I attended the North Campus for many years, and was baptized there. There are many kind people following Jesus in this church. They do sound teaching and preaching well from the pulpit. This church was kind to me and my family, and was a good place to learn a lot of good things, but they don't do community particularly well. When I graduated from Seminary and asked for the chance to volunteer and get involved, it was very difficult to earn their trust. There are a lot of good things about this church, and it was a privilege to attend. Unfortunately I was in the membership process for over 2 years and was never able to get through the process. The leadership was very slow and unresponsive in this respect. Ultimately we moved on as God led us. read more

I began attending Bethlehem Baptist Church about 6 months ago. The congregation is diverse: a wide range of ages, people groups, and races attend the church. John Piper has been the lead pastor for 30-plus years, and he will be transitioning out of that role at the end of 2012. Jason Meyer will take over in 2013 as the teaching pastor, and all indications are that Meyer will provide excellent leadership to this congregation for many years to come. While the church is large (multiple campuses throughout the Twin Cities), you will be welcomed in with open arms upon visiting any of the campuses. The downtown campus has a large, wide-open foyer where the congregation socializes before and after church services. For the coffee drinkers and pastry-eaters out there (doesn't that make 99% of us?), you'll be infinitely grateful for the free coffee (replete with Splenda and cream) and freshly-baked pastry items available after the 9 am service on Sunday mornings. The Bible is the core of all teaching and ministry at BBC. In today's postmodern culture, it's refreshing to hear passionate sermons centered on gospel truth. There is no shortage of challenging teaching and real, raw relationships at BBC. Lastly, since the church is so large, I recommend immediately getting involved with a small group. The church website has a great tool to find small groups that fit with your schedule and location in the Twin Cities. read more

I just moved up here with my husband in August and at first we did not know which church to attend, but ironically I was reading a book by Piper and when I read about him I realized how lucky I was. We have been going to Bethlehem ever since and we could not be any happier. Piper is not afraid to make powerful sermons, he says what he is thinking, which is a breath of fresh air for me. Also it is a really accessible church as there are three campuses throughout the Cities. I challenge you to try Bethlehem, you won't be let down. Visit HopeInGod.org if you want to know more. read more

My ex wife and I were members of this church for years. My ex went into adultrey and I notified the church for about 5 years. at least 3 or more pastors knew about the adultery. I notified them again and again over the years. They did nothing. Yes they had a few meetings with her but she never changed and now we are divorced. my ex lied to them and said she was going to another church when she wasn't. They immediately let her out of her membership with no correction even though I notified them she wasn't going to that church and she was still in adultery. In my experience, this church talks talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk. I also noticed that after I posted a comment and rating on their Facebook page that the ratings then disappeared. I've never been under church correction and I have been an Elder at another Church. read more

I'm From Sydney, Australia. One of the main things I love about this Church is Pastor John Piper. His ministry has impacted my life in such a positive way. I pray for Him and This church to continue to impact me and many others into God's Word. much love to Mr Piper and the Church. read more

I've visited this Church many times, usually on Saturday nights and it is one of the most solid Churches I've ever been to. John Piper is the Pastor for Preaching and when he opens up the Bible he always shows me something I've never thought of before, even if it's a passage I'm very familiar with. Very good Church. Very God-Centered, and God-Exalting. read more

Good people. Extremely damaging theology. At Bethlehem Baptist, their policy on women in leadership positions is pretty much "nope." It's incredibly sad to see gifted women fail to be invested in by leaders and mentors at BBC. There are many nearby churches full of the gospel that are much more welcoming and nourishing for Christian women. I respect many leaders at BBC but I cannot encourage anyone to go there. Their teachings on women are simply limiting the gospel. read more

