Who We Are
Our congregation (originally named West Oak Lane Church of God) was founded by the late Rev. Dr. Horace W. Sheppard, Sr. in 1970. He along with his wife Peggy, and a few dozen committed followers started from humble beginnings, but the congregation grew over the years drawing many from all over Philadelphia, as well as surrounding counties.
Pastor Sheppard, Sr. served his members with genuine care, humility, and love. He served his church family faithfully, leading thousands to Christ during His pastorate. He retired in 1998 and was succeeded by his oldest son, Pastor Horace W. Sheppard, Jr.
Pastor Sheppard Jr. is a dynamic preacher in his own right, picking up right where his father left off. He too led our congregation (which is now Bethesda Christian Fellowship Church of God) faithfully for 26 years. He along with his wife, Pastor Linda, have both been sources of inspiration for pastors and their wives across the country. In June of 2024, Pastor Horace Sheppard, Jr. retired from pastoring, but is still a sought-after speaker and mentor for many men and women in the ministry.
On July 1, 2024, Pastor Kenneth Sheppard (youngest son of Horace Sheppard, Sr.) became the senior pastor of Bethesda Christian Fellowship. Pastor Kenny as he is affectionally called, along with his wife, Lady Val are excited and humbled by this assignment and are committed to sharing the gospel, serving, and loving people.
Bethesda Christian Fellowship is dedicated to spreading hope and facilitating healing for all through the love of Jesus Christ. We strive to create a welcoming environment through genuine worship, praise, prayer, and a timely word from God. We want to help you know, love, and follow Jesus for the rest of your life.
We would love an opportunity to meet you and get to know you. Feel free to stop by for a visit anytime. Here are Bethesda, you are always welcome! You will find that we are not just another church, we are truly a family.
Vision
Our vision is to be a covenant community of Christian believers, living and sharing the God intended life.
We purpose to discover, develop and use our spiritual gifts and natural abilities for service in the church and the world.
We intend to be agents of reconciliation and restoration for our families, our communities and our circles of influence.
We commit ourselves to Small Group Ministry so that we can multiply and extend ourselves and our efforts beyond our
congregational gatherings in order to have influence and impact
throughout the Philadelphia and surrounding regions with the message of
the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Mission
"To bring people to faith and discipleship in Jesus Christ."