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The Bethany Story

Bethany is a missions training and sending organization dedicated to mobilizing disciples of Jesus worldwide to increase God’s Kingdom. 

Who
We Are

Bethany exists to share the Gospel with those who have never heard the Good News— Taking the Church to Where it’s Not.

This calling began more than 75 years ago, when five families pooled their resources to start Bethany with one goal: send 100 missionaries to make Jesus known in the nations. Since then, Bethany has pioneered a train-send-partner model for world missions.

Who
We Are

Bethany exists to take the Church to where it’s not.

This calling began more than 75 years ago, when five families pooled their resources to start Bethany with one goal: send 100 missionaries to make Jesus known in the nations. Since then, Bethany has pioneered a train-send-partner model for world missions.

LEARN ABOUT OUR training
LEARN ABOUT OUR SENDING AGENCY
LEARN ABOUT OUR PARTNERSHIPS

A FIRM FOUNDATION

Our founding families’ vision in 1945 inspired a legacy of obedience to follow God’s calling for generations to come.

“No matter who we are, we are called to be workers together with God in His great program of rescue and recovery – the evangelization of the world.”

Ted Hegre, Bethany Founder

BETHANY HOUSE

Bethany got its start when the founding families sold their homes, pooled their resources, and purchased a large 30-room home in Minneapolis: the Bethany House.  They chose the name “Bethany” because it was a place of rest where Jesus would retreat to with his disciples. The purpose of this community life was to reduce expenses and allow more resources to be allocated to trainng missionaries. In 1946, the families outgrew the house and purchased a large farm property in Bloomington, Minnesota. Since 1948, Bethany’s base of operations and Bethany Global University have remained on this same campus. 

OUR BEGINNINGS

Bethany’s primary source of funding through the years has been through business ventures including producing lefse and pancake griddles, camping trailers, wooden toys, and book publishing. Bethany House Publishing, a primary source of income for many years, was sold in 2003. The production of these goods funded the community, the mission college, and supported missionaries. Today, a work-study program as well as donations from individuals, foundations, and churches support Bethany’s training, sending, and partnering efforts.

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS

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