The Church's History, 1980-present

Paster John Piper

In 1980, Bethlehem Baptist Church selected a professor of Biblical Studies named John Piper to lead the church. When Pastor John Piper arrived at Bethlehem Baptist church, there were 462 people attending services on average. In 2009 there were 4,520 people attending services on average, nearly a 1000% growth rate.¹

Pastor John served as senior pastor at Bethlehem for 33 years. His official title was “Pastor for Preaching and Vision,” and he was considered the head Pastor of the church. Born in Tennessee and raised in South Carolina, John Piper is the son of an evangelist. Pastor John is known nationally and internationally for his writings. He is the author of over 40 books, the most famous of which, Desiring God, brought Pastor John international acclaim in the 1980s. 

Pastor John’s parishioners were quick to praise him during his time as pastor. One parishioner lauded Pastor John because he wears simple clothes, lives in a modest house, and drives a modest car despite his fame. Pastor John is now retired from his role as senior pastor, but, as of 2024, continues to preach at Bethlehem Baptist. 

As of 2024, the church has five lead pastors. Kenny Stokes is the current Pastor for Preaching and Vision, filling the role vacated by Pastor John.   

Paster John Piper leading his congregation.

In 1991, Bethlehem Baptist built the building that it occupies as of 2024.² This area of Minneapolis is full of parking lots for the U.S. Bank Stadium, which is located only a few blocks away. Also nearby is the Hennepin County Medical Center, and across the street are several apartment buildings that mark the beginning of a predominantly Somali American neighborhood.

In 2005, the congregation built the North Campus in Mounds View, and in 2006, the South Campus in Lakeville. Initially, the church remained split in this manner, with the same pastors working between the three campuses. In 2020, the model changed, with different pastors preaching at each campus. In 2022 and 2023, the North and South campuses became The North Church and South Cities Church respectively as independent churches.³ The churches are still connected to Bethlehem's downtown location but operate independently.