The Journey
God's plan for Bethel Family Christian Church began to unfold on May 3, 1992, when Pastor Steve and Sister Joy Owens held their first "church service" in the living room of their home, with their three sons and one friend. The word spread that Pastor Steve was having "church service" in their home, and the next Sunday 40 people showed up at the Owens' home for "church service." The following Sunday, approximately 75 people were in attendance for "church." It was quite apparent that more space was needed, as God was adding to His church daily. The faithful congregants, secured rental properties to accommodate their Sunday services gatherings for the next three years. To establish their identity,this group of believers adopted the name, "The FamilyChurch."
In 1995, the church's leadership took on the task of locating and securing a permanent location for The Family Church. God directed them to 2217 Wesley Chapel Rd., Decatur, Georgia.
During this time of transition, it was brought to Pastor Steve's attention that there was another church which shared the same name "The Family Church," however, it was a cult. This immediately prompted a name change. On July 15, 1997, Articles oflncorporation were filed with the state of Georgia officially recognizing the body of believers that gathered to worship at 2217 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur,Georgia, as Bethel Family Church.
Under Pastor Steve's leadership, Bethel Family Church continued to grow and flourish as he followed the mandate God had given him. In 2009, Pastor Steve was diagnosed with multiple myoloma. Despite his illness and aggressive treatment, he continued to lead and love the people of God. He often said that God told him, "to finish strong" and that he did!
In August of 2015, God ordained that Pastor Steve Owens and Pastor Walter Dukes would meet for the first time, being orchestrated by a mutual friend and brother in Christ. In December of 2015, Pastor Walt and his family unexpectedly attended Bethel Family Church morning worship service. By personal testimony, they came under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Also, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, a short time later, Pastor Steve asked Pastor Walt to officially join him in pastoring and leading the congregation of Bethel Family Church. After much prayer and discussion, Pastor Walt acquiesced.
On June 12, 2016, Pastor Steve commended to the congregation, Pastor Walt as "the Pastor" of Bethel Family Church. Pastor Walt was inspired to build on Bethel's existing mission statement by including the statement that "Bethel House of God will be a lighthouse for all people." In addition, because the church's identity was not clearly established as a Christian church, Pastor Walt was led by the Lord to add Christian to it's name. The Board and congregation was in unanimous agreement to have the official name become Bethel Family Christian Church; and so we are, a christian church that is a lighthouse for all people.