Bethany Beyond the Jordan Baptismal Site
What is Bethany Beyond the Jordan?
The journey of Christian life begins with baptism. Under the leadership and stewardship of the ELCJHL, the Bethany Beyond the Jordan (BBJ) Baptismal Site exists as a church and pilgrim center ministering to the local, regional, and global community of Christians. As a local church, the BBJ is called and envisioned to help local and international pilgrims and visitors of diverse traditions to remember and to live out their baptismal vows. It also is organized to contribute to the ongoing journey of spiritual formation of Christians throughout their life’s pilgrimage as followers of Christ. It is an affirmative response by the ELCJHL to the offer by the Jordanian King to give Christians a central role in the future of the Middle East.
Interested in visiting?
Contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]
Site Director:
Pastor Mark LaChonce from the ELCA serves as the site director and Chaplain for the BBJ Baptismal Site, overseeing and managing operations. Along with his wife, Dr. Jennifer LaChonce, he is in the process of forming an international community of worshippers hosted by the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Amman.
Day Visits
The church is open whenever we are home, but to ensure we are at home when you arrive, contact us.
For individuals who want to visit us, we can arrange special walks.
During the walking pilgrimage, you will feel the echoes of biblical stories and witness the present day political situation of the area. You will be offered time and space for reflection and prayers.
A typical tour is about three hours (about 2 miles/3 km) and includes:
The archeological remnants of the Baptismal site of Jesus
The Jordan River
Visit the Lutheran Church and have coffee or tea in the community hall
Optional:
Baptism in the Jordan River. If you already are baptized you can reaffirm your baptism in the Jordan River. This can also be done in a baptismal font beside the Jordan River or in the Lutheran church.
Cost:
We do not charge a fee, but voluntary donations toward the work of the church are welcome.
Full day (about 3 miles/5 km)
During the pilgrimage walk, the group will encounter the biblical stories and witness the present day political situation of the area. We will guide the group through the experience and offer time and space for reflection, prayer meditation, and retreat.
The visit includes:
The archeological remnants of the Baptismal site of Jesus
The Jordan River
Hermit caves
The archeological remnants at Elijah’s hill (Where Elijah descended to heaven and John the Baptist lived)
Visit the Lutheran church and have coffee or tea in the community hall
Enjoy the sunset over the Jordan Valley and have an evening worship in church.
Overnight Stay
We have a small guesthouse where guests can stay.
Our guesthouse has two rooms with separate bathrooms and a small kitchen/living room area.
One room has 4 beds, 2 bunk beds.
One room has 2 single beds.
The guesthouse is self-serviced, you cook your own food and clean yourself.
The cost to stay in our guest house is 35 JOD per person and night. This includes continental breakfast.
To book you need to send us an email with your booking request and a photo of passports for everyone that wants to stay overnight.
