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Rev. Norman Simmons - Senior Pastor

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What a great joy to introduce myself to you.  First, thanks for visiting our web site. God has made it possible for us to become familiar with one another  through the computer,  no matter the distance. That is also the power of prayer.  No matter the distance, God is always near!  Now  a personal word about me:

• Saved at 13 years of age. To God be the glory!  Chapel Hill Baptist Church, Florala. AL
• Ordained as a Deacon at Ferris Hill Baptist Church, February 15, 1970
• Licensed to the Gospel Minisstry, January 31, 1971
• Ordained to the Gospel Ministry,  September 21, 1971
• Associate of Arts Degree, Lurleen B Wallce Junior College, Andalusia, AL June 14, 1972
• Bachelor of Science, Troy State University, June 7, 1974
• Master of Divinity, New Orleans Baptist Seminary, May 14, 1977

My pastorates:

• First Baptist Church, Kinston, AL  1971-1974
• Hays Creek Baptist Church, Franklinton, LA 1974-1977
• Calvary Baptist Church, Tuscumbia, AL 1977-1981
• Hillsboro Heights Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL 1981-1990
• First Baptist Church, Headland, AL 1990-2001
• Highland Avenue Baptist Church, Montgomery, AL  2001-2006
• Bethlehem Baptist Church, 2006-presesnt

I am married to Ruth Kimbro and we have two children, Jeff Simmons and Stephanie Lamm. She is married to Ron Lamm and they have three children: Cassidy, Ryan, and Rydge Lamm. As it is true for you, we also love our children and grandchildren. Praise the Lord they are Christians and active in a local church near their home.

No matter the distance, we are interested in your needs. Please send me any prayer requests, and when you are in our area, come and worship with us. We are a friendly church in the country  growing and lifting up Jesus. May God bless you!  Norman Simmons 

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I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart;  I will tell of all your wonders.  I will be glad and rejoice in you;  I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.  Psalm 9: 1,2

Thank you for your visit!  I am so glad that I have this opportunity to tell you what God is doing and has done in my life.  Let me tell you about myself:

• I was saved July 5, 1970 at Bethlehem Baptist Church. 
• I was married May 12, 1979 to Jimmy Folds and we have two daughters, Emily Folds Waddell and Crisse Folds.
• I have four granddaughters:  Emma, Anna, Sydney and Janie
• I received a BS in Math & Biology Education in 1986 and a MA in Education from Troy State Universtiy in 1995.
• I began teaching high school mathematics in 1986.
• I began leading the music at Bethlehem Baptist Church in 1999.

There are so many talented people that God has drawn to Bethlehem Baptist Church.  I am blessed to be able to work with them.  Through music we are able to worship the one true God Who is Maker of heaven and earth.  He is our Rock and our Fortress and an ever present help in times of trouble.  In January of 2007, my husband, Jimmy, was diagnosed with leukemia.  Two months later God took him home to be with Him.  Our family, that includes my brothers and sisters in Christ at Bethlehem, experienced such sorrow.  I want you to know that God has never left my side.  I am encouraged by 1 Thessalonians 4 that reminds us that one day the Lord Himself will come down, with a loud command, and with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God...And so we will be with the Lord forever.  Until then, I will sing praises unto His name here.   Would you come join me?   

God's mercies are new each morning.  Our music ministry would love to minister to you.  Come be led into worship by our Sanctuary Choir.  The Lord is good.  Come feel the love of Christ at Bethlehem.  

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Andy Bryan - Staff Evangelist

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ANDY BRYAN, STAFF EVANGELIST

Since being saved at the age of 16, Andy has served the Lord through playing the piano for several groups; as an Associate Pastor, Minister of Music and Youth; and most recently traveling full time singing/preaching evangelist. 

God has truly blessed Andy Bryan Ministries and we give "all the Glory to Him."  Andy Bryan Ministries is currently located in Headland, AL.  Andy has held major crusades in Europe, Asia and Central America and the USA.  In 1999 Andy toured Israel and in 2000 hosted a tour himself to Israel.  His first single to Sourthern Gospel Radio charted in the top 70 "If You Died Tonight."  In 1999 the song "He is Here" reached the top 20 in southern Gospel.  As of January 2002 "A Wonderful Life" opened in the charts at #74.  God has blessed Andy with the ability to communicate the Gospel through radio, television, singing, and of course boldly preaching the Word of God without compromise.  Andy's main objective is to edify thechurch, encourage the people who are hurting and help meet their needs through the Word.  In 2002 the ministry saw over 8400 people saved in revival meetings across America.  This information and more can be found on Andy Bryan Ministries website, www.andybryan.com.

