“Bethel” is a Hebrew word meaning “The House of God and The Gate of Heaven” (Genesis 28:17-19)
The first building on the site was a prefabricated structure of wood and corrugated iron which was opened on 26th November 1893. It is not known when the name Bethel was given to the building, it appears first in July 1895 on the Certificate of Registration as a Place of Worship.
We are Baptists and carry out Believer’s Baptism and we are also Evangelical.
We believe the Bible to be the perfect and sufficient Word of God for all time and all people.Our Confession of Faith is available for you to further study what we believe; please ask for a copy.
We are a church made up of many people united in our evangelical convictions and priorities.
- Pastor & Leadership
- Worship
- Church Meetings
- Music
- Home Fellowship
- Youth Ministries
- Leadership Safeguarding
- Outreach
- Belief & Teaching
- FAQ's
- Pastor & Leadership
- Worship
- Church Meetings
- Music
- Home Fellowship
- Youth Ministries
- Leadership Safeguarding
- Outreach
- Belief & Teaching
- FAQ's
Pastor & Leadership
Pastor & Church Leadership
The Congregation
Generally our congregation comes from the town of Barry, although some travel in from outlying hamlets. When people make their spiritual home at Bethel they generally stay, we therefore have a wide cross section of age groups. This is reflected in our wide range of activities.
1 Peter 2 4-10 describes the church as being made up of living stones being built into a spiritual house - the loyalty and devotion of settled and long-term church members helps to nurture, build and develop the spiritual house at Bethel.
The Leadership - Elders
The eldership has responsibility for the overall leadership and vision setting for the church. It currently consists of the Pastor and Assistant Pastor and 2 lay members appointed by the church.
PASTOR MATT EMERTON
Our Pastor, Matt Emerton, grew up on the South Coast of England.
He felt the call to ministry whilst attending Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Swansea. He went through the apprenticeship scheme there, as well as the FIEC run, "prepared for service" course.
Matt has been with us since 2007, He has been involved with schools work, youth work, pastoring and preaching.
He and his wife Becca met whilst studying at Swansea University. They have three children, George, Beth and Danny.
ASSISTANT PASTOR BRIAN McGREGOR
Brian joined us from Mount Pleasant Church in Swansea where he served the Lord as Apprentice Pastor.
Brian is married to Suzie and they have 3 boys Israel,Zion and Samuel
ELDERS
The lay Elder is Graham Dent
DEACONS
The Deacons who serve the church are Mostyn Davies, Jenny Wales, Valerie Lyndon, Stuart Gibson, Saffia Hurley, Elaine Holley, Andrew Green, Clive Cassidy, Peter Mclean,
Worship
Worship
Colossians 3:15-17- “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
God has called us together into “families” called churches.
Christians are called to worship God with all of their lives (Romans 12:1) but not in isolation but together, because united we grow spiritually.
The Lord invites us to come into His presence to praise and worship Him and to be taught from His word.
Worship is an experience that should be for all Christians Joyful, Awesome, Inspiring and Directing.
Sunday Services
Morning Service (10.30am)
Creche facilities are provided and children leave for the Sunday School (Pathfinders) before the sermon.
Evening Service (6.00pm)
Refreshments are served after the evening service in the downstairs school-room.
Church Meetings
Church Meetings
Sunday Services
Worried about bringing your young ones to Church?
We have a crèche which is available during the Sunday morning services.
It is supervised by competent staff.
Communion
Twice each month we share the Lord’s Supper (1st Sunday am; 3rd Sunday pm). All believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are welcome to join us.
Baptism
We practice believer’s Baptism by immersion. New Christians and those seeking the Lord are encouraged to talk to the Pastor or Elders about being baptised.
Prayer
Prayer must be at the heart of all we seek to be and do as Christians, since otherwise we fall into the trap of depending on our own strength and abilities, rather than on God.
"The Sunday morning attendance shows how popular the church is. The Sunday evening attendance shows how popular the preacher is. The prayer meeting attendance shows how popular God is."
Wednesday's at 7.30pm, outside school terms, the church meets for prayer in the church. All are invited to this meeting.
During school term the prayer meeting takes place every other Wednesday as part of our Home Fellowship Meetings, the venues vary so please ask. The meetings usually consists of a short bible study, a presentation on one of our missionary concerns and a time of prayer.
Men's Meetings
The men of the church are encouraged to join together for a meal and fellowship at Bethel. We have been very encouraged by the way men have been able to share problems and concerns with each other in a relaxed atmosphere. A visiting speaker is the main feature of the evening.
Ladies Bible Study
This meeting is held in one of our member's homes on Thursday morning at 10am.
All ladies are welcome to attend. “The times spent together have been very precious to us all. We have been challenged by examples of practical living as seen in Proverbs." Jan Morgan
If you want encouragement then you are called to attend this meeting.
