Talking about myself doesn’t come naturally, because my focus has always been on the people God places around me and the work happening through the church. But my journey helps explain why lifelong spiritual learning has become such a central part of my ministry.

I was born in Wisconsin and raised mostly in Mississippi, and I first sensed God calling me into ministry as a teenager when I was given the chance to preach at age fifteen. Even so, my path wasn’t straight. For many years I worked in business and technology in places like Nashville, Boston, and Phoenix, gaining insight into the real pressures families face—balancing work, finances, parenting, and faith. Eventually, though, God led me back into full-time ministry, and today I serve as Senior Pastor of Bethel Methodist Church in Stockbridge, Georgia.

At Bethel, our mission centers on helping people grow in faith not just on Sundays, but throughout their entire lives. Education is a key part of that. We believe learning doesn’t stop after childhood or even after someone becomes a Christian. Faith grows as people continue asking questions, studying Scripture, and applying God’s truth to everyday life. That’s why we invest heavily in teaching opportunities for both children and adults—Sunday school, Bible studies, youth and children’s programs, and practical teaching that helps people live out their faith at home, at work, and in the community.

Our church itself has experienced seasons of learning and change. After walking through denominational transition in recent years, we’ve emerged with renewed clarity about why we exist: to help people encounter Christ and grow in faith together. That growth happens best when churches become places where people of every age feel welcomed to learn, ask questions, and grow spiritually.

Personally, my own struggles and life experiences have reinforced how important lifelong learning really is. None of us ever “arrive.” We’re all still growing, still learning, and still dependent on God’s grace. That understanding shapes how I teach and lead. My goal is not simply to preach sermons, but to help people develop a faith that matures over time.

What matters most to me is faith in Jesus, my family, and helping others know they are loved by God and have a place where they belong and can grow. When churches help both children and adults become lifelong learners in faith, families grow stronger, communities grow healthier, and people discover hope that carries them through every season of life. That’s why at Bethel we say, “Grace is real. Faith is growing. Everyone is welcome.” It’s more than a slogan—it’s the heart behind everything we do as we continue learning and growing together at every stage of life.

There’s always a place for you at Bethel. Visit us online at BethelMethodist.church or join us in person at 245 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, GA

By Rev. Jim Hancock, Bethel Methodist Church in Stockbridge, Georgia