Christian Discipleship Programs
Not just any ex-offender can be
a "Bethel man". He must be a man after God's heart
or at least understand and accept the value of being
such. He must want that chance to
start over, accepting responsibility for his actions and
submit to the ultimate help and forgiveness
available to him through Jesus Christ and his
servants at Bethel.
Bethel is a ministry rooted in God's word. Based on
its teachings too numerous to mention here. But
basic instruction such as NT Matthew 6:14
explains, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you."
So Its about change for the Bethel residents and
the communities where Bethel homes are.
True change can only come from God
through Jesus Christ to us. " All Scripture is
God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting and training in righteousness."2 Timothy
3:16. And these are the fundamental gears that turn
Bethel programs and motivate the Bethel residents life.
And this couldn't be more evident than in the
transformations it creates in Bethel Life.
Daily Devotions
We feel that the Word of God is essential to the renewing every individuals self worth.
So each resident is required to participate in a minimum of ½ hour of daily devotions and
½ to one hour of group devotions. This allows the individual time alone for meditation and journaling as
well as time in-group to share any concerns or problems they may be facing. When we understand our
worth is in our relationship with God we can begin to act as children of God.
Mentoring
Bethel follows the example in 1Corinthians 11:1 "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Mentoring is the most vital link for the success of the resident. We establish both passive (pastor, clergy,
house overseer) and active (one on one) mentoring. While most individuals can learn in a classroom
setting most of our residents can best learn by being actively involved in a healthy relationship.
The one on one relationship allows the individual to trust and expose the areas within their lives that
have lead to past failures. The mentors are from local congregations, matched by clergy and advisors
to meet the client's individual needs. Mentoring begins within the first 30 days of residence. Every effort
is made to introduce an active mentor to each client prior to their entrance as a resident.
12 Step Meetings
Browse Bethel's faith Based Recovery Meetings and various life skills classes
"Early Christians' devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking
of bread and to prayer."
Acts 2:42
Bethel follows the example in 1Corinthians 11:1 "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Mentoring is the most vital link for the success of the resident. We establish both passive (pastor, clergy,
house overseer) and active (one on one) mentoring. While most individuals can learn in a classroom
setting most of our residents can best learn by being actively involved in a healthy relationship.
The one on one relationship allows the individual to trust and expose the areas within their lives that
have lead to past failures. The mentors are from local congregations, matched by clergy and advisors
to meet the client's individual needs. Mentoring begins within the first 30 days of residence. Every effort
is made to introduce an active mentor to each client prior to their entrance as a resident.
12 Step Meetings
Browse Bethel's faith Based Recovery Meetings and various life skills classes
"Early Christians' devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking
of bread and to prayer."
Acts 2:42
Bethel Resident Life
Routine Bethel Home Life
Bethel works closely with probation and parole officers and adds a layer of supervision many felons on
the street don't get.
Surviving the six-month program isn't easy. Some residents quit, but a large majority of those who
graduate Bethel stay out of trouble. Chris Roberts is one. He was convicted of a sex crime, and after his
release from prison, he had nowhere to go. He had no job, no money and no help -- except Bethel. He
has been in the program for nearly a year, and Roberts said it's one of the best things that's ever
happened to him."You have to have something like this -- a bigger picture -- to succeed,'' Roberts said.
"This gives people a positive outlook and a way to live a different life. "And Rob, he's fantastic.''
The program's key to success: Residents as students have little free time and aren't allowed to make
many daily decisions. The men are given a place to sleep, food, a mentor and help finding a job. Every
day begins at 5:30 a.m.with Bible study and prayer. After breakfast, everyone either goes to work or
volunteers. They have to do something productive.
The members of each house dine together at 6 p.m.and attend nightly classes at 7 p.m, followed by an
8:30 p.m.curfew. The evening classes are suited to their crimes or addictions, such as Alcoholics
Anonymous or SANE (Sex Abuse Now Ended) Solutions.
