Renewal in Bethel’s Small Groups

​Renewal in Bethel’s Small Groups
 
For Pastor’s Corner this week I want to give an update of what is happening in our small group & house church ministry.
 
The Reveal survey showed us last year that we had a strong need for renewal in our small groups at Bethel. In September, the challenge was given to create new missional home gatherings called “House Churches” to revitalize our small group ministry.  These groups are similar to small groups but they seek to embody the whole mission of the church found in Acts 2:42-47 which includes worshiping together and reaching out.  Pastor Victor Ko from MosaicHouse church came to our small group kick-off banquet and shared the vision. Our goal was to have 5 new House Churches at Bethel by the summer. I am pleased to report that we now have 7 active House Churches with 2 potential start-ups in the spring. In addition to Bethel, I shared the vision of House Church with churches leaders from around Northern AB at Renewal Labs, and now two others churches in Classis have joined in! God is doing more than we asked for or imagined and it is very fun to watch! In these House Churches believers are actively praying for and serving their family members and friends who are yet to have a relationship with Jesus!
 
The energy and growth is not just being felt in these new House Churches at Bethel; our existing small groups have been going noticeably deeper. After a round of interviews with almost all of our small groups leaders, we discovered that groups have taken steps to go deeper. A number of groups reported worshiping through song together for the first time. Others spoke of more intentional prayer practices.
 
I have mentioned all of the small group/House Church growth, and that is not even taking into account the fruit from Alpha groups either! It is clear that God’s Spirit is working in Bethel! He is revitalizing and creating new opportunities for community, discipleship and mission.
 
Praise Him!

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