city, and the whole Body of Christ, to fulfill the Great Commission. God is the focus of our meetings. We believe in encountering His presence through fellowship, praise and worship, communion and water baptism, the teaching of God's Word, prayer, and the orderly operation of the Gifts of His Spirit. Our worship is mainly contemporary with a blend of some traditional, time-tested songs. We have programs for kids and a very active youth group, but we also make time for all family members to worship together. In all our meetings both formal and casual attire are acceptable. While requirements for leadership and membership are based on God's Word, all people (regardless of their past, or current beliefs) are welcome to attend our assembly.

Richard Phillips has served as the lead Pastor at Bethel Tabernacle since March 1st, 2008. Prior to that he served as a Dean and Professor of Biblical Studies at Marilyn Hickey's Word to the World College in Denver, Colorado, where he supervised pastoral interns and had the privilege of training ministers from over 30 countries. In the early 90's Jesus dramatically delivered Richard from years of drug and alcohol abuse. His time spent in the Word, and listening to teachers such as Kenneth Hagin and Kenneth Copeland, led to such a complete divine healing that he soon answered the call to ministry. He attended Christ for the Nations in 1992. There he met his beautiful wife, Michelle, completed his degree, and went on a life-changing missions/study trip to Israel. In 1994 he returned to Oral Robert's University and completed an Undergraduate Theology degree with a minor in psychology, and a Masters degree in Biblical Studies (with a proficiency in Biblical Greek and Hebrew). At ORU he was awarded a teaching assistant scholarship and studied in-depth the Hebraic roots of the Christian faith. Richard has lived, preached, taught, written, and ministered God's powerful gospel for over 20 years. He and Michelle have four children.