"Well done, good and faithful servant!"

Aren't those the words every genuine Christian looks forward to hearing?  To know that we are living our lives in a way that pleases God is the greatest of satisfactions.

God has declared that all Christians are priests ( I Peter 2:5) and therefore all are called to serve.  His Word tells us that the body of Christ is built up as each part does its work (Ephesians 4:16).  And he wills that all Christians use their gifts and talents to serve others and bring glory to His name ( I Peter 4:10-11). We serve God not grudgingly, but with a grateful heart and a spirit of joy for the gift of salvation God has provided us through Jesus.

As you will see from the following brief outline, Bellevue has many ministries, and it is a place where anyone can serve, whatever their abilities and interest might be.

If you are already a Bellevue member, you will find encouragement by seeing all the good works taking place.  You may also discover a new ministry to join in.

If you are not currently a member at Bellevue, this brief outline will help you better understand what God is doing through His people at this place.  And maybe you will find here a place and an opportunity to become God's "good and faithful servant."

Summary of Ministry Opportunities at Bellevue Church of Christ

Foreign Missions

This ministry focuses on the international aspect of the missions at the Bellevue church.  Those involved in this ministry devote time and effort to meet regularly, communicate with our missionaries on a regular basis and arrange periodic visits where possible.  Members of the mission team also evaluate new mission opportunities and recommend support to the elders.

World Bible School

This ministry sends Bible lessons through the mail to students all over the world.  Graduates seeking baptism are paired with evangelists in the area.  The goal is to spread the gospel by helping evangelists and missionaries with targeted mailings.  Members at Bellevue assist with this effort by grading lessons, writing letters, mailing out lessons, etc.

Domestic Missions

Domestic missions focus on local evangelistic needs within the United States.  Members support these missions through many activities including:  planning activities, traveling to mission sites, sending cards and letters, and serving as summer mentors to the participants in the evangelistic development program.

Forest Park - Inner City Ministry

Once every week during the school year, children from four to sixteen years of age come to the Bellevue Church for Bible classes that involve stories, singing, and crafts.  Approximately 40 children commute by the church bus from the Forest Park apartments.  Some 40 team members assist by driving the bus, teaching the classes, and assisting with various other activities.

Room In The Inn

Each Friday night from November until the end of March, we have the opportunity to help take care of some men that need our help.  On Friday nights, our bus goes downtown and picks up at least ten men and brings them to our building for the night.  We provide them with a bed, a place to clean up, clothes if needed, a warm supper, breakfast the following morning, and a sack lunch.  Our members have the opportunity to participate with this ministry in the following ways:  as bus drivers, innkeepers, providing food, and as clean-up helpers.

Juvenile Court Ministry

The Bellevue Church of Christ is the sponsoring congregation for the Juvenile Court Ministry in Nashville.  Under the strong leadership of Chaplain Keith Hall, many young lives are being turned around by the grace of God.  Many young people who started life down the wrong path are giving their lives to Jesus by being baptized!  This ministry can always use Bible study teachers - particularly ladies in the congregation who would be willing to teach the young ladies who are being detained at the facility.

Beacons of Light

This caring ministry provides assistance for unexpected difficult circumstances to members and non-members of the Bellevue community.  Short-term crisis intervention is directed through funds of the teams in order to connect with the individuals financially and spiritually.

Preschool

The preschool has been part of our outreach efforts for 25 years.  Several hundred children have come through the program.  The primary objective of the school is to teach the Word of God while preparing the children for the next step in their education.  Approximately 40% of the families are from outside the church, and for some families, this is their first exposure to the Bible.  Our staff are all members of the church.  Over the years our preschool has developed an excellent reputation in our community that has resulted in full enrollment with only word-of-mouth advertising.

Kingdom Kids

Kingdom Kids meets upstairs each Sunday evening (excluding 5th Sundays of the month). This is for children ages two through Kindergarten. We sing songs, have Bible stories, puppet shows, service projects, crafts and snacks. One of our favorite things are visits from our long-time friend, Bernie the Bear. A team of volunteers works with the children, leading singing, telling Bible stories and directing the activities.

Vacation Bible School

Each summer, the Bellevue church participates in a four-night Bible focus of various biblical topics.  Typically, the younger children program involves special activities as opposed to a typical classroom atmosphere.  Special speakers are brought in for adults and the youth.  Volunteers help with crafts, refreshments, skits, puppets, teaching, building sets, leading singing, advertising, and more.

Membership Directory

This ministry provides the congregation with a tool for membership identification.  When becoming a member of the Bellevue congregation it is customary to have your picture taken.  This ministry coordinates the session and coordinates updates to the directory as well.  Members serve by assisting with the scheduling of photo sessions, preparing the pictorial directory for the printer, and coordinating the printing, delivery, and distribution of the directory.

Lads-To-Leaders/Leaderettes

The church at Bellevue is an active participant in this ministry to train young men and women for future leadership roles in the Lord's church.  Through regular meetings and participation in regional and national conventions, our young men and women become active members of the church at an early age.  Our young men who are in the program provide weekly Bible readings at our Sunday morning and evening  worship services.  This program provides a rewarding experience for all those involved.

New Members

The new members ministry seeks to orient new members into the congregation as quickly as possible and provide them with opportunities to become involved in worship activities that will strengthen their spiritual growth.  This is achieved through the use of Membership Involvement Teams, which is composed of several couples, of varying age groups, who are willing to devote their time to meet with new members and integrate them into the congregation.

Visitation

The visitation ministry contacts new visitors, frequent visitors, shut-ins, and other members with special needs or in special situations.  The purpose of the contacts is to welcome new visitors and answer any questions they may have; encourage frequent visitors to place membership and become involved; welcome new members, inviting them to visitation meetings and providing opportunity for them to become involved; encourage members in special situations; and encourage shut-ins and help make their needs known to the congregation.  This is accomplished through rotating visitation teams who make the visits and meet on a regular basis to report on the results of their visit.

Youth Ministry

The youth group as a ministry is responsible for the spiritual development of our young people.  We are committed to providing activities which will help promote service to others and fellowship.  The youth group is a place where young people are encouraged to develop a personal faith with Jesus Christ through worship, Bible study, and devotional time.

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These are just a sampling of the many opportunities for service and involvement available at Bellevue.  Come worship with us beginning this Sunday and you will learn of many other ways in which we are involved.  And hopefully you will find an area or areas of service where you can use your unique talents to help us as we try to seek and save the lost, and continue to encourage and strengthen those who are saved.