Bethel: A deep dive into the controversial California church

Dave Williams  |  Comment
Date posted:  4 Mar 2026
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Bethel: A deep dive into the controversial California church

Background: Bethel Church, Redding, CA (Wikimedia Commons). Inset: Bill Johnson (Wikimedia Commons).

If you’ve heard of Bethel, Redding, California then chances are that you associate them first with their music - a lot of churches sing worship songs composed and produced by Bethel or associated organisations like Jesus Culture.

Secondly, you may think of their reputation as a hyper-charismatic church with a commitment to revivalism.

Thirdly, you may associate them with controversy.

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