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Q. What is the Bethany Ark?

A. It's all about spiritual growth. The Bethany Ark is a program that will teach each of us to understand the concept of a balanced spiritual life in the areas of Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Service and Evangelism? Read more.

Q. Why are we doing this? What's wrong with the way things were?

A. The intent of the Bethany Ark is to provide the opportunity for everyone at Bethany the receive fundamental teaching for following a balanced, Spirit-led life in the areas of Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Service, and Evangelism. This is not to say that none of this is already happening at Bethany. It's to say that we can do better. We are not perfect and this won't make us so. But when the Lord is telling us that we can improve, we must follow in obedience.

 

Q. Are the classes mandatory?

A. No. Although Bethany will encourage all to participate in the classes, everything should be dependent on the Lord’s will for you specifically. What classes to attend, what service or evangelism program to assist with, if you join a Life Group and which group … all of these are determined between you and God. That is one of the critical keys to success… allowing this to be Spirit-led.

Q. Is this a church growth campaign?

A. No. It is a personal spiritual growth campaign. It is not about quantity.

Q.Will this change our church?

A.Nothing about our doctrine, values or culture will change. Do expect to see people grow spiritually in the Lord.

Q. Are we changing our doctrine in any way?

A. No. Hear a brief comment from Pastor Leckie: The Centrality of Christ at Bethany (excerpted from Sunday evening message (1/6/08)

 

Q. Is this related to Purpose Driven, The Purpose Driven Life book, or Saddleback Church?

A.Some argue that Purpose Driven and Saddleback Church have compromised discernment on important issues. Bethany has reviewed their literature and has taken a different route. We are not adopting Purpose Driven and will not change the culture or doctrine of our church. Our curriculum in the classes has been completely changed from “process-based” to “Spirit-led.” Rather than church growth, the intent is spiritual growth. Although the five values are the same, the content is significantly different.

Q. Are we encouraging the use of The Purpose Driven Life in our classes and life groups?

A. During the initial formation of the Ark, legitimate issues were raised regarding the book The Purpose Driven Life. After further investigation and prayer, we have chosen not to promote the book within the Ark.

Q. What is meant by "Spirit-led?"

A. We are using the term "Spirit-led" to distinguish the ark from a process or methods-based plan. Spiritual growth does not come from mechanically following a man-made formula. We are seeking to be led by the Holy Spirit as we plan. Being Spirit-led does not mean passively letting things go and claiming that whatever happens is the work of the Holy Spirit. It's actively listening and obediently following His leadership for the future of Bethany.

 

Q. What are "Life Groups?"

A. Life Groups are groups of 12 to 20 who meet outside of church during the week in fellowship. A host will open their home to start a group. The group will grow with an open invitation until that group feels that group is large enough, at which point they “close” the group. The Life Group will become close friends, meeting in the homes. They may choose to worship, fellowship, Bible study, do acts of service, and/or evangelize together. This provides close knit friendships and a format for new members to plug-in as well. They are not mandatory. You may change Life Groups at any time. Many already exist unofficially at Bethany. This creates an opportunity to greet, encourage, and love each other in a small community.

 

Q. Has this been done at other churches?

A. Living a Spirit-led Life is exemplified in the earliest New Testament churches. Life Groups have fellowshipped in the homes since the earliest churches as well.

 

Q. Where did you get the original picture of the ark used in the earlier logo?

A. The ark picture is actually from a photograph of a 1/5 scale floating replica that was built by Johan Huibers. Check it his web site by clicking here. By the way, we have permission to use it.