Grace Matters Home Page > Guest Interviews > Mary Nelson

Dr. Mary Beth Nelson is the founder and president of Bethel New Life, Inc. Ms. Nelson founded Bethel New Life in 1979 as a response to poverty, unemployment, and despair in the West Garfield Park community in Chicago. Since then, Bethel has earned a national reputation for innovative and effective urban ministry, with programs that promote the social, economic, and spiritual welfare of children, families, and seniors.

Dr. Nelson has a PhD from Union Graduate School and six honorary degrees and awards. She serves on the Boards of numerous local and national organizations, including the National Congress for Community Economic Development, Call to Renewal, Woodstock Institute, Christian Community Development Association, Good City, and the Loretto Hospital Foundation. She has also been featured in a PBS series about religion and ethics.