Step #2 CONSOLIDATE
This step is so important that you must study it in detail throughout this website. [Consolidation] This is the care that must be given to a new believer until the character of Christ is formed in them. The formation primarily is through careful personal ministry on retreats [Encounters] and in the cell meetings. Each step is important and we must excel in this aspect of the vision. It is the careful attention given to bring wholeness and heath to the life of the new believer.
 
Both new believers and new church members are "plugged in" to the church through the consolidation process. Members of the consolidation team are assigned to new believers or new members to help enroll them in a weekly cell meeting, guide them through a short Pre-Encounter course, and register them to attend an Encounter Retreat. At this weekend retreat, they "encounter God" through teachings on inner healing, deliverance, baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the vision of the church. Following the retreat, they are encouraged to attend a ten-week new believers' class entitled Post-Encounter.

Encounters:

What is an "Encounter?"
We believe that the first step in becoming a disciple is to be "free indeed." Jesus said: "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will SET YOU FREE" (John 8:31-32, NIV).

An Encounter Retreat is a weekend short course in freedom -- freedom from habits, bondage, bitterness, wrong thoughts, and past mistakes. At the Encounter, the Lord will set you free through the power of the Cross.

Who will be there?
Each Encounter is led by a Bethany leader or staff member, who is assisted by his or her "12" (which is a group of twelve people the leader has been personally mentoring). Men attend Ironman Encounters and women attend First Lady Encounters. Youth (220) Encounters and Children's (KidZone) Encounters are not gender-specific.

Generally, Encounter groups contain between 40 and 60 people, but some Encounters have had up to 100 people in attendance.

Where is the Encounter Retreat held?
Bethany uses a number of excellent camp and retreat facilities for Encounter Retreats. These clean, well-staffed facilities are within two hours of Baton Rouge and consistently serve good food!
What is the cost of an Encounter Retreat?
Costs for Encounters are based on which facility is used and what type of group is going. The MOST the Retreat will cost is $65, which includes two nights of lodging and five meals (you can't beat that!).

What is the schedule of the Retreat?
You provide your own transportation and are expected to arrive by 6:00 p.m. Friday evening for registration and room assignments. There will be sessions and activities that evening, throughout Saturday, and until 2:00 p.m. Sunday. You will then return to the Bethany Campus that hosted the Retreat for a "welcome home" reception with your family and friends - which is an exciting, high-energy finale to the Retreat.

Do you ever have Couples Encounters?
Yes! We recommend, however, that you first attend regular Encounter Retreats separately so that you will not have to deal with all the "marriage issues" before you deal with your "personal issues."

Each Couples Encounter begins with an orientation on Friday evening at Bethany South. The Retreat continues on Saturday morning at a Baton Rouge hotel, and ends at noon on Sunday. The cost for a Couples Encounter is $150 per couple, which includes one night and four meals for each of you.

Do you have special Encounters for pastors?

Yes, we do have several special Encounters designed specifically for pastors and church leaders. Many of the retreat facilities mentioned above are used, and like the other Encounters, Pastoral Encounters begin on Friday evening and end on Sunday afternoon. The cost is $175 per person. For more information, call 225-771-1600, or register online at www.bccn.com .

How do I get ready to go?
Register - You can call our office at 225-774-1700 (ext. 292), or go by the "Guest Information" booth in any of the Bethany sanctuary lobbies.

Attend a Bethany small group - Your small group leader will personally lead you through a Pre-Encounter course of six lessons, which will help you to be prepared to receive the maximum value for your weekend investment. If you have never attended a small group and need help in finding one, you can call our Cell Coordinator's office at 225-774-1700 (ext. 204).

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