we are a community passionate about helping you know God, live free, find purpose, and make a difference
Our Mission
At Bethany Christian Church, our mission is to lead people on a transformative journey—helping the lost find salvation, guiding the saved to grow in faith, equipping believers to be trained for their purpose, and mobilizing them to reach others with the hope of Jesus.
Our Vision
Our vision is to see Christ exalted so that all may come to salvation.
In the fall of 2024, Bethany Christian Church launched the ALL IN initiative, and we have already seen God working in incredible ways through it.
ALL IN is a bold and ambitious vision that calls for the generosity of everyone—through time, talent, and treasure. This journey is more than an initiative; it’s an invitation to embrace a renewed lifestyle of faith and generosity that will continue to make an impact long after ALL IN is complete.
Bethany has always been a church defined by its generosity. Together, we can bring this vision to life and see God
Rich in History
1801
In 1801, during the “Second Great Awakening,”
Bethany Christian Church was founded out of this movement.
1830
Bethany Christian Church was officially founded on January 3, 1830.
1842
On May 19, 1842, the first church building, a small wood-framed
structure, was built to accommodate the growing congregation of 124 people.
1864
Between 1864 and 1897, Bethany helped establish two new churches:
First Christian Church and Antioch Christian Church, both located in
Washington, Indiana.
1955
From 1955 to 1999, Bethany Christian Church experienced steady
growth and a strong, people-focused ministry under the leadership of
Ben Ray Bean.
2000
In 2000, Matt Merold became the Lead Pastor of Bethany Christian
Church. Under his leadership, Matt and the elders set a bold vision for
the church to become a “spiritual hospital” in Daviess County.
2007
Between 2007 and 2010, the church made bold decisions to relocate
to Washington, Indiana. This move united the congregation around
a shared vision of becoming a regional influence.
2014
From 2014 to 2017, Bethany Christian Church experienced continued
growth and thriving ministry. During this time, the church completed
the second phase of its facility expansion.
2018
In September 2018, Bethany Christian Church purchased a building
on Willow Street in Vincennes, Indiana, to establish a new campus. The Vincennes Campus opened it’s doors on Easter Sunday, 2019.
2021
In 2021, Bethany Christian Church launched the Princeton Campus in October at the Showplace Cinema and later established a permanent
worship space on the Princeton Square.
2024
In the fall of 2024, Bethany Christian Church launched the ALL IN initiative. ALL IN is a bold and ambitious vision that calls for the generosity of everyone—through time, talent, and treasure.