About Bethel
Founded in 1903, Bethel has been a major part of fabric of the Madison community. It is standing strong; providing outreach to those in need, spiritual guidance, and community engagement.
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What We Believe
What we believe is summed up in the Apostle's Creed:
We believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
WELCOME
Welcome to Bethel! We are thrilled to have you here, and we want you to know that you are loved—by us and by God. Our mission is to share that love with everyone, and we genuinely pray for everyone who walks through our doors or connects online. Together, let’s fulfill God’s calling to embrace and uplift one another.
WHAT TO EXPECT
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Sunday worship services that last about 90 minutes​
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Business, Business Casual, and Casual dress. Do you!
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Heavy focus on the Bible (Yep! We're Christians)
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A passion to fellowship and serve the less fortunate
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A place to grow that has something for all ages.
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Holistic ministries. We don't want to just support your spiritual growth. We offer finance, relationship, and mental wellness classes also.
VALUES
God asked us to help people! So, through prayer, worship, bible study, service, and fellowship, we are:
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Family Oriented
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Community Minded
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Love Motivated
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Christ Centered
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
We would love to walk with you on your faith journey.​ Simply complete the Connection Card and we'll follow up with you. We thank God for you. ​Welcome!
ABOUT OUR PASTOR
Rev. Damon Mitchell is an awesome leader, pastor, conference leader, and gifted songwriter/artist. Rev. Damon is an ordained Itinerant Elder in the AME Church. He has served as pastor of St. Luke AME Church in East St. Louis and St. Paul AME Church in Springfield, Illinois. ​
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Rev. Damon served was appointed to the pastorate of Bethel AME Church in Madison, Illinois in August 2025. Bethel is not a stranger to Rev. Mitchell as it is his home church where he served as Altar Boy, Musician, Sunday School teacher, and Choir President. He's also served the AME Church in many roles throughout the Illinois Conference.
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Rev. Mitchell boasts an impressive corporate background having been a Regional Training Director for Barnes & Noble for nearly 20 years. Rev. Damon went on to become the Director of Business Operations for Maryville University and Development Director for its non-profit programs.
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Rev. Damon Mitchell holds an Associate of Arts degree in Secondary Education, from Southwestern Illinois College; a Bachelor of Science in Education & Development from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; MBA from Lindenwood University; Master of Divinity from Regent University, and a Data Analytics certificate from Cornell University.
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Rev. Damon has released two gospel albums: Blessed and Soundtrack. He’s been blessed to M.C. concerts for Richard Smallwood and Marvin Sapp and opened for Maurette Brown-Clark, Kierra Sheard, Erica Campbell, and Ms. Anita Wilson. Rev. Mitchell is wonderfully married to his best friend Tamika and is the proud father of Gabrielle (College Student) and Gavin (High School).
