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And God is able to make all grace abound to you,
so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times,
you may abound in every good work.
—2 Corinthians 9:8
Imagine what God might be pleased to do through Bethlehem in this next season of ministry with well-equipped pastors and no debt.
Our goal is to raise $1.700M between January and December 2026 to pay off our remaining debt from past campus and property investments. This includes our portion of debt that remains from our multi-campus era and the purchase of the Bethesda properties—now serving as the CityJoy Center and future student housing for Bethlehem College and Seminary.
Paying off these debts is not simply financial—it’s missional. Becoming debt-free will allow us to more fully live out our mission to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ. Every dollar we redirect from debt service to ministry strengthens our ability to worship deeply, belong together, grow in Scripture, serve our church family, and go with the gospel.
You can be part of laying a Foundation for the Future through your prayers and financial contributions.
Pray that the Lord would...
Your regular tithes and offerings remain essential. They sustain the ongoing ministries of Bethlehem—supporting our pastors and staff, maintaining our facilities, and funding the daily work of discipleship and outreach. Even as we embark on Foundation for the Future, it is crucial that everyone continue to give faithfully to the regular work of the church.
At the same time, we invite you to prayerfully consider what the Lord may lead you to give above and beyond your regular tithes and offerings toward this debt-reduction campaign. Every additional gift is a sacrifice made in faith, for his glory, and for the long-term health and mission of Bethlehem. Together, we can strengthen our church and lay a foundation for ministry that will bless generations to come.
Giving to this campaign can be done online, with both one-time and recurring gifts. Select “Designated Funds” and “Mortgage Debt Reduction.” Contributions can also be mailed to the church or placed in the giving pillars on Sunday with a clearly marked envelope or check.
If the total is not raised, we will first see if we can internally handle the remaining debt with cash on hand. If not, we will then need to refinance/borrow any additional funds needed. Funds collected during the campaign will be used solely for paying off, first, the higher interest Bethesda debt, and second, the South Campus debt. Any funds collected above and beyond the debt will primarily be redirected to the Capital Expense Fund. Leadership may consider particular ministry and missions opportunities at that time. Kenny Stokes has communicated his intent to retire as Pastor for Preaching & Vision by June 30, 2028. No other pastors have publicly communicated a retirement date at this time. The financial resources currently committed to paying our mortgage will be redirected… The second mortgage ($500K of the debt) is from our purchase of the Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church properties and is largely attributed to the two-year delay in the project with ongoing costs and higher renovation costs. The vision was to ... The first of our two mortgages ($1.2M of the anticipated ending debt) is our share of the building project that became our South Campus. We entered that venture together as one church, and when we elected to become three separate churches, it was decided that each church would pay an equal share of that debt together (Bethlehem Baptist Church, South Cities Church, and The North Church). Although not the typical model, this should be looked at as an investment in church planting. This mortgage is set to mature in December 2026, requiring us to pay the balance or refinance at a higher interest rate.What will we do if we do not raise the full amount?
What are our intentions for funds raised above and beyond the mortgage amount?
What pastoral transitions are coming and when?
How will our future budget change when we no longer have a mortgage to pay?
Why did we take on an additional mortgage with the purchase of the Bethesda properties?
Where does the multi-campus era debt come from?