Bethel Day with the Missionary Church Resources

Since 1947, Bethel University has existed as THE university of the Missionary Church. On Sunday, February 22, 2026, we are going to again recognize and celebrate this partnership! We are inviting all churches to highlight the University and its mission. See below for resources and suggestions to help celebrate the day.

CELEBRATE BETHEL DAY IN YOUR CHURCH!

Churches are invited to dedicate as few as five minutes of your worship service to:

• Introduce the partnership and mission of Bethel University as the university of the Missionary Church
• Show one of the three videos below that speak to this partnership and our mission together
• Spend time praying for Bethel University and its students, staff and faculty, as well as its future

Key Resources

Introduction

If you have a few minutes of your service to dedicate to Bethel University, consider highlighting the following:

In 1947, a group of Missionary Church leaders prayerfully and courageously started a Christian Liberal Arts College in Mishawaka, Indiana. At the suggestion of one of the founders, the Hebrew word for “house of God,” Bethel, was agreed upon as the name. From its inception, Bethel has faithfully served our community and remained committed to the mission of equipping students for lifelong service. Today, Bethel is a thriving institution offering associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees through onsite, online and extension study opportunities. Bethel has a strong emphasis on spiritual formation, discipleship and mentoring of the next generation. We want to take a moment this morning to recognize and celebrate our partnership with Bethel University.

Let’s watch this video together.

[[Video: Show a provided Bethel Day video]]

Follow-Up and Prayer:

Say something like . . . We are so grateful for Bethel’s priority to live out its motto, “With Christ at the Helm,” and we recognize the significant opportunity to impact people at such a pivotal time in their lives. Can we take a moment to pray for our university?

Prayer Prompts:

• For the faculty, staff, and their families
• For current students and their endeavors
• For future students discerning if Bethel is right for them
• For spiritual protection over the institution
• For perpetual revival on campus and wherever God leads Bethel students and graduates

IDEA: If you have any, consider inviting a Bethel alumnus to lead this prayer time. If you have any faculty, staff, students or parents of students, invite them to stand or come to the front and lay hands on them as you pray.

Bethel Day Intro with
Spiritual Formation Interviews

For churches whose congregation
is more familiar with Bethel
Hear from the Missionary Church’s and Bethel’s presidents as they shares about Bethel and its relationship with the denomination, followed by student testimonials about spiritual formation.

If you’d like to take a little more time in your service, consider the following:

• If you have any alumni, invite one to share a brief testimony of their Bethel experience.
• If you have any current students at Bethel, share who they are, and maybe have them share live or via video a brief testimony of their experience.
• If you have any faculty or staff at Bethel, ask them to briefly share about Bethel from their perspective.
• Consider showing one of the included videos in addition to the video from President McDonald.

Additional Resources

Upcoming Community Events

Questions?

If you have any questions about Bethel Day or any of our resources, please contact Vice President for Spiritual Life and University Affairs Shawn Holtgren at Shawn.Holtgren@BethelUniversity.edu.