Bethlehem Church was founded over 50 years ago, but it was just 18 years ago that the church began to experience dynamic growth. In 1990 Dickie Spargo was called to Bethlehem as Senior Pastor and Gastonia has never been the same. Using a unique style of contemporary music and relevant teaching, Bethlehem grew from 65 people to a church body of multiple services. Eventually the Family Life Center was built to accommodate the hundreds of new families. With approximately 900 people attending each week, the church moved into the new building in the summer of 1998.

Once worship services moved into the Family Life Center the personality of Bethlehem became even more defined. People who had not been in church in years-or had never even investigated Jesus Christ—were drawn to worship services that were energetic, powerful and celebratory. Growth continued throughout the church, especially in our children’s area. Attendance soared to over 1600 people. Having maxed out our space with 3 services the search began for land for a new campus.

In the fall of 2004 Bethlehem was able to purchase 76.5 acres of beautiful land on South New Hope Road. The cost of $1.8 million was paid off in less than 18 months and the process was begun to design the new campus. Attendance rose to over 1800 people per week as the final plans were being made for the transition to the new campus in the summer of 2008. We opened our new Worship Center on the Main Campus in August of 2008 and now hold 2 services each weekend, with over 2000 people calling Bethlehem home. With many more acres to develop, we are eager to carry out Christ’s commission and continue expansion as our church body continues to increase.

With a prime location in a growth area of Gaston County, we believe God has much more expansion in the future of Bethlehem. As a church designed to reach people who are far from God, we believe God will continue to draw people to Him, continually reaching more and more people with the love of Jesus Christ.