Easter Sunday marked a new chapter for Bethel Family Worship Center as over 250 people gathered to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the church’s new home at 805 CR 331 in Cleveland. The joyous event signaled not just a change in location, but the beginning of a new era of growth and outreach for the congregation.
Previously located at 301 Hickory Avenue, the church had outgrown its original sanctuary, which often had only standing room available. With the blessing of a growing congregation, it became clear a larger space was necessary.
“We were packed in our old church for quite some time,” said Pastor Charles Burton, who has faithfully led the church for the past six years, following the legacy of former pastor A.V. Walters. “We bought some property on Highway 59 with plans to build a new church, but it never worked out, and now I know why. We were meant to be on this new property.”
The new 12-acre campus, previously home to Cowboy Christian Fellowship Church, provides ample space for current worship needs and future expansion. With open land and a growing nearby community, Pastor Burton and church leaders are already planning new ministries and outreach efforts to make the most of the opportunity.
“There is a growing community out here, and we’ve already talked to some of them about coming to our church,” Burton shared. “We have places on the property where we want to expand and grow. We’ve already begun discussing the types of ministries we hope to offer.”
Participating in the grand opening celebration were church board members David Matlock, Ed Vandver, Roy Corley, David Chaney, and David Harte; church secretary Beth Godkin; Pastor Don Weihe, secretary-treasurer for the South Texas District Assemblies of God; Norman Kanoodle, state director of MAPPS for the Home Missions Department of the South Texas District Assemblies of God; and Rev. Charles Pierce, a former pastor and current member of the church.
While the new facility brings fresh energy, the legacy of the old church is not forgotten. Pastor Burton said there are no final decisions regarding the former sanctuary, but options such as converting it into a mission center or food bank are on the table. The church also owns property along US 59, which may be sold to support future initiatives.
Weekly services continue at the new location every Sunday at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., welcoming new and returning members to experience the vibrant community and worship.
For more information about Bethel Family Worship Center, visit www.bethelfamilyworshipcenter.org or call 281-592-9555.