Bethel's Helps Ministry

The Bible is filled with exhortations to help those in need. Who has not heard the storey of the Good Samaritan, and the godly nature of this man who gave of his time, his money, and his compassion. And who, having heard this story, has not reflected on their own actions and motivations in helping others.

In Acts 20, Paul not only explains his position on Helps, but also paraphrases our Lord’s feelings;

" You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " (Acts 20:34,35 - KJV)

Finally we are again encouraged by Paul in Galatians 6 to help the brethren, and thereby grow and strengthen the home church for its evangelical mission,

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:10 - NIV).

Helps is a clearly recognized Scriptural ministry, set in the body for its edification, for the ministering of Gods Word, and to glorify God.

Principles

The Bethel Assembly Ministry of Helps is founded on the principle that it is the duty of the Body of Christ to look after and see to the practical needs of its members. Only in doing so can we hope to be prepared to receive the blessings the Holy Spirit desires to bestow on us and our ministries.

God desires to bless our Church, the body of believers, corporately, and our members individually.

By establishing this Ministry, Bethel Assembly will be fulfilling the scriptural guidance set down in I Corinthians 12, and in doing so, Bethel will be blessed. Those members called to and serving in the Ministry will be blessed in their service to the Lord, our members in need will be blessed, as needs are met, and finally, and most importantly, our Lord and Savior will be blessed.

Further, our leadership is responsible to God to ensure an environment exists for our members to realize their fullest potential in Christ, to both bless others in their service and to receive a blessing, a Crown of Glory.

Calling and Commitment

To ensure we honor the Lord in all our serving, and to provide the best services to those in need, it is essential that our members are called to this Ministry. The Bible speaks of ‘ministry calling’ and it is reasonable that those wishing to join this Ministry feel led of the Lord, “called” to the Ministry of Helps. Further we require each member of this ministry to be fully committed to its successful operation.

All are encouraged, and all welcomed to join us in our work, however, just as some will be fully skilled or even trade certified in certain area, others will be less skilled, and still others, knowledgeable helpers. We only ask that you work to the level of your commitment, and as God has blessed, to the level of your skills.

Skills Data Bank

A Skills Data Bank is maintained by the Ministry Leader. Every member of Bethel has a skill or talent that can be used. Do you know why? Because God placed you hear to be used for His Kingdom Work, and the Bible does say, that every member of the body has a job, some are eyes, others, ears, and still others, the nose.

All of us have different levels of skills, from only knowledgeable through to expert. We want you not only to be blessed in giving at your level of skill, but also in learn from those with more experience than your self.

Identifying Needs

It is our vision that each member of Bethel Assembly will be able, within this Scriptural context, to live a reasonable and dignified life with all these needs met. Used clothing may be provided, but will be fully serviceable and presentable. Food will be substantive, but steak will not substitute for hamburger. The Ministry of Helps will assist with the delivery of food and clothing items where necessary.

Safe, healthy, and fully serviceable accommodations will be a foundational element of the Ministry. We submit that roofs must not leak, water and hygiene provisions and reliable heating and electricity must be available, and insects and rodents eliminated.

Transportation will be provided to and from church gatherings and to meet other needs as required.

Life Enrichment Needs

Bethel Assembly has identified other areas where it feels basic life needs can be enriched and expanded to include the academic and vocational education of our members, developing language skills, imparting financial skills, automotive repair and transportation, as well as responding to emergencies situations such as; child care, natural disaster clean-up.

Helps will also act as a conduit for bringing together members with similar hobbies and personal interests, and support our Life Groups Ministry.

As part of our Helps Ministry, persons will be available to tutor children in academic subjects and foreign languages. Skilled persons will train our youth on basic skills, such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical wiring, automotive care, and others. Financial Teams will train our members on debt elimination and financial stewardship.

Emergency Response Team

Just as there are emergency prayer requests, and call-out prayer partners, the Helps Ministry will be available to provide emergency response. A home may be flooded, persons involved in an accident, or parents unavoidably detained and can’t pick-up their children.