Program structure is very important and plays an integral role. Being idle with no plans or goals is not
allowed. Close relationships are not allowed. "No cell phone, girl or car! Bethel has learned that
nothing sends a man back to incarceration quicker. Making plans and setting goals is a very important
part of the problem. And men are coached through steps to success, thus proper self-esteem and
confidence is built, from which a man can continue to carry on with, once the program is over and they
graduate. Many men have never had such a concerned interest shown to them from others in life. And
once successes are experienced, a new realization of self worth develops. This only means, that if one
respects ones self they can more easily respect others! So our structure renders good results!
Saturdays are a free day, and everyone must attend the church of their choice on Sundays.
Probation and parole officers regularly visit unannounced. So does Rob Lee, the Director of Bethel
Ministries, who randomly tests for drug use.
Rule violations get a man kicked out of Bethel and could result in parole violations and a trip back to
prison.
Bethel's Director is in close communication with the men in each of the houses, as do the live-in house
coordinators, so we can have quick response to problems, and that's so important for the community.
There is accountability.
The men are required to give their paychecks to Bethel leaders who teach through personal and
in-class coaching for managing finances with biblical guidelines -- 10 percent to God, 20 percent to
yourself and the rest to bills. Bethel charges $376 a month for food, housing and classes.
Bethel homes are kept clean and are strategically located within neighborhoods away from schools,
parks or day cares. Some neighbors have voiced their opposition, but then on the other hand, some
are very supportive once they learn what Bethel is accomplishing for them!
Bethel works closely with probation and parole officers and adds a layer of supervision many felons on
the street don't get.
Surviving the six-month program isn't easy. Some residents quit, but a large majority of those who
graduate Bethel stay out of trouble. Chris Roberts is one. He was convicted of a sex crime, and after his
release from prison, he had nowhere to go. He had no job, no money and no help -- except Bethel. He
has been in the program for nearly a year, and Roberts said it's one of the best things that's ever
happened to him."You have to have something like this -- a bigger picture -- to succeed,'' Roberts said.
"This gives people a positive outlook and a way to live a different life. "And Rob, he's fantastic.''
The program's key to success: Residents as students have little free time and aren't allowed to make
many daily decisions. The men are given a place to sleep, food, a mentor and help finding a job. Every
day begins at 5:30 a.m.with Bible study and prayer. After breakfast, everyone either goes to work or
volunteers. They have to do something productive.
The members of each house dine together at 6 p.m.and attend nightly classes at 7 p.m, followed by an
8:30 p.m.curfew. The evening classes are suited to their crimes or addictions, such as Alcoholics
Anonymous or SANE (Sex Abuse Now Ended) Solutions.
Program structure is very important and plays an integral role. Being idle with no plans or goals is not
allowed. Close relationships are not allowed. "No cell phone, girl or car! Bethel has learned that
nothing sends a man back to incarceration quicker. Making plans and setting goals is a very important
part of the problem. And men are coached through steps to success, thus proper self-esteem and
confidence is built, from which a man can continue to carry on with, once the program is over and they
graduate. Many men have never had such a concerned interest shown to them from others in life. And
once successes are experienced, a new realization of self worth develops. This only means, that if one
respects ones self they can more easily respect others! So our structure renders good results!
Saturdays are a free day, and everyone must attend the church of their choice on Sundays.
Probation and parole officers regularly visit unannounced. So does Rob Lee, the Director of Bethel
Ministries, who randomly tests for drug use.
Rule violations get a man kicked out of Bethel and could result in parole violations and a trip back to
prison.
Bethel's Director is in close communication with the men in each of the houses, as do the live-in house
coordinators, so we can have quick response to problems, and that's so important for the community.
There is accountability.
The men are required to give their paychecks to Bethel leaders who teach through personal and
in-class coaching for managing finances with biblical guidelines -- 10 percent to God, 20 percent to
yourself and the rest to bills. Bethel charges $376 a month for food, housing and classes.
Bethel homes are kept clean and are strategically located within neighborhoods away from schools,
parks or day cares. Some neighbors have voiced their opposition, but then on the other hand, some
are very supportive once they learn what Bethel is accomplishing for them!
Bible Study
A group Bible study is conducted one night per week in the home.
This time is used to cover all materials that have been assigned for study
from the prior week and to introduce new materials. The studies always
focus on life principles that can be applied to daily life. These meeting are
lead by pastors and teachers from the local area.
