Bethlehem Church

In this week's message of our Summer at Bethlehem series, Pastor Chris Bell from 3Circle Church in Fairhope, Alabama explores the critical concept of spiritual hydration through the lens of John 7:37–38. Physical dehydration leads to fatigue, vulnerability, and sickness—but soul dehydration carries far more dangerous, eternal consequences.   Set against the historical backdrop of the Feast of the Tabernacles (Festival of Booths), Pastor Chris reveals the profound significance of Jesus interrupting the most sacred day of the Jewish festival. While the priests poured out water to commemorate God's provision in the wilderness, Jesus stood up and declared that He Himself is the fulfillment of that promise—the source of eternal, living water.  

In the eighth week of our Summer at Bethlehem series, we revisit one of the most familiar stories in Scripture: the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10. Familiarity often breeds passivity; because we grew up singing the childhood song about the "wee little man," we frequently overlook the radical, scandalous grace displayed in this scene.   Most of us live our lives as if we are constantly auditioning for God's attention, wondering, "Am I good enough? Am I loveable? Am I worthy?" This message dismantles the myth that we must clean up our lives before Jesus will enter them. Whether you are hiding behind a resume of success or drowning in a reputation of past mistakes, the gospel declares that Jesus sees you, knows your name, and desires to move from being a guest in your life to being the Lord of your house.  

“Are We Convinced?” | SUMMER AT BETHLEHEM - Week 7 | July 12, 2026   If our definition of Jesus doesn't change everything about us, then we don't have a biblical definition of Jesus. In this powerful message from our Summer at Bethlehem series, Pastor Jason Britt dives into Mark 2 to look at a familiar story through a challenging lens: Are we truly convinced that Jesus is the answer to the deepest struggles and ailments of the human condition? There is a radical difference between a casual mindset that views Jesus as merely "helpful" and a deep, unshakeable conviction that drives us to action. Through the story of four unnamed friends who literally tore open a roof to lower a paralyzed man down to Jesus, we discover what it means to be part of a "Serve Crew"—a stretcher-bearing community in a mind-your-own-business world. Pastor Jason challenges us to move past a consumer mindset, look past our temporary "felt needs," and let Jesus address our ultimate soul-level need through the miracle of forgiveness. Whether you are a student looking to activate your faith, someone wondering how to share Christ with a struggling friend, or someone ready to transition from a "volunteer mindset" to a "servant heart," this sermon is a fresh invitation to engage with the body of Christ.

“Trust in the Lord” | SUMMER AT BETHLEHEM - Week 6 | July 5th, 2026   In Week 6 of our Summer at Bethlehem series, we examine one of the most familiar, anchor-point passages in the entire Bible: Proverbs 3:5–6. King Solomon, renowned as the wisest man to ever live, penned these words not as abstract philosophy, but as a framework for survival passed down to the next generation.   When we envision God making our paths "straight," our minds naturally visualize an upward, predictable trajectory of success. In reality, life often feels completely chaotic and scattered. Through heavy seasons of personal loss, medical diagnoses, and unexpected breakdowns, this message explores what it looks like to stop trading God's perfect track record for unproven, fragile substitutes. It is an urgent invitation to stop leaning on our own limited understanding and cast our entire weight onto a God who has never failed.  

In Week 5 of our Summer at Bethlehem series, Lead Pastor Jason Britt takes us to a passage that serves as an ongoing mirror for our souls: Luke 15. Through the lens of Jesus' most famous parable—traditionally known as the Prodigal Son—we discover that this isn't just a heartwarming tale about a rebellious runaway. It is a powerful, direct confrontation of the "Us vs. Them" mentality that so easily creeps into our culture and our churches. Whether we find ourselves lost in outward rebellion or lost in inward religion, the story exposes our desperate need to look in the mirror and ultimately embody the heart of the Father.

