Bethany Road Bible Church - DeKalb (IL)

5 /5 Jeff Kimberly: if you are worried about feeling accepted, dont be at this church. They are truly a come-as-you-are, wherever you are in your life type of church. The pastors are amazing and non-judgmental. It doesnt matter where you are at in your life, these people will love on you as much as you need.

5 /5 Erin Nolan: This church is truly walking, working and worshiping the way the bible intended. Here, I am a person, not just one of the masses. Worship is profoundly joyful and sung using scriptural lyrics. Messages are thoroughly researched, historically accurate, and show how biblical teachings are relevant today – in my modern life. Everyone is called to fully participate in the church through attending services, participating in small groups, and supporting missions. So happy this church found me 2 years ago.

5 /5 Nancy Stika: As a person who has limited ability physically and mentally to participate the way a healthy person does, I celebrate what the Lord has blessed me with, not what I do not have. One thing I am very richly blessed to have in my life is Harvest Bible Chapel. They are local and I go as much as I can and there are people that recognize me and that feels so good. When I cant go I can watch on the computer or right on my smart tv on the Youtube. Even though we cant attend every single Sunday, the leadership body treats us just like members. When we are having surgerys or problems they come to the hospital or out home and pray for us. The worship music is contemporary, and I can tell you many times I have not realized until it was over that tears were coming down my face, because of the presence of the Holy Spirit while we were worshiping. This isnt just good music. This isnt just good singing and instruments. This is true WORSHIP time. Both Pastor Jason and Pastor Gary truly have a gift to bless each and every sermon they preach. They never make others think they are different or better than anyone, and yes they are sinners too. I have never left the church or turned off a video and not learned something from their sermon. The Lord commands you to tithe to your church. The Lord has blessed this church in so any ways I cant tell you all of them in one review, but what I can tell you is, that you not only will tithe, but do it with joy. You will love this church. Every single part of its body.

5 /5 Kimby Quillin-Barrios: Great place to grow in your faith. When it comes to Sunday morning sermons: Individual scripture verses are contextualized by cross-referencing them with other scriptures. Hard to understand parts of the Bible are explained by the pastors from a historical and cultural standpoint. All of this helps a person to better understand the Bible as a single cohesive book. One thing I LOVE is that the message of salvation (our need for a savior and God’s great love for us) is brought front and center in every teaching; no matter what part of the Bible is being studied. When it comes to worship: that’s exactly what it is—a time to worship. Music is loud, so even those without the best singing voice can comfortably make a joyful noise to the Lord. The worship team leads the church with contemporary Christian music that is relevant to the Message of the day. During worship you will see people singing. Many church members raise their hands in worship, but not all. You may see a few people swaying or moving to the music, but I’ve not seen any full out dancing. You will hear clapping and the occasional “praise the Lord,” or “hallelujah” offered up by a fellow attendee. You will witness people praying silently (introspectively) during worship. You may hear a church member of two praying in tongues quietly. Upon arrival: church members are friendly and welcoming. They do a very good job of putting newcomers at ease. When it comes to membership: I LOVE that this church has a passion for equipping the body of Christ to be salt and light in the world; preparing them to spread the gospel—wherever that may be.They are less focused on the # of church members (or regular attendees) they have and more focused on preparing and ”disciple-ing” those who attend. When it comes to tithing: they don’t hound you. They talk about giving (cheerful giving) on occasion, but it’s not something that is spoken of with any degree of frequency. There is transparency and accountability when it comes to finances. A church elders gives a brief quarterly report, and they seek the input of church members on anything of significance (changes to spending, name change, etc.). When it comes to leadership: leadership is exceptional in all areas of church ministry. There are four pastors (that I am aware of) on staff at the church. There is a Senior Pastor, an Associate Pastor, a Youth Pastor and a pastor who leads the worship team. While the church has only male pastors, there are many female leaders in the Church. For example, the Associate pastor’s oversees the children’s ministry. There is also a female leader on staff who oversees the women’s ministry. Many other women serve in leadership roles too. When it comes to the Children’s Ministry: Bethany Road Kids is the Bethany Road version of “children’s church.” It is a pretty typical children’s church format. Kids learn about Jesus. They learn Bible stories and older kids memorize scripture verses. The “teachers”/leaders are engaging and the kids look forward to attending. The church requieres all children’s church volunteers to complete a Background check. They must also be born again believers who agree with certain core beliefs of the Church. Middle schoolers and high schoolers meet during youth group outside church hours. When it comes to prayer, study and fellowship: The church encourages people to get involved in a small group or ministry. They understand the importance of fellowship and recognize small groups offer a setting more conducive to the development of deeper, more meaningful relationships. It is these small groups that frequently serve as the primary support system for church members/regular attendees in need (taking someone a meal after surgery, praying with them at a difficult time, etc.). In-home small groups (incl. a young 20s group), periodic prayer meetings and social activities (i.e. picnic) are also offered. I’ve been attending this church for 2.5 years and am a regular attendee but not a member.