Bethel Church (Redding)

Bethel Church is a non-denominational American megachurch with 9,000 members in Redding, California, part of the neo-charismatic movement and known for its controversial teachings and practices, and sometimes described as a cult. The church was established in 1952 and between 1954-2006 was affiliated with the Assemblies of God; it is currently led by Bill Johnson. Bethel and its leaders have received extensive media coverage, both praising their influence and criticizing their unconventional beliefs and practices, particularly regarding supernatural claims and their intersection with politics. It has also been criticized for multiple incidents of clergy sexual abuse and "cover-up culture". Bethel identifies with charismatic practices such as faith healing, prophecy, and raising the dead, with church services frequently including behaviors and experiences interpreted by participants as manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Some practices, such as "grave soaking", have drawn controversy and criticism from religious scholars and local communities. Bethel's leaders have also drawn scrutiny for responses to COVID-19 public-health measures, including a 2020 mask-skeptic video by a senior leader and a county-linked outbreak associated with its ministry school. Politically, Bethel leaders have publicly supported conservative causes, including Donald Trump and conversion therapy, through

Church data from Wikidata (CC0). Summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).