In 1954 the Australian headquarters of Wycliffe Bible Translators (Wycliffe), a Bible translation and Christian mission training and support organisation, began its work in the basement of the Keswick Bookshop in Collins Street Melbourne. In 1977 Wycliffe set up an investment company “Word Investments Ltd” (WIL) for the purpose of generating funds for disbursement to missionaries and missionary projects. Over time the Board of WIL decided to investigate ways in which a not-for-profit business operation might be established to help subsidise these ventures. Out of this research Bethel Funerals was instigated allowing for all after cost expense monies to be disbursed for this purpose.

After twelve months of planning and preparation Bethel Funerals was registered as a business on 29 November 1996, officially commencing operations on 28 January 1997 from a small office in the Blackburn North Uniting Church with the first funeral being conducted on 1 April 1997. A dedication launch of Bethel Funerals was attended by clergy and representatives of various denominations along with members of the business community. Six years later (26 October 2002) Bethel moved to new office premises in Railway Road, Blackburn and set up a separate mortuary facility in nearby Mitcham. The company was accepted into full membership of the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) on 12 May 1998.

On 16 November 2005 Bethel saw a new landmark achieved as it opened a new “all in one” premises at 2d Cochrane Street, Mitcham consisting of a modern chapel, mortuary, offices, private viewing and refreshments rooms and off street parking.

On 1 July 2007 Bethel opened a new branch in Queensland serving Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast and in 2008 the Victorian expansion began with an office on the Mornington Peninsula.