Our Purpose at Harvest: We are motivated by God’s love to lay down our lives in order to help people establish growing relationships with God.
How Do We Accomplish Our Purpose
We accomplish our purpose in three simple ways. Every ministry at Harvest fits into one of three categories:
- Outreach
- Relationships
- Equipping.
What are Harvest’s Eight CORE Ministries?
Currently, we have eight CORE Ministries. The first four are standard “departments” that you would find in most churches, which are as follows: (1.) Children’s; (2.) Youth; (3.) Women’s; and (4.) Men’s. The primary purpose for these CORE Ministries is to help people connect through Relationships and grow through Equipping. Youth and Children offer Outreach opportunities as well. The second group of CORE ministries is what makes Harvest unique in the community. They are as follows: (5.) Creative Arts; (6.) Missions; (7.) Prayer; and (8.) Family Life. Each of these CORE has a purpose, which makes Harvest unique (see below).
What Makes Harvest Unique?
There are a lot of great churches in our community. Each, however, has been given a distinct assignment to fill. Having said that, we are aware that what makes us unique doesn’t make us better. Our desire is to simply be what God wants us to be! Our passion, therefore, is to continue developing our uniqueness in the following areas:
Creative Arts
Most churches embrace the arts in some capacity, however, our desire is to incorporate every facet of the arts in the church which includes, dance, poetry, songwriting, painting, media, drama, sculpture, set design, space design, computer graphics and music. Our vision is to build services and ministries upon creative art’s expressions. Ultimately, we believe the Lord has called us to establish a Fine Arts Academy. Currently our campus houses a Creative Room/Dance Studio and the Creative Arts CORE Leadership team offers opportunities in Dance (multiple styles), Drama, Tech/Computer, Media, Music, Worship Band, Set Design, Art’s Missions trips, fine arts training and development.
Missions
Many churches embrace missions in some capacity. What makes us unique is that we designate missions support in our annual budget. This, along with faith promises, allows us to support close to forty missionaries a month. In addition our Mission’s CORE Leadership Team oversees an annual International Film Festival, an annual Mission’s Convention, Short-termed Mission’s trips, Outreach training, local missions (homeless outreach), World Mosaics and after service Brown Bags.
Prayer
Every church would agree upon the importance of prayer. What makes us unique, however, is how we engage in prayer. We believe God has called us to be a 24-7 World Prayer Center. In filling this intercessory role, we also believe we will help change the Spiritual atmosphere in our community, thereby, granting spiritual and evangelistic opportunities for the church-at-large in our city. Our vision is to establish a never-ending prayer center, as we carry an intercessory load for our city, our state, our nation and our world. Our desire is to establish “watches” and pray as the Holy Spirit directs us. The Prayer CORE Leadership team currently oversees, numerous prayer groups, Prayer events, school of intercession, and special watches. In addition, we take time in our Sunday services to prayer for the needs of people during worship.
Family Life
Most churches cater to traditional families in some capacity. What makes us unique is that we recognize that true family is the family of God. Therefore, we don’t segregate single adults from married couples. We are all one family. Most of our home groups, therefore have a healthy blend of single and married adults. While we do offer marriage and single small groups (if this is your desire), we emphasize true family that is bound in Jesus. The Family Life CORE Leadership Team offers a variety of Home Groups, Bible Studies and Small Groups. Our Family Life Groups are offered in trimesters, thereby giving plenty of opportunities to join, throughout the year. In additional, they host annual “family life events” such as the Memorial Day at Kaseberg Park and Harvest Campout and Water Baptism weekend at Rollins Lake.
How You Can Connect?
If your desire is to make Harvest your church home, we will make every effort to invite you into our family life. As an overview, here are a number of ways that will help you connect: Have coffee with someone from the Pastoral Team (a time to begin a new friendship and help you connect. You’ll be invited after your fourth visit). Ask questions at the Hospitality booth in the church lobby (open every Sunday). Enjoy some appetizers at “Meet and Greet” Gathering (following both service, every fourth Sunday). Attend the Men’s Breakfast or Ladies Coffee Fellowship (offered monthly, first and second Saturdays). Join a Small Group, Bible Study or Home Group (offered monthly). Attend Together In Purpose Seminar (offered every trimester). Attend Together In Missions Seminar (Offered every trimester). Attend Together in Worship & Prayer Event (Offered every trimester). Serve on a ministry team (open enrollment).
