About us
Welcome to Bethel Apostolic Church, Our chief aim is to glorify our Savior, even Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us that: He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. We should show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. We may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke.
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In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom we shine as lights in the world. Holding forth the Word of Life, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death; to guide their feet into the way of peace. (See Acts2:38, Titus 2:13, 14; I Peter 2:9; Philippians 2:15, 16; Luke 1:79).
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The Authority and Power of the Bible
We affirm the divine inspiration, truthfulness, and authority of both Old and New Testament Scriptures in their entirety as the only written word of God, without error in all that it affirms, and the only infallible rule of faith and practice. We also affirm the power of God's word to accomplish his purpose of salvation. The message of the Bible is addressed to all men and women. For God's revelation in Christ and in Scripture is unchangeable. Through it, the Holy Spirit still speaks today. He illuminates the minds of God's people in every culture to perceive its truth freshly through their own eyes and thus discloses to the whole Church ever more of the many-colored wisdom of God. (II Tim. 3:16; II Pet. 1:21; John 10:35; Isa. 55:11; 1 Cor. 1:21; Rom. 1:16, Matt. 5:17,18; Jude 3; Eph. 1:17,18; 3:10,18)
Our Historic Church
Bethel Temple Holiness Church now known as Bethel Apostolic Church began with worship services being held at the homes of those who were a part of establishing the early days of the church. Bethel erected a building in 1950, spearheaded by Bishop Ellington Forbes from Nassau Bahamas. In the early 1950’s, Bishop Forbes became the first Pastor of Bethel with the church located in Reynolds, Georgia. Bishop Forbes traveled between Nassau, Bahamas, Detroit Michigan, and Reynolds, Georgia, establishing churches in these areas along with Bishop David Ellis, and Pastor Nettie Lee (Hicks) Holston. During his travels, he placed Mother Holston as a leader of the church. In 1959 he installed Mother Holston as Pastor. She served faithfully and dedicated her life to serving God, the communities of Reynolds and surrounding areas until her earthly departure on May 25, 1985.
After Mother Holston’s transition, Elder Ray McWilliams, the church’s assistant pastor, became the lead pastor of the church. In the late 1980’s, Elder McWilliams departed Bethel. Bishop David Ellis, Pastor of Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, Michigan and Diocesan Bishop of the 30th Episcopal District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., appointed District Elder Lurander Hudson as Pastor in April of 1990. District Elder Hudson served Bethel Temple faithfully until he became ill. He transitioned on December 13, 2021.
In May 2022, Bishop J.D. Guthrie, Diocesan of the 30th Episcopal District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. appointed Elder Clifford Gordon to serve as interim pastor of Bethel. On August 27, 2022, Elder Gordon was installed as the church’s pastor.
Our Pastor
Pastor Clifford Gordon
Pastor Cliff Gordon is a native of Atlanta, GA. He is married to Attorney Valerie Gordon, and they are the parents of four beautiful children: Kennedi, Christopher, William, and Jason (deceased 2011).
Pastor Cliff earned Associate and Bachelor of Applied Science Degrees from Clayton State University. He also holds a Master’s degree in Leadership Studies from Beulah Heights University and a Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of West Georgia. Pastor Cliff is also a veteran of the United States Army.
Pastor Cliff is currently employed as an IT Applications Manager of Corporate Financial Systems and has worked in this field for more than 25 years.
For decades, Pastor Cliff has yielded his time in service to the Lord. As an Associate Minister at Emmanuel Temple in Atlanta, Pastor Cliff was the leader of the Ministerial Alliance, Christian Education instructor, Bible Study instructor, and preached regularly on Sundays. Pastor Cliff also served as Associate Minister at House of Prayer #2 in Marietta, GA.
Most recently, Pastor Cliff has been appointed by God to lead Bethel Apostolic Church in Reynolds, Ga., where he serves as Senior Pastor of a growing assembly. Pastor Cliff holds ordained ministerial credentials with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (P.A.W.) Inc. and is currently appointed to serve on its Budget and Finance Committee and Treasury Staff. Pastor Cliff also served the Georgia State Council, of the PAW, for 15 years as its General Treasurer and Assistant General Treasurer.
Although Pastor Cliff has been blessed to achieve many personal, educational, and ministerial accomplishments, his most significant achievement to date is being a born-again member of the Kingdom of God. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:14. 1 John 3:2, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
Our first lady
Lady Valerie Gordon
Valerie Gordon is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. She is the eldest of three daughters born to Elder Thomas and Mrs. Ellen Ponder. She is a third-generation apostolic believer and comes from a family of pastors and preachers.
Valerie holds degrees from Spelman College and University of Western Michigan - Thomas Cooley Law School. She is a member of the State Bar of Georgia. For several years, she served as the Juvenile Public Defender for Douglas County overseeing the Juvenile Public Defenders Office. She currently serves as Assistant General Counsel at the Georgia Department of Corrections.
For over 30 years Valerie served faithfully under the leadership of Suffragan Bishop Calvin L. McDaniel, Sr. at Emmanuel Temple of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. in Atlanta. She worked in various leadership capacities such as Assistant Secretary to the Pastor, Event Planner, Youth President, Minister of Music and Vice-President of the Women’s Auxiliary. Valerie served under the leadership of District Elder Ricky A. Wise, Sr. at House of Prayer # 2 in Marietta for 6 years where she directed the children’s ministry and served as an associate minister. Valerie currently serves alongside her husband, Pastor Cliff Gordon at Bethel Apostolic Church in Reynolds, Ga.
She is a member of the Georgia State Council of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., and has held leadership roles within the Council such as GSCYPU Christian Education Director, GSCYPU Public Relations Coordinator and Assistant Treasurer to the Georgia State Council Christian Women’s Auxiliary. Valerie was recently appointed to serve as the President of the Georgia State Council Christian Women’s Auxiliary.
Valerie has a passion to help people from all walks of life. It is her desire to see people reach their maximum potential in God. Her purpose in ministry is to push individuals to activate the gifts, the power, and the purpose that God has placed within.
Valerie and Pastor Cliff have been married for 17 years and have been blessed with four beautiful children - Kennedi Elise, Christopher James, William Chase and Jason Ellis (deceased).