In my new role as Pastor for Worship and Ministry Development, South, it is a great joy for me to announce that “Bethlehem Ministry Initiatives”—BMI (formerly Bethlehem Urban Initiatives/BUI) is expanding. Scott Anderson has been the Executive Director of this ministry since 2003, and for his role, I joyfully provide pastoral oversight and help facilitate new ways to advance gospel ministry across the Twin Cities.

Be encouraged as Scott tells you more ...

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.—Ecclesiastes 3:1

We are excited to announce a new season of ministry through our organization. We will now begin reaching out beyond the inner city into to new ministry settings. We look forward to the ways that God might be pleased to accomplish his purposes through our ministry efforts as he has done in the past.

For over 15 years, Bethlehem Urban Initiatives (BUI) has been used by God to mobilize the church to minister and serve in the inner city in a variety of ways. The church has met basic needs of refugees and immigrants, taught them English, and helped them to make handicrafts to provide income for their families. Former inmates have been cared for as they transitioned back to society. Youth have been mentored and given a context for relationships and studying the word of God. The church has also reached out among our Native American neighbors through basketball, a Sunday School program, and a church plant. And people in need of biblical counsel have been helped through our counseling ministry.

We will continue all of these ministry efforts as we seek to facilitate new ministry in locations beyond the inner city.

To reflect our expansion, we have broadened our mission statement to the following:

Bethlehem Ministry Initiatives exists to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ by facilitating ministry efforts of Bethlehem Baptist Church and other like-minded churches and ministries.

Our strategies will remain ...

1. Developing and deploying vocational ministers
2. Operating ministry programs
3. Stewarding ministry properties

Please pray for us as we grow. There are many exciting opportunities are before us, and we are seeking the Lord to direct us as we grow.

We thank God for your partnership in the gospel!