ABOUT US
At Bethany SDA Church, we are a Christ-centered community committed to worship, fellowship, and service. As the House of Hospitality, we strive to create a warm and welcoming space where everyone can grow in faith and experience God’s love. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have been part of our church family for years, you belong here.
OUR VISION
To be a church that reaches up in worship, reaches out in service, and reaches in to nurture faith—reflecting Christ’s love in all we do.
WHAT WE DO
At Bethany, we are dedicated to worship, service, and spiritual growth. Through uplifting worship, meaningful ministries, and community outreach, we strive to share God’s love and make a positive impact in the lives of others.
OUR COMMUNITY
We are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where people can connect, grow, and find encouragement. Through outreach, fellowship, and service, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us.
MEET OUR PASTOR
Fred Batten, Jr graduated from Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, TN. He completed a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro in 1994. Pastor Batten graduated from Vanderbilt University’s Divinity School in 1998 with a Master of Theological Studies. In 2015, he received a Doctor of Ministry degree in Urban Ministry from Andrews University.
Since entering the ministry in 2000, he served seven churches in the South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventists until August 2019, when he was installed as the pastor of the Mount Olivet Seventh-day Adventist Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL, in the Southeastern Conference. He returned to the South Central Conference in June 2023 to serve as senior pastor of the Bethany congregation in Montgomery, AL.
Pastor Batten received a Certification in Leadership from the John Maxwell Team. He is the author of a devotional book inspired by his grandfather, entitled “Wisdom: From Generation to Generation.” Additionally, Pastor Batten increased his capacity to share sympathy and empathy by serving as a hospice chaplain.
He is an advocate for those in the community who need a helping hand. Throughout his ministry, he has worked diligently in the communities of the churches he has pastored. For the last several years, except for 2020, Pastor Batten has partnered with an organization named Remote Area Medical (RAM) to arrange pop-up clinics to serve those who do not have health insurance or do not have enough insurance. RAM clinics provide Vision, Dental, and General medical care.
Besides preaching and teaching the Good News, the Everlasting Gospel, this is who Dr. Fred Batten, Jr is. He is a servant who understands that he is his brother’s keeper, and he encourages and motivates others to do the same. In his spare time, Pastor Batten loves reading, he also enjoys old westerns on TV. He is passionate about basketball, tennis, and helping others come to know Jesus. He is happily married to his lovely wife, Denise. From their union, God has blessed them with two adult daughters, Amber, who is a Nurse, and Brandi, a Counselor.
To God be the glory. Great things He continues to do through Dr. Fred Batten, Jr.