Christian Formation and Church Relations

A Letter From Campus Pastor and Vice President of Christian Formation and Church Relations Laurel Bunker

Dear Bethel Families—

On behalf of the Office of Christian Formation and Church Relations, I want to welcome you and your student to Bethel University! For the better part of 25 years, it has been my distinct privilege to serve youth and young adults by encouraging, motivating, and preparing them to live out their faith in bold, sacrificial, Christ-centered ways. In a culture that places self at the center, this can be a challenging task. That is why our seminary-trained, pastoral team has spent years studying the Word of God and have become well versed in youth and young adult culture, and Christian discipleship. We desire to serve your son or daughter, in and with the truth, that will set them free (John 8:32).

As a parent of two young women - a sophomore in college and a senior in high school, I know firsthand the many pressures that face your student. I also know that there is ample support available to your student that can help them navigate those challenges successfully. Our commitment to you is that we will listen to each student story, no matter where or how that story begins, and faithfully walk with them toward a deeper, more committed relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

If there is any way that we may be of service to you or your student, please do not hesitate to contact our department. We are honored to serve you and your families both now and in the years to come.

Serving Together,

Laurel M. Bunker Campus Pastor and Vice President, Christian Formation and Church Relations

Office of Christian Formation and Church Relations 651.638.6372 | christian-formation@bethel.edu | church-relations@bethel.edu bethel.edu/christian-formation

WORSHIP EXPERIENCE Bethel Chapel provides weekly opportunities for the Bethel community to gather in prayer and worship. Chapel is offered three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Though attendance is optional, many students, staff, and faculty regularly set aside this time to hear challenging messages and offer their praise through song. On Sunday nights, student-led Vespers is an additional and rich opportunity for students to join together in worship. Vespers is widely attended by Bethel students, families, faculty, staff, and others from the local community. CHURCH RELATIONS Bethel University was originally founded to help churches and ministry leaders advance the gospel—and that’s still a priority today. The Church Relations aspect of our department provides services to Christian churches and ministries—from seminars on biblical scholarship to high-energy events for youth to providing speakers to churches and conferences. Bethel loves the local church. MISSIONS TRIPS We organize yearly student mission trips to a variety of ministry sites in the US and internationally. The long-standing partnerships we have built in these communities foster great opportunities for students. In these environments, students grow in their engagement with God’s mission as well as in their capacity to learn from people and cultures which are different from them. PRAYER Prayer is an integral part of life at Bethel. Students are always welcome to come to the Christian Formation and Church Relations office to receive prayer or submit a prayer request online. Without Ceasing, prayer initiatives, and a prayer tent create further opportunities for the Bethel community to support one another and engage this important spiritual practice.

DISCIPLESHIP We desire to create a culture of discipleship at Bethel where students journey with others toward Christ-likeness. For first-year students, we offer Shift. This weekly ministry is held on dorm floors and includes weekly small groups led by upper-class student leaders. For upper-class students we offer a men’s mentoring program called Men’s Discipleship, and a women’s small group ministry called Rooted. We also have a small group ministry for students who identify as LGBTQ+ or same-sex attracted. This group is hosted by a campus pastor that meets twice per month. We are also in collaboration with the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Engagement to provide spiritual guidance, mentorship, and support through the Cultural Connection Center in which we celebrate and cultivate the kingdom principles of cultural inclusiveness.

CHURCH We encourage students to visit and attend a local church. Many local churches provide shuttle services to Bethel students. Information can be found in the online Directory of Churches in the Church Relations section of Bethel’s website. FAMILY GUIDEBOOK 13