history

yesterday… beginning as one man's vision for the hurting children of America's prison system, Bethel Bible School began in 1954 with one house at Signal Mountain, Tennessee and six homeless brothers. Prison evangelist Floyd Hipp and his wife Helen took a step of faith to provide these children with food, shelter and an education. Reverend Hipp felt that if he could introduce these children to Jesus Christ, the cycle of crime could be broken in the family, thus Bethel's original motto, "Preventing Crime by Presenting Christ."

Ike Keay was named Executive Director in 1964. During his tenure, Bethel Bible School  experienced tremendous growth. Following God's lead, Bethel was relocated in 1969 from Signal Mountain to Hixson, Tennessee. At this time, Bethel Bible School became Bethel Bible Village.

Bob McFarland served as Executive Director in the 1990s. Bethel continued a tradition of excellence by receiving accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Service for Families and Children. This honor established that nothing less than top quality child care services would be provided.

Under the leadership of Myron Wilkins from February, 2003 until November 2009, Bethel's mission, vision and core values were focused, strengthened and fine-tuned. An extensive amount of strategic planning was accomplished as well as redefining our fundraising efforts and communication pieces that would share the Mission and Vision. A new logo was put forth emphasizing that this ministry is "building Christ-centered lives one child at a time."  

today… while we seek a new Executive Director, Ron Thomas stands in the gap as the Interim Executive Director. Ron has served Bethel for over 26 years in the area of Finance and Community Outreach. Bethel Bible Village serves an average of 50 children annually. The intervention of the staff and special programs offered at Bethel help kids understand they are special and can make it in life. Hope for the future is realized as they are introduced to Jesus Christ and we engage in "building Christ-centered lives...one child at a time."