What is Mt. Bethel All About?
No doubt, there are many ways to answer that question. Some people ask that question wanting to know the physical features of Mt. Bethel.
- How many acres? 46.
- How many square feet? 235,000.
- How many employees? 172 full-time, 202 part-time.
- How many members? 8,600.
- What’s the budget? Operating budget is $10 million, debt from buildings is $11 million.
- How is the budget spent? 16% debt service; missions & local ministries 34%; staffing 50%.
- How is the budget funded? Individuals tithing or giving (they aren’t the same thing).
- How many people give? Out of 2,557 giving units, 2,339 give.
Mt. Bethel is all of that, but so much more! We are an outwardly-focused church and that is a big reason Mt. Bethel is effective. This outward focus has produced a caring church that reaches out for children through a Day Care Ministry, Preschool Ministry, Elementary and Middle High Ministry through the Mt. Bethel Christian Academy. The Older Adult Center cares for the parents and grandparents in the community. Our Recreation Ministry cares for the children, youth and adults, members and non-members of the community. It’s the same with our Missions Ministry - caring for the least, last and lost around the world and across the street. Our Special Needs House houses three of God’s special young men. Our efforts through our sister church, St. Philip, near Osborne High School will soon be providing day care for single moms and a Recreational Ministry, plus many other outreaches to the Latino community.
Mt. Bethel is an “outwardly focused” church. Why is it important to claim that distinction? Because inwardly focused churches care for only their own members and abandon their mission to the world. A church for others is willing to do whatever it takes to reach unchurches people with the Gospel of Christ.
That’s what Mt. Bethel is all about, a place where the Word of God is preached every Sunday. A place where Christians are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Mt. Bethel is a launching pad for Christ-centered people wanting to serve Jesus Christ. A place and a people willing to reflect God’s love through sacrifice and service, in the name of Jesus Christ.
What are you all about?
If you desire to make a difference in the world . . . we have a place for you!
Randy Mickler
Senior Pastor
linda siefried
I was saddened by the comments from Randy regarding the congregations apathy towards children and comparing our giving against another Church’s giving.
I found the timing also interesting, I had just attended the previous day a charity event for Emory’s childrens heart unit. I went with another MT B friend and a Johnson Ferry friend. Both of us from Mt B gave to the charity (I actually gave $1200), but my Johnson Ferry friend did not give anything. We talked about it in the car and she shared with us that she only gives to Johnson Ferry.
That being said, I think the difference in giving shows that Randy is ministering to a community that is balanced in who and what they give to.
I sent the program to my daughter in college and asked for her opinion. My 19 my year old daughter is the founder of a Christian clothing company and she gives a portion (almost all) of her profits to childrens charities. Chelsea is a member of Mt B and gives a great deal of money to children, so I pray that Randy understands and looks at the delta in dollars as having a congregation that gives to a larger community and once again is just more balanced in their giving.
Isn’t that what Jesus wants from us, that we are look outside of our own community.
Linda
Sep 25th, 2007 at 9:05 am
randy
Hi Linda,
The apathy is in the fact that Jesus instructs us to give our tithe to the church. This is foundational and our offerings are above and beyond the tithe. No doubt, many people give to many charities, however, that is not a portion of the tithe. The apathy is proven by the fact that if Mt. Bethel’s 8,600 members were all on minimum salary, our budget would be three times what it is. That’s apathy!
Randy Mickler
Sep 25th, 2007 at 10:06 am
linda siefried
Rev Mickler, thank you for the response and your perspective. I now understand your position and believe you are right. I believe your answer is very powerful.
Have a blessed evening.
Sep 25th, 2007 at 5:42 pm