About Us

Who we are

Star Bethel Baptist Church is a Missionary Baptist congregation at 331 County Road 890 in Etowah, Tennessee. The church was founded as Star Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, and that is still who we are: a people sent on mission, with the Gospel at the centre.

We are a small church family. Most Sundays you'll find about twenty of us, from our thirties to our eighties. Some have worshipped here for most of their lives. We'd love for you to be one of the next.

Our story

Star Bethel has been a place of prayer in this community for generations. Our previous pastor shepherded this congregation faithfully for twenty-four years. His long ministry is a large part of who we are, and we give thanks to God for it.

In 2026 the church called Pastor Marvin Parks. He brings twenty years of pastoral experience in Michigan back home to Tennessee. Under his leadership we are beginning a new chapter: the same Gospel, with more room at the table.

Our vision: making disciples

Pastor Parks' first goal for Star Bethel is discipleship. That means teaching the basics of Bible doctrine, spreading the good news of Jesus, and helping one another grow as His followers. It is the work Jesus gave His church: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations … teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19–20).

That work starts at home. Our first mission field is right here in Etowah and McMinn County: our neighbours, people who have been away from church for a while, and anyone who has not yet heard the gospel. From there we want to reach further, including online, so that members who are homebound and friends and family who live out of state can grow with us too.

Much of that teaching happens in Sunday Bible study, from 12:30 to 1:15 PM, right after the morning service. Stay after worship and join us.

Our name and our star

The yellow star in our logo stands for Jesus. He calls Himself "the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star" (Revelation 22:16). We set the star beside the cross because the light we follow comes from His sacrifice. That's why we say Star Bethel is the place where Jesus is the Star.

What we believe

• The Bible is the inspired Word of God and our guide for faith and life.
• Salvation is by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
• Baptism by immersion follows a believer's profession of faith, and we gather at the Lord's Supper in remembrance of Him.
• The Great Commission belongs to every believer: go, make disciples, and care for your neighbour.

Our association

Star Bethel is a member of the Loudon District Association, a fellowship of Missionary Baptist churches in East Tennessee stretching from Lenoir City to Cleveland. Together we support missions, education and one another.

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