Mitch Nelson was called as pastor of Bethel Baptist Church January 1, 2006. He is a graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Florida Baptist Theological College (the Baptist College of Florida). He also attended Troy University in Dothan, Alabama for graduate studies in agency counseling.

Pastor Mitch has served churches in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Louisiana. In addition to his pastoral background, he has served in music ministry, as well as the Christian camp and conference ministry. Pastor Mitch has been married to his wife and ministry partner, Jan, for 37 years and has a son, Chris (a pastor and middle school teacher), daughter-in-law (Keisha), two grandsons (Christopher and Conner) and a granddaughter (Ella Rose). Both Pastor Mitch and Jan are members of the Association of Marriage and Family Ministries (AMFM).