Bethel Church Makes Major Move Into Australia As Ben And Jo Wilson Are Commissioned To Lead Bethel Melbourne

Bethel Church is taking its global ministry to a new level-and Australia is about to become part of the expanding vision.

During the opening of its Vision Sundays, the influential California church commissioned Ben and Jo Wilson, together with their family, to lead Bethel Melbourne. The new ministry is being described as an Australian expression of the wider Bethel family, bringing the church's emphasis on God's presence, revival and supernatural ministry to one of the country's largest cities.

The Wilson family was publicly prayed over and sent out during an emotional commissioning service. Bethel made it clear that the move is about far more than opening another building or adding a new name to its international network.

"What God does within the four walls of the Church is vital, but it was never meant to stay contained within a building," the church declared. "It's meant to be exported!"

Bethel believes Christians are called to carry the presence of God into homes, cities, nations and every sphere of society. The launch of Bethel Melbourne represents that conviction becoming a visible reality thousands of miles away from the church's home base in Redding, California.

However, Australia was not the only destination highlighted during the service. Bethel also prayed over more than 30 people preparing to travel through its World Race initiative to the 10/40 Window, a region containing many of the world's communities with little or no access to the gospel.

The double commissioning offered a striking picture of Bethel's next chapter: one family being sent to establish a new ministry in Melbourne while dozens of missionaries prepare to carry the message of Jesus into some of the world's least-reached areas.

Hayley Braun reminded the congregation that overseas ministry is not reserved for pastors, missionaries or prominent leaders. Every believer, she stressed, has a role in seeking God's heart and partnering with Him to bring His Kingdom into homes, communities and nations.

"This is who we are: a people who encounter God, say yes to Him, and go wherever He leads," Bethel stated.

Further information about Bethel Melbourne, including its meeting location, launch schedule and leadership plans, has yet to be detailed in the announcement. Nevertheless, the commissioning confirms that Bethel's much-discussed ministry is preparing to establish a new and potentially influential presence in Australia.