About
We are believers in Jesus Christ who are…
- Directed by the authority of God’s inspired Word, the Bible.
- An un-denominational fellowship seeking to restore the pattern revealed in the New Testament.
- Desirous of glorifying and knowing God in all that we say and do.
- Committed to knowing and becoming like Jesus Christ.
- Led by our elders who work closely with the preachers, and are assisted by our deacons and other workers.
- Working together to tell our community and the world about Jesus, the Son of God, so others can also follow and serve Him.
- Giving time, effort and resources to care for and minister to one another.
The purpose of the Bethlehem Church of Christ is to glorify God and lead the people of Adams and Brown Counties, Southwest Ohio, and the world to be holy and responsible disciples of Jesus Christ by…
- Proclaiming Jesus Christ as the only way by which people can be saved.
- Providing Bible study, meaningful worship, and varied fellowship for those of all ages.
- Praying, working together, and being faithful stewards.
About our Preaching Minister
Tom Claibourne is the Preaching Minister at the Bethlehem Church of Christ. He was born in 1957 in Highland County, OH, and grew up actively involved in the Hillsboro Church of Christ where he became a Christian in 1968 and was ordained to the ministry in 1980.
Tom received the Bachelor of Arts (1979) and Master of Arts (1988) degrees from Cincinnati Bible College & Seminary (now Cincinnati Christian University). He married Linnea Twaddell in 1987, and they enjoy being the parents of Leah (1990), Anya (1992), and Micah (1996).
Tom preached his first sermons at Bethlehem in 1979 and through the years has worked in most areas of service in the church at one time or another. Tom’s primary responsibilities now include Sunday morning sermons; planning and administration; visitation; teaching the College/Career Bible Class and special short-term classes; leading special segments during the Sunday Evening Services; editing the “Bethlehem Star” newsletter; and working to keep the congregation informed and involved in fulfilling the church’s mission.
Tom’s ministry is expanded through his writing, which includes a monthly column for preachers in the Restoration Herald. He has also published more than 100 articles in various publications. His service on the board of six Christian organizations and missions through the years has allowed him to serve more widely within the Kingdom of God.
Tom is often asked to speak at other places, especially regarding ministry to smaller churches and America’s Christian heritage. Travels to 50 states and 28 countries have given Tom a world vision and a broader understanding of people and their various needs.
When time allows, he enjoys reading, yard work, and most sports.
About Our Associate Minister
Homer Holsted Jr. is the Associate Minister at the Bethlehem Church of Christ. He was born in 1973 in Adams County, OH, and grew up actively involved in the May Hill Church of Christ, and the Seaman Church of Christ where he became a Christian in 1982. It was at the Bethlehem Church of Christ he was ordained in 1998.
Homer graduated from North Adams High school in 1991. He then attended one year at Southern State Community College, before going on to Kentucky Christian College (now Kentucky Christian University). Homer received a bachelor of arts in Ministry with a youth emphasis, and a bachelor of arts in teaching (Elementary) in 1997. He married Erin Goodlin in 1997, and they enjoy being the parents of Claire (2003), Kate (2006), and are expecting another girl in May of 2009. As a family they enjoy their horse “Raz”, and their two cats.
Homer started having the vision of ministry in Jr. High, and began teaching Sunday School and Youth groups while in High School, but it was at Butler Springs where he publically committed to answer the call to Ministry. Homer served at two Churches (Mt. Carmel Christian Church, Winchester, Ky 1992-1995; Pricetown Church of Christ 1996-1998) as a weekend Youth minster. In June of 1998, he entered full time ministry as Youth Minister at the Louisville Christian Church in Louisville, Ohio. Then God called him back to southern Ohio in October 2003. Through the years Homer has been involved in Church Camp, Ohio Teens For Christ, working with other churches to plan bigger events, and Bible Bowl. Homer’s primary responsibilities at Bethlehem include overseeing Sunday Evening youth groups, and adult electives, while leading and teaching the Sr. High students; planning and administration; visitation; teaching the Young Adult Sunday School Class and special short-term classes; organizing and planning fellowship programs, banquets, picnics, etc…; developing programs for youth of all ages, (A.S.K. F.E.T.E, R.U.G.B.Y etc…); service projects for youth; working with Butler Springs; and working to keep the youth involved in their own faith, and their church.
When time allows, he enjoys playing with his girls, playing golf, most sports, and video games.