FAQs

What kind of place is Bethel Colony?

Bethel Colony is a Christian renewal center designed to help those who really want to change their lives. Victory in Jesus and the truths of the Bible are taught here.

What must I do to enroll?

You may fill out an application online by going to the menu tab Our Ministry / Men’s Campus or Women’s Campus / Men’s Campus Application or Women’s Campus Application. If you are not able to fill out an application online you can call 828-754-3781 (option 1 – Men’s Campus, option 2 – Women’s Campus) to complete an application over the phone.  You will need to have a TB test, HIV test, negative COVID test, and possible flu shot. Women will also be required to have a negative pregnancy test prior to entering the program.  Results of one or the other are required before you can be placed on the active waiting list. All test results are required before you will be called to come to Bethel Colony of Mercy.

How long is the waiting list?

The office manager will call you when a bed is available. (maybe 3-4 weeks) You will be given 48 hours notice to come in.

How much does it cost?

There is an entry fee of $350.00 for student applicants.

How long is the program?

65 days

Can I stay longer than 65 days?

The initial program is for 65 days. If at the end of 65 days, it is determined by one of the pastors on staff that you need to stay longer, you may be able to extend in increments of 30 days up to the possibility of 9 months (if approved for a 6-month VSP student program, limited availability.)

How many men/women do you have at one time?

Capacity at the Men’s Campus is 88 men. 
Capacity at the Women’s Campus growing up to 20 women at this time.

What are your visitation policies?

All visits must be pre-approved by staff.

Men’s Campus:
Parents and Wives
• Saturdays from 3:00 pm until 10:00 pm
• Sundays from breakfast until 6:00 pm (student must attend Sunday morning service. Family is encouraged to attend with student. Counseling is available for couples if requested.)

Women’s Campus:
Parents and Husbands
• Saturdays from 1:30 pm until 9:00 pm
• Sundays from after Sunday morning church service (off campus) until 5:00 pm

Fiancees (Girlfriends for Men’s Campus or Boyfriends for Women’s Campus)
•Are not allowed!  This is a time the student needs to focus on overcoming their problems and developing a relationship with the Lord.
•Exception:  Fiancees or Girlfriends/Boyfriends who have biological children with the student may speak with a counselor about a visit.

How much money can I bring?

All of your basic needs are met while at Bethel Colony of Mercy. There is a canteen on campus where you may purchase soft drinks, candy, popcorn, and other snacks.  $20.00 should be sufficient for students to keep on themself. If you want to bring more than that, there is a safe available, but we do not recommend that you bring large sums of money.

What kind of clothes should I bring?

You will need work clothes (clothes, including shoes, that you don’t mind getting dirty) and dress clothes for church services. Suits are not necessary for church, but nice shirts and slacks are recommended. No slogans about beer, bars, drugs, sex, women, tobacco, music, or anything that is contrary to a Christian lifestyle will be allowed.

What personal items should/can I bring?

You should bring the following items:
• A Bible (if you have one)
• Towels and washcloths (use a laundry marker to identify them)
• 1 Pillow is allowed (Bethel will provide the pillowcases, sheets, and blankets.)
• Personal toiletries such as shaving cream, razor blades, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
• A basic wristwatch is recommended (NO smart watches are allowed)
• Laundry Detergent if possible (PODS are recommended)

You may not bring the following:
• Cologne or mouthwash that contains alcohol
• Aerosol sprays
• Clothing with slogans about beer, bars, drugs, sex, women, tobacco, music, or anything that is contrary to a Christian lifestyle
• Radios, stereos, walkmans or cd players, pagers, cell phones, tablets, wireless headphones, earbuds, smart watches, or any other electronic device
• Magazines, books, CDs, DVDs, audiotapes, videotapes, video games, or playing cards
• Caffeinated drinks including coffee
• Smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes, cigars, or VAPES (see the section below “Can I smoke while at Bethel Colony of Mercy?“)
• Over-the-counter medications (see the section below “What medications should/can I bring?”)

Can I smoke while at Bethel Colony of Mercy?

Cigarette smoking is strongly discouraged; however, it is allowed in the designated area and at designated times only. Manufactured Cigarettes only; vapes, e-cigs, roll your own, or any other form of tobacco is NOT allowed.

What medications should/can I bring?

Both campuses have a medication dispensary where we keep and dispense all allowed medications (doctor-prescribed and over-the-counter). There are some prescription medications that are NOT ALLOWED. Absolutely no medications that are on the DEA list of scheduled medications will be allowed.

Applicants will not be allowed to bring any over-the-counter medications, these will be provided through our medication dispensary. (Exception will be doctor-prescribed medications that will be dispensed as prescribed. Example: baby aspirin)

Applicants need to make sure all prescribed medications they are taking are listed on the application to make sure they are approved to take them here. If applicants need to be detoxed before coming to Bethel any medications prescribed while in detox will also need to be approved before entering our program.

Please have all prescription medications allowed filled before check-in and make sure to have all refills needed for the 65-Day program.

Bethel Colony is NOT a medical facility so all medications must be prescribed to the applicant by his or her doctor and will be dispensed accordingly.

Does the program really work?

If you really want to change your life then Bethel Colony of Mercy is the place for you. It is not the program that works; it is Jesus Christ that works in and through you to change your life for all eternity! You just need to be willing.

Where are you located?

Men’s Campus: click here for a map and directions.
Women’s Campus: click here for a map and directions.

What forms of recreation do you have?

There is a gymnasium for basketball and a weight room. We also have volleyball, cornhole, ping pong, softball, and horseshoes. Board games are available as well. Selected television viewing is available at designated times.

What is the daily routine like?

For a detailed schedule of each day’s activities, please view the appropriate campus daily schedule under the Our Ministry tab.