OUR
MINISTRIES
We are a small village fellowship, but our heart for reaching those who don’t yet know the Gospel of our Lord Jesus means that we are actively involved in ministries both near and far.
Gospel Partnerships
Our Associate Pastor, Peter Cockrell, spends time resourcing pastors in Tanzania and Kenya, through establishing gospel-centred partnerships. Bethel Church takes an active part in this ministry in prayerful and financial support.
There are currently six Gospel Partnerships in Tanzania, with five more forming in Western Kenya. The Gospel Partnerships are groups of about 20-30 pastors, coming together to support each other in their ministries. Many of these men have little or no formal education, let alone any theological training. All of them will be working in other jobs - particularly cottage industries – since Church Pastors in Eastern Africa rarely receive a salary.
The main emphasis of Peter’s work is to encourage the pastors in keeping the Gospel of our Lord Jesus central in their ministry. Simple as this may sound, the work is actually revolutionary - helping the African leaders see the sufficiency of Christ, and therefore protecting them from false teaching and tribal beliefs, both being rife even within the Church. In keeping the groups small Peter’s training is able to maintain a discipleship and relational dynamic, providing accountability and support amongst the pastors.
Christianity Explored Courses
Christianity Explored gives you the time and space to consider the big questions of life and to explore the life of the person at the heart of the Christian faith – Jesus Christ
• You don’t need to know anything about the Bible
• You won’t be asked to read aloud, pray or sing
• You can ask any question you want, or just simply listen
This 6 week course is FREE for anybody to attend. Please get in touch if you would like to know more.
Serving the Homeless
We support the work of the homeless charity, Above Us Only Sky? as they seek to offer immediate help to those sleeping rough on the streets of London. This also gives us an opportunity to serve the homeless closer to Bethel, on the streets of Chelmsford. When the temperature drops to zero and below, we hand out Army quality sleeping bags. They literally save lives.
Prison Ministry
Bethel’s prayer ministry paves the way for Peter Cockrell’s work two days a week as a Prison Chaplain. Another of our members plays a wonderful voluntary role amongst the prisoners, working with Prison Fellowship. A key aspect of Peter’s work with Christian Prison Resourcing is to deliver Bible Studies to those interested in knowing more about the Christian Faith. The aim is to inspire prisoners with the Good News of Jesus Christ through personal and practical resourcing, and to equip prisoners biblically to enjoy the Christian hope for themselves.
Sunday School & Creche
Children are encouraged to be a part of Sunday morning worship with their parents or carers. During the sermon time they can then go to Sunday School or Creche.
Sunday School is for children age 5-14, centred on understanding the salvation narrative throughout the Bible. Activities and crafts help to reinforce biblical truths.
Creche provides a safe and happy environment for babies, toddlers and preschoolers to play and interact, while parents can enjoy a few moments quiet to sit under the preaching of God's Word.
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We have a child protection policy, and a paper copy is available to read on request.
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If you have any concerns about safe-guarding for a child or vulnerable adult, please contact either Linda Denston or Emma Cockrell (01245 400665), our safe-guarding recruiters and officers.
Street Pastors
If you see Kevin and Gail dozing off during the Sunday service, they can be forgiven as they have probably been walking the streets of Chelmsford to early hours of the morning. Offering a friendly face and helping revellers find their way home, they are a welcome sight on our streets.
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Linda is also actively involved with School Pastors working with secondary school children in South Woodham Ferrers.
