Bethel AME Church was founded by Rev. Robert W. Rawls, a Flint native who was raised by parents who were among the founders of Vernon Chapel AME-Flint.  The doors of Bethel were open on June 18, 1978 with Rev. Robert W. Rawls as the Pastor. There were 10 members along with his wife Estelle who played the piano. Rev. Rawls worked close with members of Bethel to build the church. The building was once a very small store front, but through faith in the Lord and dedication to His Word Rev. Rawls, and the members began their quest to build this church.  After Rev Rawls retirement, There have been a number of energetic pastors assigned to Bethel who have enthusiastically worked to continue the church’s growth.  The current pastor is Rev. Ansel Robinson.

Rev Ansel Robinson grew up in Tampa Florida.  As a young man, he joined the Coast Guard and was stationed in Muskegon, MI.  He holds a BA in Communications Art from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI.   For 20 years, he has been employed as an educator in the Grand Rapids Public Schools where he works closely with disabled children.  He was ordained in the AME church to itineracy in August 2012 and assigned to lead Bethel AME Flint in October 2015 by then senior AME Bishop, the Right Rev John R Bryant and reassigned by the current Bishop, Rev. John White in August 2016.  Rev. Robinson is married with four children and eight grandchildren.

We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ His only son our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead; and buried. The third day He arose from the dead, He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Church Universal, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen

Pastor Ansel Robinson and First Lady Cynthia Robinson live the vision of Bethel AME.  They encourage the members to follow the wisdom expounded in Acts 28:31 which is to boldly proclaim the Gospel of Christ.  Church officers and members are heartened to evangelize to everyone everywhere at every time.