Groups of 8-12 people who meet, study, and ‘do-life’ together regularly for the purpose of growth and personal transformation in community. Life Groups can be SHORT-TERM or LONG-TERM.
SPRING SHORT-TERM LIFE GROUPS
Luminous Lives
Thursdays on Zoom | May 6 for 6 weeks | 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Video Study. Discussion. Prayer
Facilitator: Jamie Stinson
Group size is capped at 15 people; married couples attending together count as “one” person.
Examples matter. It seems every day we learn about another public Christian figure embroiled in scandal, leaving behind wounded victims and a host of people disillusioned with the Christian faith. “That’s why our hope is in Jesus and not people,” we may say. And this is true. But it also helps to observe those who show by example what it means to follow Jesus and finish well. As Paul encouraged, “follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.”
Who are the people who have shown you that transformation in Christ is possible? For “Luminous Lives” author Dr. Miriam (Mimi) Dixon, the list includes C.S. Lewis, Lilias Trotter, Dallas Willard, Teresa of Àvila, and a host of others who illuminated her understanding of what is possible in our life with God. In this online video course, Mimi will introduce you to twelve exemplars of Christian faith who deeply influenced her life and almost four decades of pastoral ministry. You too will be able to go deeper with God by exploring these exemplars who show us what it means to live a God-shaped life!
Video links and discussion guide will be emailed to participants by the group facilitator at no cost. Participants will be asked to watch the weekly video on their own time (20-30 minutes), before class each week.
The Story of Reality
Wednesdays on Zoom | May 5 for 7 weeks | 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Video Study. Book Study. Discussion. Prayer
Facilitators: Carmen Gauvin-O’Donnell & Carolyn Trepanier
Group size is capped at 10 people; married couples attending together count as “one” person.
Biblical Christianity is more than just another private religious view. It’s more than just a personal relationship with God or a source of moral teaching. Christianity is a picture of reality. It explains why the world is the way it is. When the pieces of this puzzle are properly assembled, we see the big picture clearly. Christianity is a true story of how the world began, why the world is the way it is, what role humans play in the drama, and how all the plot lines of the story are resolved in the end.
In The Story of Reality Video Study (available for free on RightNow Media), together with the Story of Reality Study Guide (available to purchase through Bethel), author Greg Koukl explains the words that form the narrative backbone of the Christian story. Each session identifies the most important things that happen in the story in the order they take place, beginning with an examination of reality, and God, and moving through man, Jesus, the cross, and resurrection. If you’re already a Christian, do you know and understand the biblical story? For those still seeking answers to the questions of life, this is an invitation to join a story that explains the world in a way nothing else will. Be a part of the story that can change your life forever.
Don’t have your free RightNow Media account yet? Sign-up at www.bethelkingston.com/rightnow-media. The study guide is highly recommended for group participants and is available for purchase through the Bethel office at $15 (or pay what you can). Purchase details will be emailed upon registration.
Register for The Story of Reality here.
LIFE Group Styles
Life Groups are facilitated with a variety of styles, often more than one. As groups are advertised on this page, you will see the styles noted for each one.
BIBLE STUDY | Learning & studying directly from the Bible.
BOOK STUDY | Learning & studying from a themed, Christian book.
VIDEO STUDY | Learning from a themed, Christian video series.
DISCUSSION | Learning from, and sharing with, people in the group.
PRAYER | Praying about what has been learned, and for people in the group.
Short-Term Life Groups
A Short-Term group is a great place to plug-in if you are new to Bethel, if you are new to the idea of Life Groups altogether, or if you aren’t able to commit to a continuous Long-Term group. You’ll meet new people in our community, get to know Bethel’s pastors and other trusted leaders who facilitate these groups, and we’re excited to get to know you too!
Each Short-Term Life Group focuses on a specific theme such as exploring Christianity, spiritual disciplines, relationships, prayer, or apologetics. Choose the group that is right for you!
Groups are launched 3 times per year and usually meet at the church on weeknights, but in Fall 2020 groups will meet on Zoom. Studies for each season are advertised in advance with course descriptions, dates, times, and locations.
- Fall (late-September)
- Winter (late-January)
- Spring (April/May)
Announcements for upcoming Short-Term Life Groups are made several weeks in advance of start dates. Keep your eyes & ears open for announcements during church services, notices in Update Emails, posts on social media, updates on this page, or email keri[at]bethelkingston.com.
Registration links are posted on this web page; you can also contact keri[at]bethelkingston.com to register. The group facilitator will contact you before the start date with information you need to know in advance. We hope that you’ll committing to attending each week of the study, but we do understand that shift-work is common and life circumstances happen.
LIFE Group Values
BE PRAYERFULLY ENGAGED | We actively pursue spiritual intimacy with God through prayer, together.
BE WORD CENTRED |We engage in studies that bring deeper understanding of the Bible, striving to live under its’ authority.
BE A COMMUNITY GATHERED | We create safe, conversational spaces, and encourage growth through practical application in all areas of life.
BE A COMMUNITY SCATTERED |We find ways to serve the community beyond Bethel’s doors, serving as a group and/or as individuals.
LONG-TERM LIFE GROUPS
Long-Term groups are hosted at a group member’s home, typically on a weeknight. The group collectively decides which themes or topics to study through out the year, and many groups incorporate social nights, prayer nights, and service projects. Long-Term Life Groups are autonomous in how they meet and run, with group leaders communicating and checking-in with the Associate Pastor every few months.
How do I find a Long-Term group, or start one of my own?
First getting involved in a Short-Term group, especially if you’re new to Bethel! It’s a great way for you to get to know the people and pastors at Bethel, and for us to get to know you! Long-Term groups often spring up out of Short-Term groups, with people who have gotten to know each other and commit to growing together further. And don’t worry, Pastor Jamie, will guide you in this process of starting a new Long-Term group!
If you’ve done the Short-Term thing and are looking to join an existing Long-Term group, please contact jamie[at]bethelkingston.com. She would love to chat with you to get to know what you’re looking for, and get you connected with a group. (Please note that availability in Long-Term groups can sometimes be limited…which is why we encourage the growth of new groups!)
What if I’m not ready for a LIFE Group?
In the Bible, Jesus didn’t call His disciples to join Him because they were ready – rather, it was journeying with Jesus that started their growth and discipleship!
Checking out a Short-Term Life Group is a great place to start your journey. There are no prerequisites for you to join; we simply ask that you be committed to respecting others, open to learning new things, and willing to participate in a safe space.
The only way to “get ready” is to get involved!
What if I’m unsure of this whole “Jesus” and “church” thing?
That’s ok! We are all on our individual journeys, but the best journey is one in community. We encourage you to check out one of our seeker or foundational Short-Term groups so you can explore and study your questions with others who probably have the same questions!
And if you’d like to talk to a Pastor about Jesus, church, or any other faith questions, please contact Mark Kotchapaw or Jamie Stinson