What a gift we shared today. We had the honor of taking in new members who wished to formally make Bethel Christian Community Church their home church.

We know that life at times has unexpected twists and turns and membership in one single church may not be forever. 

We Understand.
We also understand that some move away and the distance to travel is not reasonable. Some get married and join their spouses church. Still some have other reasons in certain seasons of what moves them out of one church an into another or sadly, out of church altogether.
Being a member of a church does not lock you in for a lifetime, but it does define your intentions to connect with a certain group until you choose otherwise.

Here at Bethel, I promise, you will not be held hostage.  We are here… or let me speak for myself, I am here to aid you in your spirituality.
Membership is about connecting yourself to a body of believers in hopes of growing together and maturing in Christ.
It’s about accountability (not us holding you to a strict standard, but you inserting yourself into the life of the church and gifting us with your presence so that we can learn from you as well).
It’s about encouragement.
Relationship.
Honesty.
It is also about challenges, and with challenges comes conflict. 

Being a member at Bethel will be challenging at times, WHY?  I’m glad you asked!
We are an independent church.  Which means our members are a part of the governing body, does the business of the church, and also worships together.  This is delicate waters to navigate.
We are also a church who have a variety of faith traditions. Methodist, Pentecostal, Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian, and possibly more.
And unless we are doing the deeper work of our spirituality, we will at some point face conflict that depletes the very life out of us.

There are remedies I would prescribe:
Deepen your prayer life by engaging in different ways of practicing prayer.
Stay connected,
Know thyself!! Know God.
Seek to know others and understand.
Take time away! 

In whatever circle you find yourself, Be There. Be honest with yourself,  and seek first God and God’s kingdom.

Here are a few photos from today.❤️