This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 81.138.10.158 (talk) at 14:31, 11 September 2009 (→Distinctive Teachings). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 14:31, 11 September 2009 by 81.138.10.158 (talk) (→Distinctive Teachings)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) | This article does not cite any sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Bethel Church, Mansfield Woodhouse" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
 | This article's factual accuracy is disputed. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please help to ensure that disputed statements are reliably sourced. (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| This article's factual accuracy is disputed. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please help to ensure that disputed statements are reliably sourced. (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Bethel Church is a Christian religious organization based in Mansfield Woodhouse, England once headed by John Hibbert and Jean Spademan. Spademan, known as "Syro" to church members, claimed to have the "gift of prophecy"; her words were infallible and believed to be directly from God. Jean Spademan died in England in 2007. It is unclear who has taken over the role of "prophet" of this controversial group.
Bethel is currently headed by John Hibbert, Stephen Jeffs, and Spademan’s grandson, Christopher Jenkinson.
There are dozens of churches around the world known as Bethel churches. They are known for their emphasis on faith healing.
The church teaches salvation through the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who was born of the Virgin Mary as God incarnate. The thriving congregation is made up of families and people of every age group. The church encourages its people to form their own personal relationship with God for time and eternity, emphasising the need for sincerity at all times and practical care for others. It has a history of extensive missionary work and has poured help into poor and needy areas of the world. Bethel Church believes that pure religion is to care for the widows and to visit the fatherless in their affliction. Her people voluntarily give themselves to public and private prayer for the needs of people everywhere.
King's Chapel
A sister church, originally known as King's Chapel, is located in Norwich, Connecticut, in the United States. King's Chapel, led by Sam J. Wibberley, under the guidance of John Hibbert and Jean Spademan, is a controversial organization that incites strong reactions from those affected by the church and those who are participants. While anyone is free to leave the church, many ex-members describe practices rampant with mental abuse, charlatanry, and dominance. Detractors claim that those who leave the church spread lies out of revenge or misguidance. Parishioners are discouraged from speaking to those who have left, so as not to catch a spirit of doubt. To doubt is a major sin, obedience is a must. The church in Norwich has changed its name to the Peniel Church.
Further reading
Bethel Interdenominational Church - Religious cults and sects, doctrines and practices