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 The Christian Education Department uses a holistic approach to disciple each soul into a deeper and stronger relationship with Jesus Christ. Various programs are offered for spiritual growth and continued education.
Assimilation Ministry
The Assimilation Ministry serves as a tool to guide the New Member from the point of their decision to join, through the completion of New Members Orientation and MasterLife Course(s) and into the life of the Church. This guide will aide the New Member by determining and developing their Spiritual Gift(s), equipping them with the tools necessary to “MasterLife” and directing them into the life of the Church. This ministry also serves as a bridge to assimilate the member into the life of the Church.
 Bates Bible Institute (BBI)
Our classes are intended to offer personal enrichment with a hands-on practical application of classroom instruction. An entire week is dedicated to enriching the members of our congregation. Our mission is to develop a disciple's character in knowledge and understanding of Godly life principles through applied teaching for the betterment of their community, family and personal life, that God's kingdom be established on earth.
Church School
Church School is an essential disciple-making strategy of the Church, providing effectiveness by teaching biblical principles and godly living to people at every age and stage of life.
Our purpose is such:
· The primary purpose is obedient response to the Great Commission: Making disciples who will fulfill the threefold mission of the church —evangelism, worship, and discipleship.
· The primary strategy is the intentional, systematic, development of leaders who can carry on the work of the ministry in the local church.
· The primary curriculum is the Bible supported by appropriate teaching resources.
 · The primary process is regular (preferably weekly), systematic teaching of Bible content and doctrine.
· The primary dynamic is the building of relationships that involve mutual commitment and accountability.
· The primary structure includes a full range of groups, developed with a sensitivity to culture, needs, interests, and/or life stages.
· The primary oversight is the responsibility of the pastoral staff and church lay leaders in the local church.
Discipleship
MasterLife is a 24 week process that consists of 4-6 week workbook type studies. Each day for five days a week you will be expected to study a segment of the material and complete the related activities. The four books are: The Disciples Cross, The Disciples Personality, The Disciples Victory, and The Disciples Mission. Through this course Jesus teaches you how to develop a personal and obedient relationship with Him, discipline in doing so and a desire to share Him with those we come in contact with on a daily basis. Classes are taught throughout various times of the year.
Freedom Night - Mid-Week Bible Study
 Bates Memorial offers a mid-week opportunity for you to explore, experience and enjoy the life-changing, difference-making, character-building, breakthrough-enabling Word of God. Every Wednesday at noon, we offer Bible Study featuring a feast of food for your soul. In just one hour, you can treat yourself to a full course meal of spiritual empowerment! Then every Wednesday at , we have our Freedom Night which offers a wonderful opportunity to refuel and re-energize your spirit. Evening service includes a time of prayer, praise, and teaching. Bible Study teaches classes in all age ranges from infant – adult.
New Members
This ministry served to lay a solid foundation which teaches that Christ is the cornerstone; to first observe all things that Christ commanded, cultivate a love for Christ, create a thirst for continued growth and teach tools needed to grow as a disciple. This is an 8 week course and meets each Sunday at 10 a.m., Wednesdays at 6 p.m and Saturdays 5 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding New Members
Nursery
The purpose of the Nursery Ministry is to provide Christ-Centered child care for visitors or members of Bates Memorial during worship services. The ministry is responsible for providing a loving and caring environment for children from birth to six years of age during 8:00, 9:45, and 11:30 a.m. services each Sunday, and also at 7:00 p.m. during Wednesday night Bible Study at 600 E. Lampton Street. Our goals are to provide ongoing training for ministry helpers, CPR and first aid training and to develop a new curriculum for children ages 2 to 3.
Outreach
 Taking the Church beyond four walls, our goal is to provide services to those in prison, shelters, sharing the same teaching, doctrine, fellowship and love through small group interaction.
Visitor Ministry
The writer of Hebrews says we should be careful how we entertain strangers, for some have entertained angels unaware. When you come to our worship services, it is our goal as a church family to serve you in such a way that the presence of God is felt, and the power of the Holy Spirit is evident. During a special time in worship, ushers will provide pertinent information about our church along with a visitor’s badge. Please complete the form so that we may contact you at a later time. Our desire for you as a visitor is to embrace the spirit of worship and receive the spirit of hospitality up-close and personally. It is with this conviction that we welcome you, "an angel incognito," to worship and fellowship with your friends in the faith .
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