How it all started...
In September 1997, while in Bosnia Herzegovina, a province of Eastern Europe, God placed on the heart of our leader to start a ministry that would focus on Christian education and individual spiritual development. Dr. Gatewood’s first task was to find a name and design a symbol that would accurately portray this vision.
The name Bethesda meaning “house of mercy” or “house of healing” was given. This name signified the healing of the spirit, soul and body. The word fellowship gives us our identification as a body of baptized believers who believe in being one in community with all people regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender.
The name Bethesda meaning “house of mercy” or “house of healing” was given. This name signified the healing of the spirit, soul and body. The word fellowship gives us our identification as a body of baptized believers who believe in being one in community with all people regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender.
Expanding the vision...
The doors of were opened in December 1997. The Bethesda family held their first worship service in the living room of the Gatewood home in Copperas Cove, TX. Because of rapid growth, in February of 1999, God led us to our second location at 330 Cove Terrace. We held our initial entrance service on March 7, 1999, and in April of 2000, Bethesda took on a new facelift and the true identity of our church would come to light when our name was changed to Bethesda Fellowship Ministries.
Where we are headed...
On 27 April 2000, a contract was signed to purchase 6.39 acres of land, which began phase 1 of our pastor’s Vision 2010 plan, establishing Bethesda as a spiritual force in our community. In August of 2005, the Bethesda Bible Institute (now Bethesda Theological Institute and Seminary), a fully accredited bible college in Central Texas was established. The goal of this institution is to educate men and women in both basic and professional level bible knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for Christian service.
In January of 2019, Vision 2025 was cast with the theme of “Developing a Holistic Discipleship Ministry”. The theme is based on the principle of “RENOVARE” with revival, renewal, and reformation as it’s foundation. In 2020, 9 additional acres of land was purchased with the goal of establishing a campus that includes a new Sanctuary, Family Life Building, and Picnic areas with space for seminary expansion and headquarters for both Bethesda and Concord Fellowship of Churches International for which Dr. Gatewood serves as Presiding Bishop.
In January of 2019, Vision 2025 was cast with the theme of “Developing a Holistic Discipleship Ministry”. The theme is based on the principle of “RENOVARE” with revival, renewal, and reformation as it’s foundation. In 2020, 9 additional acres of land was purchased with the goal of establishing a campus that includes a new Sanctuary, Family Life Building, and Picnic areas with space for seminary expansion and headquarters for both Bethesda and Concord Fellowship of Churches International for which Dr. Gatewood serves as Presiding Bishop.
