The Bethel College Story
Bethel Bible Institute (BBI) was founded by Dr. John Mannion in 1996 for the purpose of training missionaries and church leaders.Pastor Ron Johnson, who was a sectional presbyter with the Potomac District, assumed the presidency. By 1997, BBI was approved by the Potomac District of the Assemblies of God as a training institute to provide the educational requirements for credentialing ministers at the certification and licensing level with the Assemblies of God.

In 1998, Rev. Stuart Ross was appointed as director to lead the school for training pastors, evangelists, missionaries, Christian education workers, and lay ministers. Rev. Ross was instrumental in positioning the
school for the training of Hampton Master's Commission students and local pastors.

In 2002, Pastor Ron Johnson appointed Dr. Terry Minter as President of Bethel Bible Institute. Pastor Johnson and Dr. Minter envisioned a four-year college and began the transition from a Bible Institute into a college that awards both bachelor's and associate's degrees. In 2005,Bethel College was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia as a non-profit corporation (501(c)(3)) and was authorized to operate as an
in-state, non-profit college by Virginia. Also in 2005, The Association for Biblical Higher Education, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S.Department of Education, granted applicant status to Bethel College.

In 2006, Bethel College plans to move into a new facility with anew library and several new classrooms to be shared with Bethel Temple Church. It wishes to continue preparing young people for ministry in the Assemblies of God and training church planters.

Location
Bethel College is located on the campus of Bethel Temple Church in Hampton, Virginia. Within miles of Virginia Beach to the east and Colonial Williamsburg to the west, Hampton is a beautiful city with many nearby attractions and all of the urban amenities that accompany a city of 1.5 million. Its natural beauty and great location make Hampton Roads a delightful place to attend college.