We have all experienced that distinct, crushing sense of overwhelm. Your calendar is packed, the pressures of parenting and work are mounting, and the constant noise of the world never seems to dim. But it's not just that your life is full - it's that your soul feels heavy. Most of us have simply adopted a cultural norm that is quietly exhausting us, assuming this chronic fatigue is just the price of admission for modern life.   In this powerful message, we dive into Matthew 11:28–30 to uncover a freeing truth: The weight you're carrying might not be the one you were meant to carry. Jesus famously promised that His burden is light, yet that rarely matches our day-to-day reality. By breaking down the specific weights we subconsciously pick up, this sermon exposes how we are mismanaging our souls and offers the ultimate trade-off: swapping our exhausting performance for His peaceful presence.  

In Week 3 of our Summer at Bethlehem series, our good friend Pastor Mike Linch joins us to share a life-changing word on what it truly means to discover our identity and calling in Christ. Continuing our summer journey through the scriptures that have fundamentally shaped our lives, Pastor Mike takes us to the shores of Galilee in Luke 5:1–11.   Too many of us spend our lives chasing worldly definitions of success, building our own plans, and exhausting ourselves in our own strength—only to end up with empty nets. Through the story of Simon Peter's miraculous catch of fish, this message confronts our need for control and serves as a powerful guide on how to shift from our personal ambitions to a life of true, kingdom-altering impact.  

In Week 2 of our Summer at Bethlehem series, Student Pastor Spencer Haynes opens up God's Word to share a passage that completely disrupted, challenged, and redirected his life. The power of the Bible is that it doesn't just inform us; it transforms us when we allow it to step out of the pages and into our real-world stories.   Preaching from the historic and heavy text of Isaiah 6:1-8, Spencer contrasts modern, emotional consumer Christianity with a true biblical encounter with God. "Send me" sounds exciting, powerful, and amazing in a worship service with great lighting and loud music—until holiness confronts our hidden sin and Jesus actually demands our comfort. This message is a direct challenge to step away from casual faith, stop hiding behind religion, and realize that real biblical calling always follows cleansing.  

We are kicking off our Summer at Bethlehem series with a head-first dive into the life-changing power of God's Word. The Bible is not just ancient information; it is living, active, and timely. In this raw and deeply personal message, Pastor Jason opens up about his own years-long battle with anxiety to expose a universal truth: the biggest battle of your life is won and lost in the six-inch real estate between your ears - your MIND.   Preaching from Philippians 4:4-9, a passage written from the depths of a Roman prison rather than an Instagram motivational seminar, Pastor Jason teaches us that a healthy mind requires an intentional spiritual diet. If you have been trapped on an island of worry, playing out worst-case scenarios, this message serves as a practical guide to stop stuffing your emotions and start discipling your mind.  

This Memorial Day weekend, Student Pastor CJ brings a high-energy message challenging us to wake up to the spiritual reality of the world we live in. We often live like we are in peacetime, but a spiritual war is raging all around us.   Drawing from Ephesians 6 and a trip down memory lane to Sunday school "Lord's Army" days, CJ reminds us that God's movement isn't confined to our walls. To be a follower of Christ is to be a soldier in the army of God, and the Church is the vehicle He uses to take ground. In this message on the heels of the Church Unbranded series, we are challenged to stop trading conviction for comfort, step off the bench, and start fighting from victory alongside a community that has our back.  

In Week 5 of our Church Unbranded series, Pastor Matt Piland dives into one of the most famous passages in the entire Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5:13-16. Jesus doesn't tell His disciples to try to become salt and light; He makes definitive identity statements: "You ARE the salt of the earth” and You ARE the light of the world." In this challenging message, Pastor Matt confronts our natural impulse to build our own little territorial kingdoms where we try to remain king, inviting us instead to step out into a decaying and dark society to quietly preserve, heal, and reflect the glory of our Heavenly Father.  

In Week 4 of our Church Unbranded series, Lead Pastor Jason Britt delivers a special Mother's Day message focusing on one of the most powerful identities we possess: being part of the Family of God. While "family" can be a complicated word for many, the gospel offers a new lineage that isn't based on genetics or willpower, but on the grace of Jesus Christ. To follow Christ is to move from being a stranger to being a child with full legal standing, an inheritance, and a massive group of brothers and sisters.  

