The first gathering of what was to become Bethel Christian Fellowship took place in the home of Elder Leroy and Diane Miles in Temple Hills, Maryland, on July 13, 1996.  Minister Ronald W. Miles had accepted a speaking engagement and asked a few friends and family members to accompany him in the form of a choir.  From this meeting, a choir was formed and a ministry birthed.  This choir of about 29, later became the Voices of Christian Fellowship, and grew to approximately 50 members.

Inspired by the Holy Spirit and encouraged by Bishop Gilbert Coleman, Jr. Minister Miles started a bible study in the basement of his home in Ft Washington, Maryland on July 24, 1996.  There were at least 30 people in attendance.

Ephesians 4: 1-12

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets,

and some, evangelist; and some, pastors and teachers;For the perfecting of the saints, for the work

of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

It was at this time Ronald and Christine Miles co-founded Bethel Christian Fellowship.   Pastor Miles shared his calling and vision to the group of people now called “The Mighty Warriors Ministries,” based on a prophecy delivered to him from 1 Chronicles 12. 

Ronald Miles was ordained as Pastor Ronald W. Miles by Bishop Coleman.   Christine Miles served as First Lady until she later answered her call and too was ordained by Bishop Coleman as Pastor Christine Miles, thus becoming Co-Pastor of Bethel Christian Fellowship.

As the membership grew, ministries began to develop based on the needs of the ministry.  As the Lord showed the Pastors, they appointed Ministers, Evangelists, and Leaders to assist in the operation of the ministry. There is also a Board of Directors for all non-spiritual matters.  In accordance with the governing guidelines as outlined in the Articles of Incorporation, The Board of Directors oversees, establish, and enforce the policies of Bethel Christian Fellowship.

The first official worship service was held at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington DC on Sunday, September 1, 1996. Preaching, praying, singing and praising was followed by a family fellowship picnic.

As the ministry continued to grow, the Pastor’s basement could no longer accommodate the increase! The search went out for a new place to fellowship.  On Sunday, October 6, 1996, we held our first service in a building-Thomas Johnson Middle School, Lanham, Maryland.  The School proved to be a tremendous blessing to us as we stayed there for approximately 3 ½ years.

In February, 2000, we purchased a property located at 2220 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Southeast, Washington DC –two buildings and a parking lot.  On Sunday, May 7, 2000, our own Pastor Ronald W. Miles delivered the first Sermon in our new home! Bishop Gilbert Coleman, Jr. delivered the Dedication Sermon that evening.