Bethel Seminary offers students a unique opportunity to train for ministry through two different programs of study. These programs are designed to help a student learn while still serving in their local church.

History of Bethel Seminary

            In the pages of history of the Unified Pentecostal Local Churches International, Incorporated lies the story of a dream or vision which came into fruition, flourished, seemed to have almost faded away, but because of the wonderful work of the Holy Spirit, was not allowed to die. Bethel, House of God, and Gate To Heaven, lives on.

            With the birth of the UPLC in 1935, Rev. Arnulfo Lopez, General President, had a dream of a Bible school, to train Students of the Word. In 1969, for the first time, the UPLC, acquired 10 acres of property. This birthed the dream of actually opening up a Bible school, for this property had buildings that could be used for this purpose.

            A young pastor-preacher-evangelist, an avid student of the Bible,  a visionary-Rev. Carlos Fuentes Jr., came before the Board of Trustees who were under the leadership of Rev. John Carmona, and the approval to begin a school to train students of the Bible was initiated. In the fall of 1970, this dream became a reality as 22 students were enrolled for the first semester.

            After 23 years of training students in Spanish the Bible Institute closed its doors.  During that time UPLCII established training programs through Logos Bible College, and several churches established local Bible Institutes.  However in 2007 the vision of a UPLCII Bible Institute began to bloom once again.  After the board of Trustees approved a plan presented by Rev. C. Isaac De Los Santos, the Bible Institute opened once again as the Bethel Summer School of Ministry.

            In the summer of 2016 the UPLCII Convention adopted to plan to establish the UPLCII Commission of Higher Education.  This plan created an avenue of the establishment of accrediting standards within UPLCII Higher Education, and the planting of new Bible Institutes.  That same summer the Bethel Bible Institute was recognized by the 81^st Convention of UPLCII as Bethel Seminary, and is now offering degree programs from the Certification to Doctorate. 

CREED

“I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; descended into hell; on the third day He resurrected from the dead, ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, from whence He will come to judge the living and the dead.  I believe in the person of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Universal Church, the communion of the saints, the resurrection of the dead and in eternal life.”

Amen.

Bethel Seminary Distinctives

            Since its inception in 1970 the heart of Bethel has been the equipping of men and women of effective ministry through an emphasis on the Word of God.  With that in mind a student of Bethel will study each book of the Bible before receiving their Diploma, as well as a study every major branch of Bible Doctrine.  The following are the five core values of the Seminary which are emphasized in every course.

Authority of Scripture

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16

The Centrality of Christ

For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your

bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.  2 Corinthians 4:5

Life in the Spirit

“…but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”  Acts 1:8

Servant Leadership

“It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”  Matthew 20:26-28

Mission Theology

The Mission of God is the Glory of God!  “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Accreditation, Authorization, and Recognition

Bethel Seminary is licensed to administer courses by the Commission of Theological Institutions, under the authority of Unified Pentecostal Local Churches Int. Inc.

Bethel Seminary is NOT accredited by the United States Department of Education Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) approved accrediting agency.

Notice of Non-Discriminatory Policy
Bethel Seminary admits students of any race, color, gender, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school administered programs.