In 2009 Andy Bryan has joined the staff of Bethlehem Baptist Church in a part-time capacity of Staff Evangelist.  His duties include evangelism in support of BBC (conducting periodic evangelistic/revival type activities); ministering to the community at-large in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and assisting BBC with reaching this community and others around the world.

Andy Bryan can be reached by phone, email, or at the church office by called 334-693-3000.

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Gary Waddell - Contemporary Service Pastor

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Gary Waddell, Contemporary Service Pastor

Gary Waddell has been designated as the Contemporary Service Pastor for "The Connection" at Bethlehem Baptist Church beginning services on Sunday, April 5, 2009, 11:00.  Gary's duties will include preaching the message for the 11:00 Contemporary service called "The Connection."  He will be the pastor to this group as his time permits.  He will be responsible for the format, the workers to be used (ushers, greeters, parking, etc.,), the announcements, invitations, and the coordination between the traditional and contemporary services.  He will report to the Senior Pastor, Pastor Simmons, on all matters related to the service, membership, visitation, etc.

Gary Waddell comes to BBC with a wealth of experiences to include, pastoring churches, working with missions/mission groups, education--teaching and administration, and other job related pursuits.

Gary's email is listed on this page and his home phone is 334-790-1364. 

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Neil Dodson - Minister of Education

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Welcome! 

As Minister of Education I help design, evaluate, and implement learning opportunites for adults in order to promote ways that believers can grow in their relationship to God.  I believe it is more important to experience a relationship with God that is both personal and real rather than be a part of a religious establishment confined to following rules and going through obligatory motions.  Currently, there are age-grouped classes for members to learn God's word, to encourage one another's faith, and to serve others in ministry. There are studies to draw closer to God and explore deeper truths given by Jesus in order to become the believers God intended for us to be. I would welcome the opportunity to share with you all aspects of our church life studies and show you ways you can get connected in a more meaningful way with the body of Christ. 

Please go to the Info Center tab and click on Neil Dodson's Invitation to hear a personalized message.  Thank you!

Background

Neil was born in Lawton, OK, and moved with his family to Enterprise, AL, in the early 1950's.  He was saved at age 9 in the First Baptist Church, Enterprise, AL.  He was drawn to the Lord at an early age and felt the Lord's hand always on him from that time onward.  One of his favorite guiding verses is found in Philipians 3:14, "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

• He graduated Enterprise High School 1968
• He attended Enterprise Junior College, U of Ala., and Troy State U.
• He holds degrees from Troy U. in Education, Counseling, and Administration
• He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1970 as an Air Traffic Controller and served in Vietnam
• He was employed after service with the Henry County Board of Education as a Psychometrist, Teacher, Principal, Supervisor, and retired in 2001 as Assistant Superintendent
• He enrolled in New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminiary in 2001 and graduated in 2004 with a Masters of Divinity Degree
• He was ordained to the ministry in 2007 at the First Baptist Church, Headland, AL
• He married Sharon in 1992 and they have two beautiful daughters
• He serves with The Christian Leadership Council of Tallahassee, FL a ministry that reaches political leaders for Jesus Christ (www.ChristianLeadershipCouncil.org)
• He was called to BBC in 2008 to serve as Educational Consultant/minister

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Bro. Josh Parker - Youth Minister

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Hello!

I would like to say thank you for all of the prayers and support that you all have shown me as we begin our new youth program here at Bethlehem . Amy and I are extremely appreciative of all that you have done for us in such a short time. I have had the opportunity to talk to Bro. Norman and he has shared some of his visions with me and I am so excited about what is going on here at our church.  

It is such a blessing to be a part of this wonderful church family. I speak for both Amy and myself when I say that we are amazed at the sweet spirit that surrounds Bethlehem. The student ministry is off to a wonderful start and it is all because of the Lord's guidance and your support. 

Before accepting the call as minister of students here at Bethlehem I was able to be used by the Lord in various other places and ministries.  I am certain that all of those experiences have prepared me for the task that awaits me as Bethlehem's Student Minister.  I cannot tell you how excited I am to work along side such a wonderful staff and to have the full support of such an amazing church.  May God bless you and your families. 

If there is ever any way that I may serve you, never hesitate to ask.

In His Service,

Josh Parker

* Saved by the Lord's Divine Grace in 1993 - Praise God! 

* Called into the ministry at the age of 15

* Accepted the call into the ministry in 2006

* Began college in the fall of 2006 at the Baptist College of Florida

* Served at Providence Baptist Church in 2006 as volunteer youth leader and church maintance worker

* Served at St. Paul Mission Church in 2007 as Minister of Music

* Served at Hodgesville Baptist Church in 2008 as Minister of Youth 

“and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

(Col. 3:17)