June 2024 – Reverend Reneè Bennett Bethea is a busy woman and wears many hats. She has been Pastor of Pleasant Hill A.M.E. Zion Church in Rockingham N.C., which is in the Piedmont Episcopal District for two years. She has also pastored churches in Concord, Lincolnton, Rockingham, and Greensboro Districts; served on the Finance Committee for Concord, Lincolnton, and Rockingham Districts and has served as the Secretary of the Rockingham District Conference.
In August 2023, Tim Moore, Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, appointed Rev. Bethea to the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc. (NCPC). The North Carolina Partnership for Children in collaboration with Smart Start provides a foundation for a sound, basic education for each child in every community of North Carolina.
Smart Start was created in 1993 as an innovative solution to a problem: Children were coming to school unprepared to learn. Serving children birth to 5, Smart Start works across the state to raise the quality of childcare, strengthen families, advance child health and development, and improve early literacy. The network implements other state, federal, local, and private programs, and services, such as NC Pre-K, childcare subsidy, and Head Start, serving as North Carolina’s system for early childhood health, development, and learning. NCPC develops policy for Smart Start programs and services and ensures accountability.
One of the many hats Rev. Bethea wears is that of Pastor at Pleasant Hill A.M.E. Zion Church, which she says has been a blessing. “I have learned about grace from many different perspectives in these past two years. As itinerant ministers, we often think that we will not love another congregation as much as the present one, but each congregation captures your heart. It does not matter whether one is received or rejected in one’s appointment. The heart of a shepherd loves regardless of where we are sent. Pleasant Hill is a small family church that abounds with many gifts and talents among its 30 or so members. It is set quaintly in the Gale’s town community of Richmond County on a hill surrounded by dogwood trees and tall pines at 105 Lake Road. The treasures of my time at Pleasant Hill are to have experienced time with the mother of the church, the late Ms. Minnie Pemberton whose rendition of, “Slow Down Chariot,” is known throughout Zion in West Central N.C. I count it a bonus learning from and being the pastor of Mrs. Hazel Smith, the widow of the late Rev. James Smith. She is an inspiration who exemplifies grace and holiness. There are other bonuses in pastoring this church, like sitting on the porch of Sandra and Willie Moore, watching the red birds’ nest, eating berries, and discussing the complexities of life. The melodious music of Lynn Everette and my “Amen” corner led by Joyce Everette and morning announcements with Mrs. Shirley Davis are treasures in my heart. The church has a strong women’s and men’s ministry that is known for being among the best bowlers in Richmond County.
FEMALE PASTORS ARE PART OF THE HOPE OF THE BLACK CHURCH —WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN, AND WE ALWAYS WILL BE.
Rev. Renee Bennett Bethea states unequivocally that female pastors face many challenges in the Black Church and are often the survivors of many obstacles ranging from family, church, health, and theological concourse in ministry. She says, “I found my voice, my place, and my strength when I was introduced to “Sisters in the Wilderness; The Challenge of Womanist God-Talk” by Delores S. Williams. On page 205 she writes, ‘I believe the black church is the heart of hope in the black community’s experience of oppression, survival struggle and its historic efforts toward complete liberation.’”
Rev. Bethea added that today society is filled with daily traumatic events and believes that Black female pastors must become well trained in trauma care and crisis. “We must be eclectic in our ministry and practice shepherding and caring because sometimes what we are facing in our congregations are past hurts from traumatic past events. In truth, there are some things that only God can heal, but we as servants can be prepared to be used in times of crisis. Female pastors are part of the hope of the black church, we have always been, and we always will be.”
Much of Rev. Bethea’s work has been community-based as a chaplain at First Health and a volunteer at the Local Partnership for Children. “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” My commitment to ministry and work with children has been supported by a strong foundation of family and spousal support and a strong sisterhood of friends and mentors who help guide my work and career. I have been blessed to have strong women in my life like my mom, Daisy Cole, Dr. Mary Love, Rev. Dr. Peggy Owens, Lebby Legion, Dr. Katrina Chance, and numerous others who have witnessed my disappointments and celebrated my successes.”
Rev. Bethea’s resume is long and impressive. She served two terms on the South Carolina Education Association Board of Directors and as the State’s Budget Chair in the mid-90s. Rev. Bethea has worked as an Adjunct Professor for Gardner Webb University’s Psychology Department. Presently she works as a Mental Health Specialist for Hoke County Schools.
Rev. Bethea has a BS in Business Administration from Gardner Webb University and was selected as one of Gardner-Webb’s Distinguished Alumni in 2003 for her work with children. She has a master’s in counseling from Webster University and attended Hood Theological Seminary. She did her graduate internship as a chaplain at Womack Army Medical Center and is presently a volunteer Chaplain for First Health Hospital. She is a member of the World Methodist Order of The Flame and the NC State Resilience Community Advisory Group.
Rev. Bethea is married to James Bethea, who is her gentle giant, her protector, and critic. They have two children and nine amazing grandchildren. “I am blessed, retired but I continue to soar.”
Her favorite scripture is Psalm 1: 1-3.
