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.
NEW SHORT-TERM GROUP OPPORTUNITIES
CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED
- Starting WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2023 for 10 weeks
- 7:00PM at Bethel Church (UpStreet Room, below the Gym)
- Facilitator: Carmen Gauvin-O’Donnell
You have one life. What’s it all about?
Christianity Explored gives you time and space to think about the big questions of life and to explore the life of the person at the heart of the Christian faith-Jesus Christ.
Discover the real Jesus on a 10-week journey through the Gospel of Mark, and hear the life-changing message of forgiveness and new life.
- We will watch the videos for Christianity Explored together during the study, and they are also available on RightNow Media. Don’t have your free RightNow Media account yet? Sign-up at www.bethelkingston.com/rightnow-media.
- This study will also include a Study Guide Handbook, that you will receive at the first class. There is a suggested fee of $5 to cover the cost of the book, if you are able. (No obligation.)
PARENTING THROUGH THE PHASES
- Starting THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023 for 6 weeks
- 8:00-9:00PM on ZOOM (Zoom link TBA)
- Facilitator: Jamie Stinson
You have approximately 936 weeks from the time your child is born until he or she graduates from high school. It goes by fast, and kids change and grow quickly! It’s as if they shift or move on just as you begin to figure them out. It can make the responsibility to shape a child’s faith and character feel overwhelming.
Using the model of 18 “phases” in each child’s life, this study will help you discover what’s changing about your kid in their current phase, six things your kid needs most, and four conversations to have with your kid while they are in each phase. If you’re a parent of a young person, we hope you’ll join us on this journey!
- This group will be held on Zoom, which allows more parents with young children at home to participate.
- You will be asked to watch each week’s video in advance. The videos for Parenting Through the Phases are available on YouTube.
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 are currently meeting on Zoom. Studies for each season are advertised in advance with course descriptions, dates and times.
- 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 Life Group 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 Pastor Jamie Stinson.