What makes worshipping at Harvest different from worshipping elsewhere?
To what degree we are “different” from other churches we’ll let you decide, but here are a few things that describe what it’s like at Harvest:
At Harvest we expect and strive for the church to function as the “body of Christ.” We strive to equip each member for the work of ministry and provide opportunities for every Christian to use their gifts in Christian service. Further, we value true biblical fellowship among our members and make it a priority for Harvest to function as a family as we develop deep Christian bonds with each other and grow together in Christ-likeness.
Our services contain a blend of both older and newer songs and hymns. We love to sing the songs of our Christian heritage as well as “sing a new song to the Lord.” Most of all, our intent is to lead our people in true worship of God.
Our pastors are committed to biblical preaching. Preaching at harvest is “expository,” that is, preaching that finds its sole source in Scripture, proclaims the meaning of Scripture as originally intended, and applies that meaning for today. Preaching remains relevant because the Bible is relevant to today and sufficient for all life and godliness.
Children and youth are a priority for our church. We offer programming designed to help young people learn the Bible and Christian doctrine and integrate that knowledge as they come to personal faith in Jesus Christ and grow in Christian maturity. Harvest values families, and uses its children and youth programs to work alongside parents to help bring them up in the “training and admonition of the Lord.”
Harvest is committed to the Great Commission. That commitment is evident in our desire for every believer to be equipped and active in personal witness as well as our strong commitment to local, national and international missions. Harvest is an “Acts 1:8” church and emphasizes prayer for, giving to, and activity in Christian missions. Harvest is “kingdom-minded” and partners with Southern Baptists and other Great Commission Christians in reaching our community and the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What can I expect if I attend?
As you arrive, you can expect to be greeted and welcomed by Harvest members. While you won’t be singled out, we trust you will feel welcomed by us.
Our Small Group Bible Studies & Children’s Sunday School begin at 9:30 on Sunday mornings. We have several adult studies to choose from as well as age-appropriate biblical instruction for children and youth of all ages. Our worship service begins at 10:45. Our worship team leads the congregation to worship the Lord through a blend of songs and hymns, both new and old. After a time of singing, a children’s message is offered, after which children from 3 yrs to 3rd grade are dismissed and may attend Children’s Church in another room where they participate in an age-appropriate worship experience.
The worship service leads to a sermon in which the Bible is preached, its truths are applied to daily life, and the congregation is challenged to respond to God’s word. At the end of the service, we have a time of invitation in which each person is invited to respond to the message preached. Many will use that time to make personal commitments in response to the sermon. Others will come forward for prayer or to make public commitments in response to the message, to join the church, or to speak with one of the pastors about becoming a Christian.
What does your church do to protect children?
Harvest has adopted a child safety and protection program to ensure the safeguarding of children and prevent abuse. As a part of that program, all volunteers working with children or youth must go through an application process which includes a comprehensive criminal background check. For more information or specific questions about our child safety policies, please feel free contact the church.
Do you belong to a denomination?
Harvest Baptist Fellowship is an autonomous local church. As such we are self-governing and independent from the direction of any other entity.
In terms of denomination, Harvest Baptist Fellowship is a Southern Baptist Church. That is, though we are autonomous, we voluntarily affiliate with Southern Baptist entities for the purpose of fellowship and cooperation in missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries. We affiliate on three levels: the Southern Baptist Convention, the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana, and the Northwest Indiana Baptist Association.
Harvest Baptist Fellowship is also “Kingdom-minded.” Our focus extends beyond merely the success of our church or denomination, but rather to the advance of God’s kingdom. Thus, Harvest, when appropriate, partners with other non-SBC churches, denominations, and para-church organizations in fulfilling our mission to glorify God and make His Son known.
Why do you meet at the Indiana Wesleyan University building, and do you have a more permanent facility in the works?
Harvest is a relatively new church founded in February of 2004 and as such we rent space for our present ministries. As Harvest has grown, we have met in various locations and have changed locations as our needs have changed and as God has provided for those needs. Harvest does indeed have a long-term goal of a more permanent facility and has purchased land for that purpose. In God’s timing, we will build our own church building for the purpose of ministry. In the mean time, we recognize a church is its people. God has always provided us with a place to meet and currently, that place is Indiana Wesleyan University. Wherever we meet, Harvest will continue to be a growing and connected church family committed to our mission to glorify God and make His Son known. We invite you to come join us in that mission as we faithfully serve Him.
What Bible translation do you use? (variation: Are you King James Only?)
Currently, Harvest neither endorses nor uses exclusively any one translation. We affirm the benefits of modern conservative scholarship and are comfortable with many of the modern translations. On a typical Sunday, you may find Harvest members using the NIV, ESV, HCSB, NLT, TNIV, NKJV, or NASB translations. Many of our Sunday School classes use the HCSB. Children in AWANA typically memorize bible verses from the NIV or NKJV. While we affirm and value the King James Version, we typically utilize translations that are written in contemporary English.
Why should I become a member of Harvest?
Becoming a member is to join in a covenant we make with each other as a body to encourage, support, walk with, and help each other to grow in Christ-likeness and work together to fulfill God’s purposes. After experiencing Harvest first hand people discover that Harvest is a place where you can accelerate your growth in Christ and make a significant impact for the Lord to those around you. In addition, membership opens up additional doors to ministry and tangibly demonstrates God’s calling upon your life to His work in our midst.
If I decide to join Harvest, how is that done?
Those desiring to join Harvest may express that intent by coming forward during the time of invitation after the sermon. Before actually becoming a member, those desiring to join will have an informal interview with a pastor or deacon who will ask you about your salvation and baptism, why you believe God is leading you to our church, and answer any questions you have about the church. Potential members are asked to read and agree to abide by Harvest’s faith and practices laid as out in our constitution. Once the requirements for church membership are met, the candidate is considered a member of Harvest. “Official” membership is affirmed by vote of the congregation at the next church business meeting.
How can I learn more about Harvest?
Feel free to browse our website, or email the pastors with specific questions you may have. The best way to learn about Harvest, however, is to worship with us on a Sunday morning and experience our values being put into practice. If you have any questions while visiting please ask any of our members to direct you to one of the pastors or church leaders and we would be delighted to speak with you.
