OUr History
Committed to reaching our community with The Hope of the nations
Our story
Bethel was founded in 1994 when a number of families from the Jenison, MI area organized with a desire to faithfully worship and serve the Lord. Since that time, many changes have taken place in the ministry but the commitment to be faithful to the truth of God’s Word has remained constant. This is all due to the Lord’s continued grace and mercy to prosper this work under the leadership of faithful pastors, elders and deacons.
Our church family is made up of many different ages, backgrounds and abilities. Nevertheless, our unity is found in Jesus Christ, whose love transcends age, overcomes ethnic differences and holds all His people in the bond of His peace.
Our desire is to be a faithful expression of the living truth of Jesus Christ so that we can live out our faith as a community of his people, and be His servants in the broader community of Western Michigan.
As a congregation, we are very much a work in progress and welcome anyone else who is broken and looking to be made whole through the power of Christ’s grace. Christ announces in John 4:23, that the Father is seeking such to worship Him. Perhaps that might be you?
If Bethel Church can help you answer that question in any way, please make use of the information on this site and contact us or visit us. May the Lord who delights in mercy, richly bless you in His love.
our pastors
Pastor of Preaching and Teaching:
Pastor Wm. Jason Tuinstra is a native of Jenison, MI, having grown up right across the street from Bethel on Maplewood dr. He entered the ministry in 1998 as a graduate from Mid-America Reformed Seminary and has served churches in Indiana and California. He joined the ministry of Bethel in 2009 and serves as the main preaching pastor along with other teaching responsibilities. He has been married since 1992 to his wife Jody and has five children, two of whom are married, and has three grandchildren.
Pastor of Congregational Life:
Pastor Steve Postma entered the ministry in 2006 as a graduate from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. This came after leaving a full-time career as a tool-and-die maker in Grand Rapids. After serving the Eastmanville URC, he joined the ministry of Bethel URC in 2012. He is tasked with serving the congregation’s needs in discipleship, the promotion of church fellowship, and has been trained in Christian Counseling. He has been married to his wife Melissa since 1996 and are blessed with two children.