Men's Bible Study
Thursday mornings at 10am many men from the church meet to study passages from the Scriptures at the home of Revd. Robin Trollope.
Coffee Morning
The Coffee Morning has risen in popularity especially with the over 50’s over the last few years and is run by John & Yvonne Thomas. All ages are invited and are very welcome.
Every week there will be a short talk
or reading with a Christian message
Refreshments are all FREE
Come along and bring some friends.
The meeting takes place in the School-room at Bethel on each Wednesday throughout the year at 10.00am. Here those attending join in sharing God’s word together and meet in fellowship. Many from other churches and non members also attend, so that the coffee morning is a strong witness to the people of Barry.
Music
Music
Sunday worship at Bethel tries to blend the traditional with the contemporary, at times lively but our aim is always to remain reverent.
Our music is drawn from a wide range of sources using Hymnquest.
In the morning service a music group leads the singing, they play a variety of instruments, piano, guitar and flute for instance.
The music group joins in weekly fellowship and practice on a Tuesday night; they are always looking for new additions to the group, preferably those who can keep in tune, though.
PA System
A public address system is used in the church, complete with a “loop” system for the hard of hearing.
Recording Library
During each service a recording is made of the sermon. These sermons are then made available at no charge to members and visitors, who can take them out on loan. Sermons are kept in the cloakroom at the rear of the chapel and are available on audio cassette or CD. Additionally, selected sermons are available through this website - click on 'Downloads' - sermons can be downloaded as MP3 files and listened to on your computer.
Youth Ministries
Children & Youth Ministries

“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.
We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done ..... Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.
(Psalm 78: 4-7)
Sunday Mornings
Creche (0-3 years)
Worried about bringing your young ones to Church? We have a crèche which is available during the Sunday morning services. It is supervised by competent staff.
Parents are asked to take their children to the creche before the sermon, when the other children leave for Pathfinders.
Pathfinders (Nursery, reception to Year 6)
This is held during the second half of the morning service and children leave after the hymn following the children’s talk. The Pathfinders follow a structured learning pattern using material that really captures their interest. The Bible stories are tailored for each age group. The Pathfinders also develops its own missionary project each year, the children find this really exciting and challenging.
The Pathfinders is led by Anthony & Lynne Jones who have 5 devoted teachers helping them.

Infant Club
Children between the age Nursery and Year 2 are invited to join us on a Thursday afternoon between 3.30pm until 4.45pm during term time. The Club meets in the church school-room for around an hour of fun and games in a Christian environment.
Junior Club
Children of school years 3-6, meet on a Friday evening during term time at 6.30pm until 7.30pm for fun and games and to hear God’s word.
The Point
Children of school years 7-9 meet on a Friday evening during term time from 7pm until 8.30pm and enjoy a mixed bag of activities from in-door sports to games and also to hear God’s word.
Mum's and Toddlers
Each week during term time Bethel holds a Mums and Toddlers Meeting. This takes place in the church school-room on a Friday at 1.30pm.
This is really popular with mums and toddlers alike and an opportunity for us to show our Christian love and join the fellowship with Mums and Dads and their Toddlers
Impact Youth Group
Leadership Safeguarding
Leadership Safeguarding Statement
The Leadership: Pastors, Elders and Trustees of Bethel Baptist Church recognise the importance of its ministry /work with children, young people and adults in need of protection and its responsibility to protect everyone entrusted to our care.
We are committed to creating and enabling a healthy culture in order to minimise any coercion and control within our church.
The following statement was agreed by the leadership/organisation on 17 July 2015.
This place of worship is committed to the safeguarding of children and adults with care and support needs and ensuring their well-being.
Specifically:
- We recognise that we all have a responsibility to help prevent the physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect of children and young people (those under 18 years of age) and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.
- We believe every child should be valued, safe and happy. We want to make sure that children we have contact with know this and are empowered to tell us if they are suffering harm.
- All children and young people have the right to be treated with respect, to be listened to and to be protected from all forms of abuse.
- We recognise that we all have a responsibility to help prevent the physical, sexual, psychological, financial and discriminatory abuse and neglect of adults who have care and support needs and to report any such abuse that we discover or suspect.
- We recognise the personal dignity and rights of adults who find themselves victims of forced marriage or modern slavery and will ensure all our policies and procedures reflect this.
- We believe all adults should enjoy and have access to every aspect of the life of the place of worship unless they pose a risk to the safety of those we serve.
- We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of all those who will work with children and adults with care and support needs.
- We believe in the necessity of creating a healthy culture in our church where the value of all people is recognised and challenges are responded to appropriately.
We are committed to:
- Following the requirements for UK legislation in relation to safeguarding children and adults and good practice recommendations.
- Respecting the rights of children as described in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
- Implementing the requirements of legislation in regard to people with disabilities.
