Vrije Baptistengemeente Bethel, Baptist church building in Drachten, Netherlands.
The Vrije Baptistengemeente Bethel serves as a large religious community center that accommodates approximately 3,000 seats and hosts multiple services throughout the week for local worshippers.
Founded in 1921 by evangelist Sjoerd Veltman who initially built a small church on Vogelzang street, the congregation has grown from 50 members during World War II to over 3,000 members today.
The church emphasizes baptism by immersion, Holy Spirit baptism, and communion celebrations while maintaining strong community bonds through house groups, bible studies, and intergenerational fellowship programs for all ages.
Sunday services are held at 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, and in the evening, with childcare available for infants through age 12, special youth services called X-Stream, and monthly Radical services for young adults.
This congregation has instrumentally established independent churches in nearby cities including Groningen, Dokkum, and Leeuwarden, extending its religious influence throughout the Friesland region and beyond local boundaries.
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