I don't typically "rate" churches. Participating in a local church is not a transactional consumer exchange, where we seek the greatest benefit or experience at the lowest cost. Rather, a local church is a family relationship where we love, serve, and build one another up in Christ. That said, if you're looking for a new local church in Minneapolis - or if you've never been to a church and want to check out Christianity - then I commend Bethlehem to you. I've been a member here for a few years, and these are the things I love most: Gospel-centered theology. At Bethlehem, all of church life centers around the will of God as revealed through His Word, the Bible. We are sinful, fallen humans looking to a perfect, awesome God. Therefore, rather than shape our teachings or our lives after the ever-changing winds of doctrine in the world around us, we hold fast to the unchanging Word. As individuals, when we encounter passages that are difficult or with which we may initially disagree, we're encouraged to wrestle with those passages and allow the Word to re-shape our beliefs and priorities. The alternative - assuming our pre-conceived beliefs are somehow axiomatically true, and therefore twisting or editing the Word to fit what we want it to say - is of course ridiculous and the height of arrogance. The Word is living, powerful, and life-giving, so we look to it and defer to it in all things. Faithful leadership. I've been tremendously blessed by the pastors and elders at Bethlehem. They model Christ in all that they do. They act not with arrogance or condescension, but rather with love and grace. They have a passion for Jesus and for the flock over which He has made them shepherds, and they strive to lead their people well and to follow the Spirit in all things. Bethlehem is only able to flourish because of their faithful, humble, selfless servant leadership. Christ-focused worship. Weekend corporate worship at Bethlehem is never self-focused or world-focused, but rather always Christ-focused. Bethlehem espouses "Christian Hedonism," the belief that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. Therefore, everything in the worship service - the music, the scripture, the prayers, the sermon - points us to Christ. The gospel message always works itself into the worship service, continually reminding us that we're sinful humans incapable of meriting God's favor, yet we're loved by God and adopted into His family through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, and we're therefore called to repentance and righteousness for His glory and for our eternal joy. Discipleship-oriented small groups. When I first came to Bethlehem, it was difficult to get connected, since the church is so large. That's where small groups come in. Small groups at Bethlehem are the main vehicle for "life on life" within the church. They're where we confess sins, speak truth to one another, encourage one another, apply the gospel, pray, and ultimately build discipling relationships within the church. Many of my deepest friendships have been formed through my small group, and participating in a small group is an integral part of church membership at Bethlehem. Missional outreach. We live in the age of the "already but not yet." Christ's victory over sin and death has already been achieved, and we anticipate a glorious kingdom future to come, but that kingdom isn't yet fully here, and we still suffer from the effects of sin. Therefore, one of the chief jobs of the church is to prepare for the kingdom to come by preaching the good news to the lost and by laboring so that the future kingdom might to some extent break through into our present reality. Bethlehem is intentional about equipping missionaries across the globe - as well as regular churchgoers here in Minneapolis - to fulfill the Great Commission by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and making disciples. Bethlehem also labors to pursue ethnic harmony and diversity within our church membership. We long for our local church to reflect Christ's universal church in the age to come, when a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language shall praise the Lord together. And finally, Bethlehem prioritizes social justice in our mercy ministries. The kingdom of Jesus Christ is a kingdom of and for the "small people": the vulnerable, the marginalized, the poor, the oppressed. The haughty have no inheritance with Christ, but the humble He loves and embraces. Therefore, we labor to serve and to champion the marginalized in our society, such as the unborn, those with disabilities, migrants, and those who suffer from racial injustice. Just as Christ came for the least of these, so too do we care for those whom the world often neglects. As you perhaps can tell, I love being a member at Bethlehem. If you're curious who Jesus is and want to meet Him - or if you've known Him for a long time and need a new church home - then come to Bethlehem, and here you shall find Him. read more

This is not a perfect church but they (the leadership and members) want to love God and people the best that they can. Also, the church's commitment to biblical worship, teaching, and ministry will challenge and develop any Christian whose eyes and hearts are open. At the very least, the church is worth the visit. read more

I personally do not attend this church because I am a different denomination but wow, do I love this church! They are SO organized in everything, seriously! Everyone is so friendly, just like true Christ-like people! They make you and your family feel extra welcome which is sometimes an under-looked aspect of a church community. I have been going to their junior high/ senior high retreats and summer camps since around seventh grade! If you have kids that are in junior high or senior high, I seriously recommend you send your kids to one of the retreats or camps! The services are so uplifting, spiritual, and encouraging! The first time I went, I knew NO ONE. I met so many great people and leaders that I wish I could return but unfortunately I am too old. :( LOVE THE PEOPLE. Love the church! read more

I have never been to Bethlehem Baptist but I do attend The Desring God National Conference every year and have read most of John Piper's books and I strongly endorse his ministry. read more

I am really hoping this church continues to preach and reach out to its community. While the music may not have been my preference, it was done well. The preaching was very good. The gospel was presented in a clear and decisive way. Thank you Jason for having a passion for souls. All those good things being said, I was disappointed that no one greeted us from the time we came in until the time we left. If I was an unbeliever I would have felt very unimportant. read more