In the third week of the Church Unbranded series, Lead Pastor Jason Britt explores one of the most intimate and enduring metaphors for the church found in Scripture: The Bride of Christ. In a culture defined by noise, division, and "hollow philosophies," the church is called to be a people who are deeply united. This message pushes us past our Western consumer mindset—where we "go to" or "attend" church like a gym or a grocery store—and invites us into a love story where we are the beloved people Jesus gave His life for.  

In Week 2 of our Church Unbranded series, we are joined by a special guest and close friend of Bethlehem: Pastor Jason Berry from 12Stone Church. As part of this unique partnership between our two churches, Pastor Jason helps us look past the "brand" on the sign and into the biblical heart of what the church actually is. While our culture often views church as a place we go, the New Testament describes it as a people we belong to. Specifically, Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 3 that we together are the Temple. This isn't just a metaphor; it is an earth-shattering reality that shifts how we live, work, and relate to God every single day.

In this opener of our new series, “Church Unbranded,” Lead Pastor Jason Britt introduces a powerful "grounding technique" for the soul. In a world defined by noise pollution, political division, and constant distraction, we often lose sight of the bigness and beauty of what we are a part of. Using the Lord's Prayer as our guide, we discover that the Kingdom of God is not a spiritual metaphor or a "someday" hope—it is a reality happening in the here and now. As citizens of this Kingdom, we are called to be an "outpost of hope" in the middle of a broken world.

In this special standalone message, we are honored to welcome our friend Dave Edwards to Bethlehem Church. In his message, "God Works," Dave explores how God uses the "bitter waters" of our lives to reveal His character and His power. Drawing from the journey of the Israelites in Exodus 15, Dave breaks down how God transitions us from rescue to renewal. We often want to skip the desert, but it's in the dry places that we learn God isn't just a bystander—He is an active worker in our hearts. Using the framework of the five key areas where God is constantly moving, this message will help you identify what He is doing in your life right now. As Philippians 2:13 reminds us, "It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure."

This Easter at Bethlehem Church, Lead Pastor Jason Britt explores the ultimate turning point in human history: the Resurrection. We often view Easter as a beautiful tradition or a commercialized holiday filled with candy and bunnies, but for the first disciples, it was the definitive answer to the heavy, existential questions that define the human experience. The Resurrection doesn't just provide a happy ending; it provides a new beginning by settling the questions of our purpose, our brokenness, and our future. If you've ever wondered if your life has true meaning, why the world feels so broken, or if there is a peace that can actually sustain you in a world of fear, this message is for you. Discover why a "moderate" interest in Christianity isn't an option and how the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead can give life to your mortal body today.

In the week leading up to Easter, we continue our Everyday Disciple series by looking at one of the most infamous names in human history: Judas Iscariot. We often imagine Judas as a visible villain, but the reality is much more unsettling. Judas didn't look like a traitor; he was the trusted treasurer, the straight-laced disciple, and the one the others likely pointed to as a model of stability. In this message, Executive Pastor Matt Piland explores the "slow drift" of Judas. No one—not even Judas himself—starts their journey with Jesus intending to end it in betrayal. Yet, through small compromises, unchecked greed, and a heart that was "near" Jesus but not "with" Him, Judas committed the ultimate crime. Discover how to identify the signs of drifting in your own life and why the greatest sin isn't an act of failure, but a failure to repent.

In Week 2 of our series, Everyday Disciple, Lead Pastor Jason Britt tackles a struggle everyone faces but few Christians want to admit: Doubt. We often label Thomas as "Doubting Thomas," letting one moment of uncertainty define his entire legacy. But the humanity of a disciple shows us that doubt isn't a deal-breaker—it can actually be the doorway to a deeper, more resilient faith. Whether your doubt is born from intellectual questions or, like Thomas, from "disappointed hope" and situational crisis, Jesus isn't intimidated by your uncertainty. He didn't shame Thomas for wanting proof; He provided His scars. Discover why a faith that has never been tested is a faith that can't be trusted, and how bringing your questions to Jesus moves your convictions from the "leaves" of public opinion to the "roots" of core belief.

