A Haven for Moms: 2025-2026 Registration for HOME at Mt. Bethel Church is Now Open
“A wonderful haven.”
“A reminder of Jesus’ love.”
“A place to find other women who are journeying in their role as mom with a desire to be all that God has called them to be—and to know they don’t have to do it alone.”
These are just some of the ways participants described Mt. Bethel Church’s Hearts of Moms Encouraged (HOME), a monthly support group that wrapped up its 2024–2025 year this May.
From September through May, 77 women representing 157 children met monthly to uplift one another as they raised the next generation of disciples. With an age range from 28 to 70, the group reflected the full spectrum of motherhood: moms-to-be, moms of teens, empty-nesters, and grandmothers. That diversity offered wisdom, fresh perspective, and shared strength.
“HOME has opened my eyes that I am not alone in motherhood,” one mom shared.
Another noted how much she valued the wisdom of the Table Leaders—often older moms who led small group discussions: “It was truly amazing to connect with women who have walked in my shoes and speak life, wisdom, and God’s truth into my heart with such grace.”
Melissa Ford, founder and leader of Hearts of Moms Encouraged (HOME) group at Mt. Bethel Church, and teacher at Mt. Bethel Church Preschool.
Melissa Ford, the founder and leader of Mt. Bethel’s HOME group, highlighted the group’s prayer support as its foundation. “There’s something deeply intimate about partnering with other moms in prayer,” she said. “HOME isn’t where you get all the answers—but it is where you find women who will listen, empathize, and cover your struggles in prayer. That kind of support builds deep, accountable relationships.”
Melissa’s passion for HOME comes from personal experience. When she first became a mom, she and her husband had just moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, and didn’t know anyone. A coworker invited her to a church-based mom group—HOME. That first meeting changed everything.
“I sat at a table with an older woman who picked up my son and said, ‘He’s going to be a leader!’ Then she opened her Bible and began speaking truth over us,” Melissa recalled. “In that moment, I knew she had something I needed.”
Melissa Ford with her son and daughter on Mother’s Day 2025
The “something” Melissa needed was to know Jesus as both her Savior and her Lord. It was through HOME, she realized she needed to trade the pursuit of more for a life worth pursuing in Jesus.
“I learned there are so many roles as a mother that I play,” Melissa revealed, “but they aren’t where my worth and identity come from. I can’t do any of them well –be a wife, a servant, an advocate, a provider, a comforter–apart from Christ.”
When she and her husband moved to Marietta in 2010 and began attending Mt. Bethel Church, she wanted to bring the support she found in HOME with her by sharing it with the women of East Cobb. Initially, HOME launched at Mt. Bethel Church in 2019.
“It was amazing. We had one precious year,” Melissa recalled.
However, like many group activities at the time, the 2020 pandemic required the church to press pause on the motherhood support group. Looking back, Melissa can see God’s hand during the group’s four-year hiatus.
“He used that time to do a work in me,” Melissa stated. “I mean, He gutted me and tore me apart. He taught me how to give up control and what it really means to ground my identity and worth in Him.”
She credits this season of her life as one where God built her into a stronger, more confident leader. By the time the group relaunched in September 2024, Melissa felt she could boldly lead women to connect with each other through the shared bond of motherhood, and help women grow each other into strong spiritual leaders in their homes.
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The relaunch of HOME in 2024-2025 exceeded Melissa’s expectations and hope for the program.
“In 2019, there was a longing for connection. But this year, there was a deeper longing—for help in leading our families in Biblical truth,” she said. “These moms didn’t need parenting tips. They needed to be reminded that God has called them to pass down the faith—and they needed Christ-centered support to do it.”
As registration opens for the 2025–2026 year, Melissa and the HOME team are expectant.
“This group is all about encouraging and equipping moms to grow closer to the Lord, so they can navigate any hard season,” she said. “We’re not here to tell you what to do. We’re here to remind you: you’re not alone.”
HOME will meet on the second Monday of each month beginning September 8, 2025. The annual $45 registration fee covers speakers, materials, and supplies. Childcare is available. Learn more or register at mtbethel.org/moms.