Our Heritage and Community Ethos

Bethel University, founded in 1947 as a Christian liberal arts university by the Missionary Church, a denomination with roots in both the Mennonite and Methodist traditions, is a study of God’s blessing coupled with visionary leadership and effective management. Throughout its early history Bethel was a relatively small residential university with enrollment between 400 and 500 hundred students. In the 1990’s, Bethel University experienced a period of rapid enrollment growth, development of new academic programs and expansion of the university’s physical campus.

Bethel is a university of deep Biblical commitment. We believe that Christ-centered education is more than teaching theology based on biblical truths; it is teaching students how to apply those truths and values in their day-to-day lives and chosen professions. Consistent with the university’s strong evangelical emphasis, co-curricular programming includes a broad variety of international ministry trips and local community service opportunities. In addition, Bethel offers study abroad programs within the formal curriculum.