What is Redemption Night?
Redemption Night is designed for those facing difficult and seldom-discussed struggles, which often include abuse and addiction. It’s a time for learning how God changes our lives by the Gospel. It also provides instruction and training for those interested in helping others through Biblical counseling and shepherding. Every Redemption Night includes two sessions:

1. Main sessions are for everyone and include 35 to 45 minutes of teaching. The teaching is based on a “redemption book” written by Mars Hill pastors. (Bring $5 for the book, which is available at the registration table on Redemption nights.)
2. Breakout sessions follow the main session. Groups split up into two types, closed and general, for a 90-minutes discussion.

When is Redemption Night?
Redemption Night for fall 2009 started mid-September. The weekly event will be held on Sundays until Nov. 22.

We only do fall, winter and spring quarters.  There is no summer quarter due to people’s busy schedules, which prevent the level of commitment necessary for Redemption Night.

A quarter starts with a weekend intensive, where we cover the redemption book’s introduction and chapter one. For those who signed up for a group, everyone will also tell their stories, sharing about their life and struggles. Additionally, there will be story workshops where new redemption group participants will get to hear the redemptive story of those who have previously gone through the redemption group process.

Following the intensive, Redemption Night will occur every Sunday night from 4:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for another eight sessions.  A quarter is about nine weeks long and occurs in the fall, winter and spring.

How do I choose a breakout session?

Breakout Sessions are organized into two basic tracks: closed and general groups.

1. Closed redemption groups begin and end with each quarter and are only available for Mars Hill Church members. These groups have trained leaders and a set number of participants.
2. General redemption groups are formed by two or more people deciding after the teaching that they want to meet that night or regularly during the rest of the quarter. During the second hour there will be an “orientation” time to give all new comers information on how the Redemption Night works and to answer any questions. Then, if there is anybody who wants to form their own general group, they are more than welcome to. These can consist of a spouse or friends who come with you or strangers whom you meet that night.

People are also welcome to come only for the teaching the first hour. This is known as the general track. The general track is designed for those who need help, but are not yet in a redemption group. Participants join the main sessions, receive a copy of the redemption book, and follow the teaching from week to week, reading the book and completing the journaling assignments. No official general track activities are scheduled during the breakout sessions on Redemption Night, but if anyone so chooses, they can form a general group (see above) and go through the material together.

How do I sign up?
If you are interested in getting into closed group track in this coming quarter of Bellevue Redemption Night, you must fill out an application before the quarter deadline. We will make every effort to place you in a group. However, we have limited resources and space and can’t guarantee group placement. For more information visit the registration table on Redemption Nights or e-mail bellevueredemption@marshillchurch.org.

General group tracks are open to everyone. For more information on joining this group, ask to join the Bellevue Redemption Night group on The City or e-mail bellevueredemption@marshillchurch.org.

What about childcare?
Seats will be available in the back of the chapel for children during the main session. During the transition before breakout sessions begin (about 4:45 p.m.), you will be able to check your children into age-appropriate childcare.

Where else can I get help?

Above and beyond day-to-day community, the group track on Redemption Night is usually the best place for people to find help at Mars Hill Church. Participants in the general track may seek additional help by contacting bellevuecare@marshillchurch.org, or by calling Mars Hill Bellevue at (206) 816-3805.

What is a Redemption group?

The following description applies to closed and general redemption groups, which meet during Redemption Night. A Redemption group is an intense small group that digs deep into difficult areas of life, such as abuse, addiction, and trials of all sort.

It’s a dialogue, not a class. The objectives follow the content of the redemption book and main session teaching. Closed groups are led by qualified leaders (usually two per group), trained for the task by Mars Hill pastors. General groups do not have trained leaders but will ideally function the same way, based on the motivation of the participants. Group sizes are limited to preserve the small group dynamic conducive to deep, focused dialogue. Participants should expect to expose their lives to others, and be willing to engage the struggles of others.

Redemption groups do not provide professional counseling or therapy. They are built upon the idea that the Gospel is the power of God to redeem every wound and every deeply-worn pattern of sin, and when concerned and compassionate brothers and sisters come together in Christ, indwelt by the Holy Spirit to share and speak into one another’s lives, God changes them as together they take one step forward at a time.

Redemption groups serve as a supplement — not a replacement — for community groups. While we are optimistic that participating in a Redemption group for a quarter can be used by God to bring significant growth in a believer’s life, we are also realistic; deep change can take time. Redemption groups are not designed as long-term support groups, but as short-term “rest areas.” The goal for each group participant is to gain a solid foundation for ongoing Gospel based, heart-focused change and to make some significant strides while in the group.

When the group concludes, participants are asked to continue growing and changing in close relationships that are built within the primary connecting points within Mars Hill, such as community groups and service teams.

Participants are placed in groups based on gender. They are not divided by “issue.” For example, a person who is the victim of domestic violence may be in the same group with someone who struggles with the habitual sin of pornography usage. This reflects our conviction that much of the sin and suffering we experience is common. The basis for healing and change by the Gospel is also common. Therefore, we can relate to one another and see the same Gospel themes deeply applied, even when the particulars of our experiences differ.

If you have any questions, e-mail bellevueredemption@marshillchurch.org.