Jesus was always doing his Father’s business. He was actively engaged in ministry and so were the people that followed Him.  Jesus did not have “pew disciples” the way we have “pew members” in today’s church.  Moving from membership to discipleship means that we must all commit ourselves to being involved in meeting needs.

We encourage you to take seriously the command that we are to be doers of the word by actively ministering to others.   There are over forty ministries at Big Bethel. There is something for everyone to do. Your gifts and talents are vital to assuring that we meet needs. As you look through this section, ask yourself “how can I find my space” in the ministry? Once you have determined how you would like to use your gifts, talents and interests in Christian service, contact the coordinator of that ministry or the church office for additional information.

ACOLYTES

The acolytes are young people, between the ages of 5-16, who serve at the altar and assist the pastor. Training is provided for young people interested in being of service to the Church in this capacity. Please contact the church office for more information.

A HELPING HAND MINISTRY (Car Give Away)
This ministry furnishes cars that have been donated by church members to church and community members. Persons who have old cars that are operational and in reasonably repairable condition should consider donating their car to the church. All donations are tax deductible.  Those interested in donating a car or who are in need of car should contact the church office.

BEARDEN/SCOTT YOUTH CHOIR

This choir is named in honor of our former pastor, Bishop H. L. Bearden. Young persons, ages 5-18, interested in lifting their voices to the glory of God should contact the church office regarding the choir.

BELL CHOIR
The Bell Choir plays for special events, particularly during the Christmas. Persons who are interested in participating should contact the church office.

BETHEL-TRINITY FELLOWSHIP DINNER MINISTRY
On the fourth Friday of each month, Big Bethel provides a fellowship dinner for the residents of Trinity House, a substance abuse recovery transitional living program for men currently housed at Trinity United Methodist Church.  This ministry is an outgrowth of the partnership between Big Bethel and Trinity Community Ministries which will expand the program through the renovation of the Old Hanley Funeral Home.

BIG BETHEL VILLAGE MINISTRY
This ministry provides support to the Big Bethel Village Independent Living Community for Seniors.  The ministry’s primary responsibility is to provide spiritual support and nurturing through Bible study and worship services. The ministry will recruit church and community volunteers to provide assistance to Big Bethel Village.

BROTHER TO BROTHER FELLOWSHIP
This is a Christian social ministry for men.  This ministry organizes programs that socially uplifts and enhances men relationships with other Christian men.  The ministry sponsors social events such as golf outings, basketball and baseball games, and community service projects. Men interested in participating in this ministry should contact a member of the Men’s Ministries Council.

COMPUTER MINISTRY
This ministry’s objective is to provide computer support and assistance to Big Bethel’s ministries and to increase the computer aptitude of the congregation. The ministry holds computer training classes and is responsible for maintaining the Church’s web site, and integrating computer based Bible lessons in Sunday School classes.

FEED MY SHEEP FOOD CO-OP MINISTRY (click hereto view menu)

This ministry allows families in the congregation and the community to purchase wholesome and affordable foods on a monthly basis.  Volunteers are needed on food distribution days, which are typically the last Saturday in each month. (Check the Sunday bulletin for additional details). Feed My Sheep is a part of Angel Food Ministries, a national non-denominational, non-profit organization dedicated to providing grocery assistance.

GIRL SCOUTS

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Since 1996, Big Bethel has been in partnership with the Cathedral of Saint Philip Episcopal Church to build houses for low-income families.  Every spring, we provide labor and financial support to this ministry.  This is a great seasonal opportunity for Christian service and fellowship.  Building generally begins in March.
 
HANDS FOR CHRIST MINISTRY
This ministry interprets the Sunday services through the American Sign Language on the second and fourth Sundays for the benefit of the hearing impaired.  Annually, it sponsors “Deaf Awareness Day”  to increase awareness and sensitivity to the needs of the hearing impaired.

HEALTH MINISTRY
This ministry is an interactive and proactive organization of lay people, health professionals, and clergy.  This ministry promotes holistic health and wellness (spirit, mind, and body) for the congregation and the community.  Activities of the ministry include: health fairs, mental health seminars, hypertension screening, and diabetes management workshops.

HORIZON OF HOPE YOUTH USHER BOARD
The young people are on the horizon.  They are door greeters.  They set the mood and the atmosphere of the worship service by the way they conduct themselves.  Courtesy, quietness, and reverence are characteristics expected of young people on this Board.  Young people exemplifying these characteristics, who are ages 13-23, are encouraged to join this Board.  This Usher Board serves on the third Sunday.

JOHNSON/SCHOFIELD MALE CHORUS
The Male Chorus is named after the late Ralph Johnson and the late Willie Schofield in honor of their faithfulness, leadership, and devotion to this ministry.  All men interested in making a joyful noise to the Lord are welcome  to attend rehearsals on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m.  The Male Chorus serves on the fourth Sunday at both morning services.

JUVENILE JUSTICE MINISTRY
The Juvenile Justice Ministry provides opportunities for volunteer service that assists young people who are in state custody, through incarceration and/or foster care. The major initiative of this ministry in the Ark of Safety DFACS Visitation Center, which provides supervised visits between birth parents and foster children.  Church volunteers serve as observers during the visits, which are held on Tuesdays.

KWANZAA-SOL LITURGICAL DANCE MINISTRY
This ministry gives thanks to God through inspired dancing with Scripture reference.  This ministry is open to males and females of all ages who desire to give honor and praise to God through dance.

LAY ORGANIZATION
This organization’s purpose is to instill in its membership a love and appreciation for the history, tradition and principles of African Methodism; advocate respect and loyalty to constituted authority, encourage the support of the total program of the local church; foster systematic and regular study which will provide greater knowledge and participation in the church; organize and train lay members concerning the goals and objectives of the Connectional Lay Organization.  (The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1996) Activities of the Big Bethel Lay Organization include a Lay Appreciation Banquet and a Youth Explosion.

MALE USHER BOARD
The Male Usher Board allows the men of the Church an opportunity to be of service to the Church during worship services and special events.  As ushers, the men greet persons attending worship as they enter the sanctuary, distribute worship bulletins, and show worshippers to their seats.

MARRIED COUPLES’ MINISTRY
This ministry proclaims the supreme worth of the value of the marriage. Each fourth Sunday is Marriage Emphasis Sunday.  Spouses celebrating anniversaries during the month come before the congregation to praise their mates and renew their marital vows.  Married couples should register their anniversary with the leaders of this ministry so that they might be included in the 4th Sunday observance.

MEDIA MINISTRY
This ministry is responsible for the audio and video recording of all services and church-sponsored events.  Audio recordings are provided upon request and payment of $5 per tape in the Old Finance Room immediately following the morning services. Volunteers are needed to staff the soundboard and assist with the distribution of tapes, especially to persons in hospitals, prisons, and nursing homes.  Tapes of earlier services (up to one year) may also be ordered from the Tape Ministry Catalog following any Sunday Worship Service.  Persons interested in participating in this ministry should contact the church office.

MEN’S MINISTRIES
The Men of Big Bethel (MOBB) is the umbrella organization of the men’s ministries at Big Bethel.  This ministry encompasses the Fishers of Men Bible Study, the Male Usher Board, the Johnson/Schofield Male Chorus, the Brother to Brother Fellowship, and the Sons of Allen.  The MOBB Council consists of presidents and representatives from each of the men’s ministries.  The council is responsible for coordinating the activities of the men’s ministries and overseeing efforts that are cooperative of all the men’s ministries, such as Men’s Emphasis Month.

 

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