Welcome to Week 1 of our new series, Everyday Disciple. Most of us wouldn't describe our daily lives as "extraordinary"—they feel routine, predictable, and very ordinary. Yet, the Gospels show us that Jesus didn't scout the religious elite; He called ordinary, everyday people to rearrange their lives around Him. In this kickoff message, Lead Pastor Jason Britt looks at the life of Peter—a man defined by his impulsive passion and his infamous failure. We often think being a disciple means having it all together, but disciples aren't perfect people; they are people who are in training. Whether you are dealing with regrets of action, inaction, or reaction, discover why your worst moment doesn't have to be your defining moment. In the hands of Jesus, regret isn't the end of your story—it's where redemption begins.

It is so much easier to criticize a generation than it is to build one. In this powerful message, guest speaker Clay Scroggins challenges us to move from being critics to "constructors." Looking at the life of Solomon in 2 Chronicles 1, we discover that the greatest gift we can give the next generation isn't better circumstances—it's better capacity. If God gave you a "blank check" and asked what you wanted for the next generation, what would you say? Solomon didn't ask for wealth, fame, or protection; he asked for chokmah—the skill for living. Join us as we explore how to model submission, prioritize skill over status, and introduce the next generation to Jesus, the true and better King who gives wisdom generously to all.

In the conclusion of our series, Familiar Stranger, Lead Pastor Jason Britt looks at the birth of the Church in Acts 2. We often entertain ourselves with the "supernatural" on a screen through movies and shows, yet we often struggle to embrace the supernatural reality of the Holy Spirit in our actual lives. If everything about our salvation is supernatural—from the Virgin Birth to the Resurrection—why would we expect to sustain our Christian walk through natural strength alone? Pastor Jason connects the dots between the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai and the pouring out of the Spirit at Pentecost. While the Law was once written on stone, the Holy Spirit now writes it on our hearts. Being a "Spirit-filled person" isn't about chasing miracles; it's about a life so marked by Jesus that it can only be explained by His power. When we move from "trying" to "trusting," we become the witnesses God called us to be.

In Week 7 of our Familiar Stranger series, Pastor Matt Piland addresses a vital question: How do we actually live out the life God has called us to? Many of us treat our faith like a car loan—believing Jesus made the "down payment" on the cross, but that it's now our job to sustain the monthly payments through sheer willpower and "trying harder." Drawing from Galatians 5, Pastor Matt breaks down the difference between legalism and true freedom in Christ. Following Jesus isn't about a factory-style production of "being good"; it's about a garden-style growth that comes through the Holy Spirit. If you've been feeling spiritually exhausted by your own human effort, this message is a call to stop trying to maintain in the flesh what was only ever meant to be completed by the Holy Spirit.

In Week 6 of our Familiar Stranger series, Pastor Jason Britt addresses a critical but often overlooked reality: the Holy Spirit is not the only spirit at work in our time. In a world saturated with noise, misinformation, and competing "truths," the gift of discernment is more vital for the believer than ever before. Drawing from 1 John 4, this message explores how to "test the spirits" to see whether they are from God. Following Jesus isn't just about rejecting obvious evil; it's about recognizing the subtle replacements, reductions, and reshapings of Jesus that permeate our modern culture. If you've felt overwhelmed by the "spirit of the age," this message will help you find confidence in the Spirit of Truth who dwells within you.

Is the Holy Spirit a "stranger" in your daily walk with Christ? In this powerful message from our Familiar Stranger series, Pastor Jason shares how the Holy Spirit is not just an accessory or an "add-on" to your faith—He is the power that makes faith possible. Using a vivid illustration of a sailor catching the wind, we explore what it means to stay in step with the Spirit and move from "God dwelling with us" to "God residing in us." Whether you are looking for a spiritual breakthrough or a new beginning in Christ, this service will challenge you to stop asking God to bless your plans and start setting your sails to catch His wind. ✨ In this video, you will: • Discover the difference between Old Testament "tasks" and New Testament "residency" of the Spirit. • Understand why the Holy Spirit is the ultimate "advantage" for every believer. • Learn how to stop "quenching" the Spirit and start living from a place of spiritual empowerment. Join the Conversation: Where are you watching from today? Let us know in the comments! If you need prayer or want to take your next step with Jesus, text CHRIST to 97000.