- Ensuring that workers adhere to the agreed procedures of our safeguarding policy.
- Keeping up to date with national and local developments relating to safeguarding.
- Following any denominational or organisational guidelines in relation to safeguarding children and adults in need of protection.
- Supporting the safeguarding co-ordinator/s in their work, and in any action they may need to take in order to protect children/adults with care and support needs.
- Ensuring that everyone agrees to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by this place of worship/organisation.
- Supporting parents and families
- Nurturing, protecting and safeguarding of children and young people
- Supporting, resourcing, training, monitoring and providing supervision to all those who undertake this work.
- Supporting all in the place of worship/organisation affected by abuse.
- Adopting and following the ‘Safe and Secure’ safeguarding standards developed by the Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service.
We recognise:
- Children’s Social Services (or equivalent) has lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about a child. Adult Social Care (or equivalent) has lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about an adult with care and support needs.
- Where an allegation suggests that a criminal offence may have been committed then the police should be contacted as a matter of urgency.
- Where working outside of the UK, concerns will be reported to the appropriate agencies in the country in which we operate, and their procedures followed, and in addition we will report concerns to our agency’s headquarters.
- Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
We will review this statement and our policy and procedures annually.
If you have any concerns for a child or adult with care and support needs then speak to one of the following who have been approved as safeguarding coordinators for this place of worship/organisation.
ELAINE HOLLEY - Child and Adult Safeguarding Coordinator
PETER MCLEAN - Deputy Child and Adult Safeguarding Coordinator
A copy of the full policy and procedures is available from the church administration office.
Outreach
Outreach
"He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance and faith." (2 Peter 3:9)
Witnessing by word and life is a vital part of discipleship and we aim as Christians to have the same heart as God has for the lost.
At Bethel we run regular “Christianity Explained “ courses for those interested in thinking through the implications of the gospel, and some have come to faith and joined us in the church. The course encourages those seeking the Lord and those seeking a deeper understanding and help in personal evangelism to join him on this course.
Street Evangelism
At Christmas we hold an open air meeting in King’s Square Barry with music, tracts and preaching.
Christianity Explored
Developed over 10 years, Christianity Explored is an informal course for people who would like to investigate Christianity, or just brush up on the basics. It explores who Jesus was, what his aims were, and what it means to follow him.
You're not asked to pray, sing, or read aloud, and you can ask any questions you like. Or, if you prefer, you can come along and simply listen
Many, many people have no idea what Christianity is all about in what has been called our "post-Christian" culture. You may be one of them or, if you're not, you will certainly know lots of them. "Christianity Explored" is the title of a short series of discussion evenings run over a number of weeks.
Its aim is to help people understand the basics of the Christian faith so that they can come to an informed decision about it.
If you know others who would like to come, please introduce them to us - or bring them along yourself!
The course was developed by Rico Tice , who works at All Souls Church, Langham Place in London.
For further information please see http://www.christianityexplored.com
Contact Matt Emerton to join the Christianity Explored course at Bethel.
Belief & Teaching
Belief & Teaching
What We Believe & TeachThe Following Doctrines
The Responsibilities of all Church MembersAll members belong to the Lord Jesus Christ and must be encouraged to function as members of the Body of Christ within Bethel. The Membership Roll will be regularly reviewed in the light of the following responsibilities:
|
FAQ's
FAQ's
Q. Why do bad things happen to good people?
A. Bad things happen because we live in a fallen world. The rain falls on the just and the unjust. Ever since sin entered the human race, we have lived in “paradise lost.” Sometimes we get the wrong idea about things. We think, “If I serve the Lord, I won’t get cancer. I won’t lose my job. My children will do well. And my marriage will thrive.” But the Bible nowhere promises that his children will be exempt from the common suffering of the world. We suffer because we are human and we live in a world marred by sin. Sometimes we suffer because of the sins of others. Sometimes we suffer because of our own foolish choices. That’s the only real explanation for tsunamis, tornadoes, cancer, and all the other catastrophes that afflict us. There will no release from these things until sin itself is removed from the universe. Romans 8:22-23 speaks of the whole creation groaning, waiting for redemption. Today we suffer because of the fall. But in the world to come, when sin is gone, cancer will be gone too. Death will be no more. Between now and then, we walk by faith, trusting God.
Q. God said he knew us before he created the earth. Does that mean we existed prior to creation?
A. God “knew” us because he knew with certainty that he was going to create us. As Psalm 139:16 says, "All the days ordained for me were recorded in your scroll before one of them came into existence."
The Bible does not teach the pre-existence of the soul, but it does teach the totality of God’s knowledge concerning the past, present and the future. We were in his heart and on his mind long before we were born.
Original Chapel
The chapel today
Sunday Services 10.30 am & 6.00 pm