FOUR CORE PRACTICES

for becoming a faithful presence of Christ…

At Bethany Church, we believe each person is wonderfully made in the image of God, with distinctions and unique attributes that make the world more beautiful. Every person is beloved, gifted, and called to serve. When it comes to participating and leading within this community, the identity we share in Christ takes priority over all other identities. Therefore, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability or social and economic class, all who confess Jesus Christ as Lord are welcome to fully participate within the life of this church. In this community, all people are encouraged to live fully into their created goodness and respond to God’s call to be a faithful presence of Christ in core city Muskegon. Together, we worship as a way of life, pause daily, practice welcome and care, and invest (+ protest) wholeheartedly in God’s good purposes for our church, city and world.

WORSHIP AS A WAY OF LIFE

Express love with all that you have and all that you are to the One who first loves us. Join with other Jesus followers to practice and create rituals like singing, scripture study, sacraments, service and prayer that deepen our expression of love for God. Worship happens anywhere (in creation, online, in our homes, & gathered with others) but is anchored in set aside times and communal sacred spaces.

Invitation: Worship weekly with Bethany (at least once a month in-person.)

PAUSE DAILY

to be present to God through prayer and scripture.

Invitation: Read the weekly sermon text or a Psalm and pray (begin with 10 minutes a day).

PRACTICE WELCOME & CARE

in all aspects of life and across our differences. Care for yourself, those in your daily interactions and those in our church family. Create space for strangers to become friends.

Invitation: Participate in Bethany Family Group gatherings four times a year.

INVEST (& PROTEST)

WHOLEHEARTEDLY in God’s purposes for good in the world. Be ambassadors of love, justice and reconciliation in our church, neighborhood and beyond, with particular care for youth, the vulnerable and creation.

Invitation: Invest sacrificially in the ministry of Bethany and/or engage in our city in a way fitting with your gifts and resources.