Plan A Visit
You belong at bethany church
No matter what season of life you are in, there is a place for you here! We invite you to come just as you are and discover community.
What to expect
We know that showing up anywhere for the first time can be intimidating, but we want you to feel at home from the moment you arrive! As a first-time guest, you will receive a gift bag just for you, and we will tailor your experience based on if you are coming with your family or on your own.
Come as you are! Feel free to wear whatever makes you comfortable. You’ll see suits, jeans & t-shirts, and everything in between.
Meet The Staff
Beliefs
Learn more about our theology. See how we view God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, the Bible, and the significant aspects of our faith.
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GodGod is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. What the Bible says about God: Genesis 1:1 Genesis 1:26-27
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The BibleThe Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. What the Bible says about the Bible: 2 Timothy 3:15-17
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Jesus ChristJesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to Earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. What the Bible says about Jesus Christ: John 1:1-5 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
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SinPeople are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. What the Bible says about Sin: Romans 3:23
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SalvationSalvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. What the Bible says about Salvation: Romans 6:23 Titus 3:5-7
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The Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make us aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. Baptism in the Holy Spirit was given at Pentecost, it is the promise of the Father, sent by Jesus after His Ascension, to empower the Church to preach the Gospel throughout the whole earth. What the Bible says about the Holy Spirit: Acts 1:8 Acts 2:1-4 Acts 19:1-6
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The GospelWe believe man was created good (in the image of God) but voluntarily rebelled against God and stands in need of salvation. The Gospel is the “good news” that God has provided salvation for all who place faith in Jesus Christ. Our response is to turn to God, repent and orient our lives toward God, turn away from sin, believe and trust in God’s promises in Christ and commit ourselves to Him as His disciples. What the Bible says about the Gospel: Romans 3:21-26
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The ChurchWe believe that the Church is the Body of Christ and Jesus Himself is the Head. The point of our individual lives is to point to Him – to bring Him glory. The point of our existence as a corporate entity is also to point to Him – to proclaim to the world, through our love of God and each other, that God is real, His Word is true and His love is life-changing. What the Bible says about the Church: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 Ephesians 1:22-23
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BaptismWe believe in baptism in water by immersion for every believer. Water baptism represents: an outward testimony of what has happened inwardly with the experience of salvation, our dying to our old way of life and commitment to live in the resurrection power of Christ, a public confession of Jesus’ Lordship in our lives, and an obedient response to Christ’s command. We believe every born again Christian should be baptized. What the Bible says about Baptism: Matthew 3:13-16 Matthew 28:19
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MarriageMarriage is a sacred union ordained by God, exclusively between one man and one woman. Sexual relations are exclusively for heterosexual marital relationships. What the Bible says about the Marriage: Genesis 2:24
For a more detailed explanation of our beliefs and how they are played out, see the Assemblies of God Fundamental Truths and Assemblies of God Positional Statements.
Mission
Our Purpose and Mission
LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE, MAKE DISCIPLES, REACH THE LOST
Great Commandment
Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Great Commission
Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
VALUES
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GodGod is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. What the Bible says about God: Genesis 1:1 Genesis 1:26-27
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The BibleThe Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. What the Bible says about the Bible: 2 Timothy 3:15-17
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Jesus ChristJesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to Earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. What the Bible says about Jesus Christ: John 1:1-5 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
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SinPeople are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. What the Bible says about Sin: Romans 3:23
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SalvationSalvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. What the Bible says about Salvation: Romans 6:23 Titus 3:5-7
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The Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make us aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. Baptism in the Holy Spirit was given at Pentecost, it is the promise of the Father, sent by Jesus after His Ascension, to empower the Church to preach the Gospel throughout the whole earth. What the Bible says about the Holy Spirit: Acts 1:8 Acts 2:1-4 Acts 19:1-6
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The GospelWe believe man was created good (in the image of God) but voluntarily rebelled against God and stands in need of salvation. The Gospel is the “good news” that God has provided salvation for all who place faith in Jesus Christ. Our response is to turn to God, repent and orient our lives toward God, turn away from sin, believe and trust in God’s promises in Christ and commit ourselves to Him as His disciples. What the Bible says about the Gospel: Romans 3:21-26
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The ChurchWe believe that the Church is the Body of Christ and Jesus Himself is the Head. The point of our individual lives is to point to Him – to bring Him glory. The point of our existence as a corporate entity is also to point to Him – to proclaim to the world, through our love of God and each other, that God is real, His Word is true and His love is life-changing. What the Bible says about the Church: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 Ephesians 1:22-23
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BaptismWe believe in baptism in water by immersion for every believer. Water baptism represents: an outward testimony of what has happened inwardly with the experience of salvation, our dying to our old way of life and commitment to live in the resurrection power of Christ, a public confession of Jesus’ Lordship in our lives, and an obedient response to Christ’s command. We believe every born again Christian should be baptized. What the Bible says about Baptism: Matthew 3:13-16 Matthew 28:19
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MarriageMarriage is a sacred union ordained by God, exclusively between one man and one woman. Sexual relations are exclusively for heterosexual marital relationships. What the Bible says about the Marriage: Genesis 2:24
History
Over 100 Years
1911
Bethany Pentecostal Church grew out of a house meeting that began in Paterson.
Pictured, Sunday School students stand on the steps of the church’s first building on Pearl Street in the early 1940s.
1944
Bethany Pentecostal Church moved to the corner of Broadway & Summer Street in Paterson.
The name was officially changed to Bethany Church of the Assemblies of God in 1946.
1971
Bethany Church moved to a newly-constructed building in Wyckoff.
Pictured, the groundbreaking for a building renovation & expansion project that was completed in 1991.
1996
The Holy Spirit moved at a Bethany Church youth meeting.
This outpouring sparked a regional revival movement that touched thousands of lives over the next several years.
2010
Bethany Church planted its first campus location.
Since then, the church has gone on to plant multiple campuses across Northern New Jersey, with the goal of being one dynamic church in multiple locations.
2012
Bethany planted the Wanaque and Parsippany campuses.
Seeing the success of the Washington Twp campus in the community, Bethany Church expanded its reach by planting two congregations in Passaic and Morris Counties. Continuing the vision of one dynamic church in multiple locations.
2015
Bethany planted its first Spanish Campus in Union.
What started as a in home Spanish Bible study quickly grew into our first Spanish campus meeting at a local church in Union.
2018
The Bethany Community Center opened in Washington Township.
With its opening, the church adopted a new paradigm of ministry for the region, creating more opportunities to reach the local community with the love of Christ.
2020
John James becomes the 9th Senior Pastor.
Pastor John and Susie continue the legacy set by his father Don James. Pastor John’s heart is to bring practical teaching that equips, leadership that empowers, and casts a vision that moves God’s Kingdom forward.
2023
Bethany has returned to where it all started, Paterson, NJ.
Launching two campuses, an English and Spanish congregation, that meet in the International High School. Bringing resources and hope back into the city.