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Bethel Church is a Christian religious organization based in Mansfield Woodhouse, England founded by Rev. John Hibbert and Jean Spademan. Spademan, known as Syro to church members, was claimed to have the "gift of prophecy"; her words are infallible and believed to be directly from God. Jean "Syro" Spademan died in England in 2007. It is unclear who has taken over the role of "prophet" of this controversial group.

There are dozens of churches around the world known as bethel churches. They are known for their emphasis on faith healing.

Teachings

Bethel church has a unique theological teaching known as “Gods Perfect/Permissive Will.” This is an important teaching in the church. Basically, God has a perfect will for a Christian's life. The Devil constantly tries to hamper that plan. Each time a Christian commits sin, the Devil has an automatic right to contest God's will for that persons life. God is absolutely just, so the Devil gets what he's after. This is where God's permissive will comes in. God will turn the mistake around to something good in the end, but the result will never be as good as God's original plan for that person's life. The same happens in the church as a whole. Each time a church member commits some sin, the Devil gains entrance into the church and is able to hamper what God wanted the church to do. The result is that the congregation will frequently be 'blasted' in a message from the platform. They will be told God wants to work miracles within the church, but he cannot until sin is removed.

Bethel Church was not founded by either John Hibbert or Jean Spademan. It was in fact in existence before either of these were born. It is not a cult or sect, but a sound evangelical church which preaches truth with love, care and dignity. The late Jean Spademan was never exalted in any way and was never given the title of Prophet. Her words were never regarded by any as infallible. She was a wonderful caring mother figure who influenced many lives for good. She gave her time, energy and finance to helping needy people all over the world. As she never held title in the church she has, of course, not been replaced by anyone. Bethel Church, Mansfield Woodhouse is a growing Community Church which is highly respected by other churches in the village, including Methodists and Anglicans, and the Anglican vicar recently was guest preacher at a large service. Doctrinally the church adheres to the fundamental beliefs and principles of Christianity and the size of the congregation bears witness to the popularity of the preaching and music ministry.

Bethel Church teaches that Christ died and rose again for the salvation and justification of all who will call upon Him. It emphasises the compassion of Christ for the broken-hearted and the poor and those who are desperate to be free. It teaches practical care for the needy. The church does not teach or believe in "faith healing". It teaches that Christ heals the sick, but this is not a main emphasis in the church.

Notes

1. "The sect where doubt is a sin". 2000-07-17. Retrieved 2009-05-04.

• Orphaned articles from May 2009
• Churches in Nottinghamshire