In 2010, as Bethel was in a time of change and transition, Chuck Baker was positive he was called to the ministry in God’s perfect timing. Two years into the search for a new Director, he began to realize God had been working on his heart to leave the corporate world. After five years as a board member, Chuck accepted the role as Executive Director in January 2011, leaving behind a longstanding career with Unum. “I told my search committee that I would pray about it. I knew all along that God was in it and he was orchestrating all the events,” Chuck explained.
During Chuck’s time as Executive Director, Bethel Christian Academy became an accredited school, Pat Boone stepped down as celebrity host for the Spring events and the Bethel Run By the Creek was introduced as a new event, among other operational changes. “There were a lot of changes to make us more effective, but even in all of that God provided the needs that had to be met,” Chuck said. “All of these things were done with one thing in mind, to fulfill the mission.”
Learning experiences were Chuck’s inspiration to continue his work at Bethel. “It was a big part of my role to share the mission, but I learned a lot,” Chuck said when speaking about the benefits of his role. “For me, it was embracing a part of the community that had profound need and meeting new people.” Chuck stepped into his role by God’s divine timing, and after five years, Chuck decided to continue in ministry at Bryan College. “Just as much as I had been called, I was sure that I was called out and went to Bryan,” Chuck said. His time at Bethel will be remembered by the love of a community coming together. “There are a lot of people that love Bethel, and they know the hearts and the needs of the kids.”