Church Life
Rev. Angel Hush, Church Life Pastor
Beth Rapha’s Church Life seeks ways of serving the Membership and keeping the Pastor informed of all relative matters as they relate to the Member including, new births, deaths, illnesses, etc. Its goal is to honor God’s people and promote a willingness to serve. Jesus stated that his purpose in coming was not to be served, but to serve (Matt 20:28). In becoming incarnate he took upon himself the form of a servant (Phil 2:7). “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (v. 8). Church Life must display a similar willingness to serve. Church Life must be willing to go to the undesirables and helpless, those who cannot give anything in return to the church. It must go where needy persons are found and continue to fulfill the major functions of its task to preserve the basic message with which it has been entrusted, which is to carry out the Lord’s purposes and bring hope to His people. Willingness to serve then, means that we will not seek for our own needs, satisfaction or purposes, but rather we shall be characterized by the attributes of Christ and continue to show forth the love of God

The following auxiliaries fall under the umbrella of Church Life:
- Intercessory Prayer Ministry: The Intercessory Prayer Ministry is an integral part of the International Gathering at Beth Rapha, serving as a part of the Helps Ministry and not the governmental structure. Our responsibility is to provide a prayer covering over the Senior Pastor, the Pastoral staff, leadership, membership and the vision that the Lord has given the Senior Pastor.

In addition, we train and teach prayer to the membership through Monthly Prayer Clinics. Our goals are accomplished through various means including the 24-Hour Prayer Vigil, Prayer Alerts, the Prayer Team for the Nations, Concerts of Prayer, as well as daily corporate prayer times at 6 a.m. and 12 noon, and 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. All is done to the glory of God and all is accomplished through the will and grace of the Lord. – Rev. Patricia A. Bean, Director

- New Converts Barnabas Ministry: The Barnabas Ministry is designed to ground a new believer in the faith, which involves helping the new convert discover assurance of salvation and develop the basic disciplines and values critical to spiritual maturity. It employs the Trustee Ministry, where each new convert receives a trustee who provides fellowship, encouragement, prayer, working closely with the new convert to ensure they don’t “slip through the cracks.” – Rev. Diane E. Bell, Director

- Koinonia Ministry: There are several means by which members of the church are to be edified. One of them is fellowship. The word fellowship in the New Testament is translated from the Greek word, “koinonia”. This word means an association, community, communion, or joint participation. Literally, it refers to having or holding all things in common and sharing with other people.

The purpose of this Ministry is to enjoy a loving fellowship with other believers in Beth Rapha of the kind that Jesus had with the apostles. Beth Rapha believes that fellowship with Christ and other believers is essential. People were created by God for relationship. When God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Gen 2:18), Adam already had a wonderful fellowship going on with God, the Father. Yet, God did not allow him to remain alone. Thus, to be lonely or isolated is not God’s will. God’s plan is to put us immediately into a wonderful family—His family where we can enjoy koinonia!

Thus, Koinonia Ministry coordinates and arranges monthly fellowship times for both new members and new converts in order to integrate new members into the social fabric of the congregation of Beth Rapha while providing a venue for new converts to be with other real Christians (those who have turned from sin and are trusting in Christ). This allows them to change from their former social habits and former relationships to embrace a new lifestyle as a part of the family of God who love and obey God.

- YUM (Young Unwed Mothers/Men): This Ministry is geared towards single-parent households and will teach them parenting from a godly perspective and encourage and motivate young unwed mothers/men to raise their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord; and instill godly, wholesome principles and values with instructions on how to lead their life as a victorious single parent in Christ.

- Maintenance Ministry: Here at Beth Rapha it is very important to keep our church clean, sanitized and comfortable for our members and guests. This is the heart of those on the Maintenance Team. This team is composed of dedicated young people who have a deep desire to see the House of God reflect His glory in every aspect.

- Love Feast & New Member’s Fellowship (Getting to know your Leaders): The Love Feast is a time of communion and fellowship with the brethren. The Love Feast is generally held the last Friday of each month and is a precursor to our Communion Service which is held on the First Sunday of every month. During this time our Pastor teaches on love and affords us the time to get it right with our brethren so that we take our Holy Communion in the spirit and intent for which it was established by our Lord, Jesus Christ.

During the Love Feast a special activity is featured (such as poetry reading, speech contest, talent show, fashion show, corporate games, movie night, etc) which allows every Member to participate.

The Love Feast is also the time we designate to get to know our new Members and get closer to our existing Members. The Church Members (Leaders in particular) are required to come and fellowship with all Members on this day. This affords everyone a chance to associate names with faces; meet and greet people and learn about their interests. This also helps the new Member to get an idea of where they may want to begin to get active in The Ministry. Although this is an opportunity to learn what area the new member may have an interest, this is not the primary concern. The most important assignment on this day is to fellowship.

Other ministries under Church Life include:
- Hospitality Ministry
- Security Ministry
- Usher Ministry
- Men’s Ministry
- Media Ministry