Proclaim
Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ locally and globally.
About us
Rooted in Christ. United in love.
A Christ-centered church serving Ethiopian, Eritrean, and wider communities in New York and New Jersey.
Who we are
A church deeply rooted in faith in Jesus and love for God.
Bethel Ethiopian and Eritrean Evangelical Church is a Christ-centered church serving Ethiopian, Eritrean, and wider communities in New York and New Jersey. We are part of the Christian and Missionary Alliance and committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ.
Our church community glorifies God through worship and lives out the Gospel through prayer, preaching, teaching, fellowship, and service.
Our mission
To glorify God by proclaiming Jesus Christ, making disciples, building a loving church family, and serving our communities through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our vision
To see a growing, united, and spiritually mature church family where people encounter Christ, grow in faith, serve with purpose, and impact the world for God’s Kingdom.
Our affiliation
As part of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, we proclaim Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King.
Our commitments
How we live our mission
Disciple
Teach and apply God’s Word and develop spiritually mature believers.
Strengthen
Support families, youth, and future generations.
Equip
Help believers discover and use their God-given gifts.
Unite
Encourage unity among generations and cultures.
Serve
Care for our communities with Christ’s compassion.
What we believe
Statement of faith
1. One God
There is one God, infinitely perfect, existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19)
2. Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is true God and true man. He was born of the Virgin Mary, died for our sins, rose again, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again. (Philippians 2:6–11; 1 Peter 3:18)
3. The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a divine Person who indwells believers, guides them, teaches them, and empowers them. (John 16:13; Acts 1:8)
4. The Bible
The Bible is the inspired and true Word of God. (2 Timothy 3:15–16)
5. The Human Condition
Human beings were created in the image of God but fell into sin. All people can be saved only through Jesus Christ. (Romans 3:23; 1 Corinthians 15:22)
6. Salvation
Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. (Titus 3:5–7)
7. Filling of the Holy Spirit and Sanctification
Every believer is called to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to live a holy life. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
8. Divine Healing
God has provided healing for humanity. Prayer and anointing with oil are biblical expressions of faith. (James 5:13–16)
9. The Church
The Church is the Body of Christ and is called to proclaim the Gospel to the whole world. (Ephesians 1:22–23)
10. Resurrection and Judgment
The righteous will rise to life, and the wicked to judgment. (John 5:28–29)
11. The Second Coming
Jesus Christ will return in glory. This is the blessed hope of believers. (Luke 21:27; Titus 2:11–14)
Our pastor
Pastor Mesfin Tilaye
Pastor Mesfin clearly sensed God’s calling into full-time ministry while in Rome in 1991. Reflecting on Isaiah’s response—“Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?”—he responded, “Here I am, I will go.”
In Rome, he served two years as an elder and another year alongside the senior pastor in teaching, preaching, and church administration. He was ordained and sent into ministry, serving across Italy in Rome, Milan, Turin, Florence, and Bologna.
He moved to the United States in 2002 and served four years as a board member at All Nations International Church in Kansas City, Kansas. In July 2006, he joined Bethel Evangelical Church as the main pastor.
Pastor Mesfin is ordained through the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He is married to Aynalem “Nunu” Demissie, and they have three sons and five grandchildren.