Bethel Mennonite Church began in 1938 at a time when larger numbers of Mennonite young people were migrating to the city from rural areas. Mennonites came to Manitoba in the 1870s from the Russian Empire and settled in two blocks, the East and West Reserves. In response to the urbanization of Mennonites Benjamin Ewert, a minister of the Bergthaler Mennonite Church was commissioned by the Canadian Mennonite Conference to visit increasingly scattered congregations and individuals in Western Canada, including Winnipeg. In January, 1938 Ewert gathered a group of 21 individuals together who began worshiping in the Emmanual Baptist Church at Sargent Avenue and Furby Street. The Winnipeg Mission, as it was originally known continued to grow, benefitting from the influx of students and young people looking for work in Winnipeg . The church worshiped at several locations before purchasing the property at 465 Stafford where it is presently located. A new church was built on this location in 1955, an education wing was added in 1962, and in 1991 the present sanctuary was built with the old sanctuary becoming a Fellowship Hall.

Given its location and the composition of its membership Bethel had many connections to Canadian Mennonite Bible College, now Canadian Mennonite University and adopted the English language earlier than many rural congregations. The college’s early classes were in the basement of the church when it was located on Furby Street and many students and faculty have been part of the church over the years. Bethel has also been an active participant in Mennonite Church Canada, Mennonie Church Manitoba and many other organizations in the wider Mennonite church.

The congregation has changed its name several times and has spawned new congregations in the city. Originally known as Winnipeg Mission (1938), then Bethel Mission Church (1939/40), then Bethel Mission Mennonite Church (1946), the permanent name Bethel Mennonite Church was chosen in 1957. The Burrows Bethel Mennonite Church (1961-1997), Charleswood Mennonite Church and Hope Mennonite Church had their origins through the efforts of Bethel.

The dominance of young people in its early history has given way to a substantially older congregation. Together with four other congregations Bethel was instrumental in building Bethel Place, a seniors’ housing complex adjacent to the church, which opened in 1980. The proximity of Bethel Place has ensured the continuing presence of older members.