In Week 4 of our Familiar Stranger series, Pastor Jason Britt shifts our focus to the inner strength available through the Holy Spirit. We often treat the Spirit as an optional guest, but Ephesians 3 reminds us that He is the source of our power, intended to dwell in our hearts through faith. Drawing from Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14-19, this message explores what it looks like to be "rooted and grounded" in God's love. It's not just about knowing about God; it's about being filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. If you have felt spiritually depleted or disconnected, this message will help you tap into the "glorious riches" of His strength.   Key takeaways from Week 4: Inner Strength: How the Spirit strengthens your "inner being" to handle outward pressure. The Dwelling: Moving from the Spirit visiting your life to the Spirit residing in your heart. The Dimensions of Love: Grasping the width, length, height, and depth of Christ's love that surpasses knowledge.  

Week 3 of FAMILIAR STRANGER with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that the Spirit of God wants to bring healing to your hurt, so that your healed hurt can bring healing to others who are hurt.

Week 2 of FAMILIAR STRANGER with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that the first and primary characteristic of the Holy Spirit is helper.

Week 1 of FAMILIAR STRANGER with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that living by the Spirit is not a standard you live up to; it's a promise you step into.

January 4th, 2026 with Executive Pastor of Discipleship, Kevin Miller. Pastor Kevin helps us prepare our hearts for 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting.

Week 3 of CHRISTMAS AT BETHLEHEM with 316 Student Pastor Spencer Haynes. Pastor Spencer reminds us that we are called to be unified, humble , and selfless .

Week 2 of CHRISTMAS AT BETHLEHEM with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that the question isn't: “Why does God allow suffering?” It is: “Where is God when it hurts?” And the answer is right beside you.

Week 1 of CHRISTMAS AT BETHLEHEM with Executive Pastor Matt Piland. Pastor Matt reminds us what true hospitality looks like.

Week 3 of SMALL GOD SYNDROME with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that everybody can invite, pray, and share their story with somebody.

Week 2 of SMALL GOD SYNDROME with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that every Christ follower has a story and a sphere of influence.

Week 1 of SMALL GOD SYNDROME with Executive Pastor Matt Piland. Pastor Matt reminds us that our greatest temptation in life is to place ourselves at the center of the story.

Week 4 of THE FIGHT FOR FAMILY with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that generosity isn't an event; it's a lifestyle (obedience).

Week 3 of THE FIGHT FOR FAMILY with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us to not think Jesus THEN all things; think Jesus IN all things.

Week 2 of THE FIGHT FOR FAMILY with our friend, Pastor Kevin Queen. Pastor Kevin reminds us that if you want to build a life of prayer, pick a time. Pick a place. Have a plan.

Week 1 of THE FIGHT FOR FAMILY with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that God never calls us to something He doesn't empower us for.

Week 11 of SAME GOD with Executive Pastor Matt Piland. Pastor Matt reminds us that the gospel is not just the good news that Jesus came; it is the good news that Jesus was always coming!

Week 10 of SAME GOD with Lead Pastor Jason Britt.

Week 9 of SAME GOD with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us of the danger of prosperity.

Week 8 of SAME GOD with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason walks us through 4 realities we all face.

Week 7 of SAME GOD with Executive Pastor Matt Piland. Pastor Matt reminds us that the way we view things determines how we do things.

Week 6 of SAME GOD with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that God wants our dependence, but we like our independence.

Week 5 of SAME GOD with our friend, Pastor Adam Bishop. Pastor Adam reminds us that blessings are waiting for you if you remain faithful in the field.

Week 4 of SAME GOD with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that you can't manipulate with your hands what only God can do by His Spirit.

SAME GOD | WEEK 3 with our friend, Pastor Kevin Myers. Pastor Kevin reminds us of 3 giants we are called to defeat.

Week 2 of SAME GOD with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that Goliath wasn't a goal David set for his life; it was a crisis he walked into and God had prepared him for.

Week 1 of SAME GOD with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that God wants to use YOUR story for HIS glory!