About

What is the Bethany Beyond the Jordan Baptismal Site?

Biblical, historical, and archeological evidence has led to the designation of Bethany Beyond the Jordan as the site where Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Under the leadership and stewardship of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, 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 part of the 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: the foundation of Christian life. The site is open for scheduled tours and overnight stays for individuals and pilgrimage groups from around the world. The BBJ functions as part of the ELCJHL, with close ties to all ministries and congregations of the church, especially the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Amman, Jordan.

 

Ministry at the BBJ Baptismal Site 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.

Connect with us!

Interested in visiting? Find more information in the “Visit” tab and contact us at bbj@elcjhl.org or mark.lachonce@elca.org. 

 

Pastor Mark LaChonce from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America serves as the site director and Chaplain for the BBJ Baptismal Site, overseeing and managing operations along with his wife, Dr. Jennifer LaChonce. Originally from Michigan, Mark is a pastor with the Reformed Church in America, now happily serving the ELCA. He has served Jordanian Christian communities in a variety of capacities from 2004 to 2018. After six years in the United States, Mark completed his PhD studies at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and was invited to return to Jordan in 2024 in this role. Mark and Jennifer also began and lead an English-speaking church community at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Amman. They have three sons who are completing their studies in the United States and Europe.  Contact Pastor Mark at Mark.LaChonce@elca.org.

 

BBJ Board: The ELCJHL’s ministry at the Baptismal Site is overseen by the Bethany Beyond the Jordan Baptismal Site Board. This international board meets twice a year to discuss site operations, funding, and more. 

 

Follow us on Social Media: You can follow the ministry of the BBJ Baptismal Site on our Facebook page. You can keep up with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Support our Ministry: Donations to the ministry of the BBJ Baptismal Site can be made here. Please specify in the comment box that your gift is for the Baptismal Site. All donations are tax deductible.