Rev. Nathaniel J. Yates Sr.  serves as Pastor here at Bethany Community Church in Laurel Maryland. Pastor Nate was confirmed as our church’s second pastor on May 5, 2019 and installed on September 7, 2019. Upon confirmation he was entrusted with Bethany Community Church, following the transition of Bethany’s founding pastor, Kevin McGhee, from pastoral ministry to missionary ministry; seeking to take the gospel to the least reached people groups of the world.

Pastor Nathaniel holds a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Lancaster Bible College, Capital Bible Seminary; and currently is a Ph.D. candidate for a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies. He also holds a Master of Public Health, Bachelor of Science in Human Services, and an Associates degree in Disaster Preparedness.  Pastor Nate currently also serves as an Associate Professor with Denver Seminary.

First Lady Brittany is a trained social worker by trade; having earned a Bachelors and Masters degree in Social Work from Bowie State University and the University of Maryland  at Baltimore, respectively. After 8 years of working in child welfare and medical social work, First Lady Brittany now dedicates  herself to the support of her family, educating her children, and supporting Pastor Nate in ministry.  Pastor Nathaniel and First Lady Brittany have been married since 2009, and they have three children; Nathaniel Jr., Brielle, and Micah.

Pastor Nathaniel believes that we are called to Connect with Communities, develop disciples, teach the truth, and lead with love.