Our Mission
Connect. Grow. Serve.
Bethel, an ELCA congregation, believes that God is at work in our life together to transform and renew the world by making disciples of Jesus.
Bethel Lutheran Church is a place for all people to CONNECT with others, to intentionally GROW their faith, and in turn, to put our faith into action and SERVE others as Jesus directs us.
Bethel Lutheran Church is a place for all people to CONNECT with others, to intentionally GROW their faith, and in turn, to put our faith into action and SERVE others as Jesus directs us
Our History
The Bethel Norwegian Lutheran Congregation in Hudson, Wisconsin, was established in 1873 by Norwegian immigrant families and evolved from occasional mission services to a structured church with a building, constitution, and active societies like the Kvindeforening and Lutheran Brotherhood. Over the years, several pastors guided its growth, language transition from Norwegian to English, and organizational development, culminating in a thriving English-speaking congregation by 1948 under Pastor Oscar Thompson.
From mid to late 1900s, Bethel Lutheran Church expanded its facilities, programs, and membership significantly, including building a new sanctuary in 1959, adding a parish house, acquiring a pipe organ, and undertaking major renovations in 1988 to accommodate growth. The congregation fostered strong community involvement through youth programs, global missions, musical ministry, and the contributions of women, including the 1990 call of Pastor Karen Johnson, Bethel’s first female pastor.
In 1998, Bethel celebrated its 125th anniversary and continued to grow in membership, outreach, and global mission, notably launching a second campus—Bethel Highlands—in 2007 and starting a thriving preschool. Under the leadership of pastors like Dennis Nelson, Joanne Sorenson, and Kari Burke-Romerheim, the church expanded youth programs, global partnerships in Tanzania and Jamaica, and local service initiatives, while navigating pastoral transitions and affirming its identity as a vibrant, multi-campus congregation rooted in heritage and hope.
In recent years, the church continued to thrive through transitions in pastoral leadership, expanding ministries, and facility improvements, including enhancements at both campuses and the creation of the Engedi Room and Memorial Wall. The church adapted creatively during the COVID-19 pandemic with livestreamed worship, virtual gatherings, and strong congregational support that maintained financial stability and connection. Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2023 with over 2,400 members, Bethel remains a vibrant, community-focused congregation committed to its mission to "Connect. Grow. Serve.
About Martin Luther
Martin Luther and the Reformation
Martin Luther, a German theologian, ignited the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. In 1517, he challenged the authority of the Catholic Church by posting his 95 Theses, particularly criticizing the sale of indulgences. This bold act, along with his theological writings, sparked a major schism within Western Christianity and led to the emergence of Protestantism.
Learn More about Luther and the Reformation
Early Life and Education
- Born in 1483 in Eisleben, Germany, Luther grew up in a middle-class family. His father, Hans, was a successful miner who hoped Martin would become a lawyer.
- He initially studied law before becoming an Augustinian friar.
- He served as a professor of theology at the University of Wittenberg, where his deep study of Scripture led him to question several church doctrines and practices.
The Reformation
In 1517, Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church, challenging the sale of indulgences and other abuses within the Church.
His writings, including *On Christian Liberty* and *The Freedom of a Christian*, emphasized three core beliefs:
- Salvation by faith alone (sola fide) – People are saved not by good works or church rituals, but by trusting in God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
- The Bible as the ultimate authority (sola scriptura) – Scripture, not church tradition or papal authority, is the final and highest authority in matters of faith and life.
- The priesthood of all believers – Every Christian has direct access to God through Christ and is called to serve; no priest or religious leader is needed as a mediator.
Luther also translated the Bible into German, making Scripture accessible to ordinary people and helping to shape the German language.
Conflict and Legacy
- Luther was excommunicated by the Catholic Church in 1521 and declared an outlaw at the Diet of Worms. However, he found protection among supportive German princes.
- He continued to write, preach, and organize reforms, laying the foundation for Lutheranism—the first major Protestant denomination.
- Luther’s teachings permanently changed the religious landscape of Europe, leading to the rise of many other Protestant traditions and reshaping Western Christianity.