Introduction

Bethel people come from a variety of church backgrounds and various theological perspectives.  Our Unity is based on our common commitment to Christ, the clear declarations of God’s Word and the core essentials of our faith (Please see our doctrinal statement).  There are secondary and debatable issues and about these we have various points of view and occasionally enjoy lively, gracious discussion and debate.  There are honest theological or lifestyle disagreements within Bethel Church. We do not require everyone to “dot their i’s and cross their t’s” the same, but we commit ourselves to one another in a common vision and mission to serve Jesus in Owatonna, Southern Minnesota and our world.  The following are thoroughly, biblical answers to common questions.  We mean these statements to clarify the most common position of Bethel’s leaders and they describe how we expect leaders will lead in Bethel Church.  We do not consider this list exhaustive, but a contemporary expression that will be revised as we see needs and are led by the Holy Spirit.

Section I. The Holy Spirit

Charismatic Expressions and Beliefs

We joyously affirm that God is a supernatural God and that He often works in ways people might find unusual. (Acts 19:11, Acts 8:13, Ephesians 3:20)

What is the significance of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

We affirm that every believer has been baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:13) And we also affirm that there is often an experience, subsequent to conversion, of being ‘filled’ with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) which God intends to empower and inspire a believer for life and ministry (Acts 1:8) and that every believer can live submitted to and empowered by the Spirit.

The Gifts of the Spirit

We affirm that all of the gifts of the Spirit mentioned in scripture are present in the church today and that the Holy Spirit determines who is enabled with what. Spiritual Gifts are God’s enablement for service and ministry (1 Corinthians 12:11). Spiritual Gifts are not to be seen or used as ‘criteria’ or ‘indicators’ of one's spirituality. They must also be used in appropriate contexts and within New Testament guidelines (1 Corinthians 12-14).

Are ' Tongues' the evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

While we affirm the value of speaking in tongues for those who have received this gift of the Spirit; we deny that it is a necessary ‘indicator’ that one has received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:18-22).

What about unusual manifestations such as being slain in the Spirit

We affirm that when the power of God comes into contact with human need, unusual manifestations of the Holy Spirit may occur. We deny however that these secondary manifestations should be sought or that they are a determinant or indicator of one’s closeness to God. We further affirm that public worship is to be orderly and respectful of non and new believers (1 Cor 14, especially verse 23).

Wholeness, Healing and Spiritual Liberty

We affirm that God desires to bless our entire beings with wholeness and that He longs to give healing (spiritual, emotional and physical) to broken, needy people (3 John 12, James 5:16) . God provides healing through either natural or supernatural means and some of our healing may wait until we step into heaven. God tells us to boldly ask Him to meet our needs and to believe that He will answer (Matthew 10:1). We do not believe that sickness or struggle are necessarily evidence of weak faith or sin in a person’s life.

We affirm that a believer’s spirit belongs to the Lord and can not be “possessed” by evil, but we also believe that a Christian’s life can be significantly influenced or dominated by demonic powers and may thus be in need of deliverance.

Section II. Issues of Leadership and Ministry

Gender and Leadership

We observe that biblical requirements for leadership have most to do with a person’s character, calling, gifts and obedience to the Holy Spirit rather than their gender. Bethel’s structure is currently open to both genders at all levels except that of Elder and Senior Pastor (in concern for knowing how to apply 1 Tim 3:2.) We do not find other potential restrictions in scripture. (see Acts 2:17)

Divorce and Leadership

While we uphold and pursue God’s desire for permanence and fidelity in marriage, we do not believe that divorce permanently disqualifies anyone from any area of ministry. (1 Timothy 3:2, “Husband of but one wife” was written to a culture where polygamy and infidelity were the norm). Someone going through divorce will need to temporarily step out of ministry to focus on family and recovery, but one can again establish credibility required for leadership in God’s family.

Section III. Issues involving Christian Lifestyle and Social Activism

The use of mood altering chemicals and alcohol

Scripture teaches and we believe that Christians must live in obedience to law and governmental authorities (Romans 13:1-2.). Because of this we believe Christians should avoid any illegal use of chemicals or drugs. We recognize that the moderate consumption of alcohol is a matter of individual conscience, but we also believe the scripture clearly prohibits drunkenness or the immoderate or addictive use of any substance. (Galatians 5:13, 1 Corinthians 8:10-13)

About Abortion

As a church we do not endorse political positions or politicians; but we affirm with scripture the preciousness and vulnerability of life in the womb (Psalm 139:13, Jeremiah 1:5). We believe that Christians should actively express this conviction in relation to their political freedoms. We also desire to assist and encourage women in carrying their pregnancy (even when unwanted) to term. We also commit ourselves to graciously assist in the healing process of women who may have chosen abortion.

About Homosexuality and Other Extramarital Sexual Expression

We believe God designed human sexuality to be expressed only within the loving bounds of a monogamous, heterosexual marriage relationship (Hebrews 13:4, John 8:11c) . We believe the Bible is clear that homosexual relationships are not a part of God's design for humanity nor a viable lifestyle for believers (1 Corinthians 6:9). Most persons struggle with sexual or romantic temptation and some are tempted toward same-gender relationships. Temptation is the common lot of every human and can be managed without sin (1 Corinthians 10:13). The sin of homosexuality (as with inappropriate heterosexuality) is acting upon or feeding lustful temptation regardless of it’s focus (James 1:13-14). We desire to provide a redemptive and healing community for those who struggle with temptation toward unrighteous relationships whether they be heterosexually or homosexually focused (1 Corinthians 6:10). We also believe God calls us to seek full healing and restoration for those who have violated godly boundaries in any relationship (Galatians 6:1).

Political Activism

We will not (as a church) endorse political positions or politicians; nor do we believe that political or governmental means are effective ways to advance the kingdom of God. We do believe that Christians should wisely represent their convictions whenever and wherever they may have opportunity and thus be active in politics/government and vote accordingly.