Our History

Bethel had its beginning in November of 1971 when three or four families came together in a home and decided, through the direction of the Holy Spirit, that God wanted a strong, full gospel church in the Choctaw area. For three months meetings were held first in homes and later in the former First Baptist Church building. The church was organized with 19 charter members in February, 1972 when it was decided that God wanted Dick Temple to pastor Bethel Church of Choctaw.

By 1974 the church had increased to approximately 150 members so a new sanctuary was built at 2500 N. Choctaw Road to accommodate this growth. Over the years Bethel continued to grow as God blessed the ministry, and in 1982 a multi-purpose activities building was constructed at 3254 North Choctaw Road, which is the church’s current location. In August of 1993 it was decided to renovate the multi-purpose building, creating a more traditional sanctuary. Classrooms were added to accommodate the Sunday School ministry and at the completion of the project ten classrooms were added with all debts paid.

In January of 1999, the church purchased the closed Orbit factory across the road from the church’s present location. The 14,200 sq. ft. building, which is called West Campus, sits on 3.25 acres. Over a three-year period it was completely renovated inside and out and updated with a new paved parking lot .

West Campus is used extensively by all the ministries of the church but its primary use is for the Revolution Youth Ministries. West Campus has been a great asset to the church’s growth, however, within a very short time we found ourselves in need of even larger facilities. The Pastor and church board decided in 2004 that it was time to seek God about building a new worship center.

In the early part of 2009, construction began on our new 35,000 sq. ft. facility and on June 26, 2010 Bethel Church held its first worship service in the new sanctuary. This move was a major part of Bethel’s vision to be a light to the community of Choctaw and all of Eastern Oklahoma county. The new sanctuary includes a 1000 seat auditorium, ten classrooms, a cafe and church offices. It also features the latest in sound and video technology.