Group Counseling
Local chaplains, pastors and counselors oversee a weekly group counseling session which focuses on
the concerns and fears of ex-offenders reentering society. The facilitators have experience in the area
of restoration of dysfunctional lifestyles.
A group Bible study is conducted one night per week in the home.
This time is used to cover all materials that have been assigned for study
from the prior week and to introduce new materials. The studies always
focus on life principles that can be applied to daily life. These meeting are
lead by pastors and teachers from the local area.
Group Counseling
Local chaplains, pastors and counselors oversee a weekly group counseling session which focuses on
the concerns and fears of ex-offenders reentering society. The facilitators have experience in the area
of restoration of dysfunctional lifestyles.
BETHEL'S AWARD WINNING TRANSITIONAL PROGRAM How One Applies Contact Executive Director and Director of Bethel Program Invitations anytime for more information. Contact Rob Lee |
| October 08 Fall work project- Raking leaves. |
Bethel Ministries is
faith based!
From the beginning,
Bethel empowers each
resident with the power
that is available from
above. To introduce each
man to the source of
power, strength, wisdom
and knowledge thats
necessary to make him
successful in
life! Each man must
come to believe he can
be repentant, forgiven,
and loved by God the
Father, overcome his
difficulties, and become
a new man! Hebrews
11:6 says," Now without
faith it is impossible to
please God, for the one
who comes to him must
believe that he exists and
that he rewards those
who that diligently seek
him.
Every human being
needs to internalize the
fact that we all are
valuable to God and that
God will do everything in
his power to forgive us
and help us.
"Seek the LORD while he
may be found. Call on
him while he is near.
Let those who have been
wicked abandon their
ways. Let people
abandon their evil
thoughts. Let them return
to the LORD, and he will
show compassion to
them.
Let them return to God,
because he will freely
forgive them. Isaiah
55:6-7 GW Paraphrased
"And seeing their faith,
Christ said, man thy sins
are forgiven thee." Luke
5:20
, " . . . All things are
possible to him that
believeth." Mark 9:23
"When the Son sets us
free, we are free indeed!"
John 8:36
ASV
Many times in order to be
restored one must be
made aware of his value
and worth to God as God
would have it! This is a
very important part of
Bethel's ministry.
faith based!
From the beginning,
Bethel empowers each
resident with the power
that is available from
above. To introduce each
man to the source of
power, strength, wisdom
and knowledge thats
necessary to make him
successful in
life! Each man must
come to believe he can
be repentant, forgiven,
and loved by God the
Father, overcome his
difficulties, and become
a new man! Hebrews
11:6 says," Now without
faith it is impossible to
please God, for the one
who comes to him must
believe that he exists and
that he rewards those
who that diligently seek
him.
Every human being
needs to internalize the
fact that we all are
valuable to God and that
God will do everything in
his power to forgive us
and help us.
"Seek the LORD while he
may be found. Call on
him while he is near.
Let those who have been
wicked abandon their
ways. Let people
abandon their evil
thoughts. Let them return
to the LORD, and he will
show compassion to
them.
Let them return to God,
because he will freely
forgive them. Isaiah
55:6-7 GW Paraphrased
"And seeing their faith,
Christ said, man thy sins
are forgiven thee." Luke
5:20
, " . . . All things are
possible to him that
believeth." Mark 9:23
"When the Son sets us
free, we are free indeed!"
John 8:36
ASV
Many times in order to be
restored one must be
made aware of his value
and worth to God as God
would have it! This is a
very important part of
Bethel's ministry.
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| Bethel Ministries PO Box 44106 Boise, Idaho 83711-0106 Fax: (208) 345-5331 |
| Photos from the 2007 Winter Graduation Ceremonies, guest speakers and Bethel residents' personal testimonies. The culmination of "Bethel Life" |
BETHEL MINISTRIES
 |
The Ministry | The Program | The Criteria | Resident Life | Program Applications | Calendar | In The News | Idaho Laws Annual Report | Contact Us | Affiliations & Links | Donate | Bethel Ministries PO Box 44106 Boise, Idaho 83711-0106 | Fax: (208) 345-5331 Bethel Ministries © 2009 | A 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. |