Dear Friends,
On January 17, 2006, the membership of Bethel Church of Redding voted to withdraw from our affiliation with the Assemblies of God (AG). However, our heart to bless and celebrate the AG as they continue in their vital role in God's kingdom hasn't changed. The Assemblies has been, and continues to be, one of the great champions of the Gospel in the earth today. We have enjoyed a long and fruitful connection with this organization. Our decision to withdraw from the Assemblies is not due to conflict or broken relationship, but rather because of what we understand to be the call of God on our church and movement.
Bethel's leadership, people and the district leadership have been making this difficult transition with as much honor and respect as we can give to one another. We unanimously, but mistakenly, voted to withdraw from the Assemblies on November 13th 2005 without first inviting the District Leadership to speak to our membership, as the by-laws of the AG require. This was our mistake. On Sunday January 15th, we sought to redress this by unanimously rescinding our vote to withdraw and subsequently inviting the District Leadership to speak with our fellowship on January 17th, 2006. District Superintendent Jim Braddy and Dr. Jay Herndon came to Bethel on Tuesday, January 17th. Jim Braddy made a loving, grace-filled appeal for us to reconsider and/or delay our decision to withdraw. The evening was filled with great honor, laughter and healthy grief (because of the soberness of the potential transition). After a time of serious congregational discussion concerning Superintendent Braddy's appeal and suggested timetable, the membership voted to withdraw by a vote of over 90%.
This has been an extremely slow, thought-full and care-full process that is not a reaction to conflict but a response to a call. This is the reason the congregation did not delay the vote, though the desire to honor Jim Braddy and his request was strong. Though we haven't yet articulated it very clearly, we feel called to create a network that helps other networks thrive - to be one of many ongoing catalysts in this continuing revival. Our call feels unique enough theologically and practically from the call on the Assemblies of God that this change is appropriate. We believe we have heard the voice of the Lord very clearly concerning this transition. We are in the process of inviting several apostolic leaders that have had a long-term relationship with us to be integral in the spiritual covering of our church. We look forward to working alongside our brothers and sisters in the Assemblies and are continuing our regular financial and prayer support of the denomination. We thank you for your interest in the ongoing mutual success and respect of the Assemblies of God and Bethel Church of Redding, CA.
Sincerely,
Bill Johnson
and the Leadership of
Bethel Church, Redding, CA
