Why We Exist as a Church
We understand that Christ is not merely coming back for us, but He took us with Him/in Him, to sit in heavenly places! The real object of His mercy toward us, was not just to redeem us to meet in a building, as amazing as that is, but that He might also put us on exhibition for all eternity as His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, wherever we live/ meet in the context of our lives, like they did in the Book of Acts. It is God’s intention to make known to all, through His Church, the manifold wisdom of God! (Ephesians 2:4-6)
Our Purpose Statement
HARVEST HOME CHURCHES…Crossing Over Together, in Simplicity with the Power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ ~
Harvest Home Churches -His Family
“Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected by men, but chosen by God and precious, (we also) as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.’” 2 Peter 2:4-6
“You should be like one big happy family, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.” 1 Peter 3:8 (LB)
“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals, and to prayer.” Acts 2:42 (NLT)
A top priority in the Harvest Home Churches is HARMONY and ACCOUNTABILITY
“So let us concentrate on the things that make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” Rom. 14:19 (NKJ)
We do things based ON RELATIONSHIPS not RULES
“Don’t reprimand a senior member of the church, appeal to him as a father. Treat the young men as brothers, and the older women as mothers. Treat the younger women as sisters...” 1 Tim. 5:1-2
“(A Pastor) must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. If anyone does not know how to manage his family, how can he take care of God’s Church?” 1 Tim. 3:4-5 (NLT)
Harvest Home Churches -A Living Organism
We function on the basis of SPIRITUAL GIFTS not ELECTED OFFICES
“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s Body. We are many parts of one Body, and we all belong to each other. In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.” Rom. 12:4-6 (NLT)
In an organization, “MAINTENANCE” becomes the focus. But in an organism, “MINISTRY” is the focus.
Harvest Home Churches -His Flock
(This was Jesus’ favorite description of the Church) John 10:1-30
Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I Am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." John 10:7-9 (NKJV)
Therefore, it is cared for and led by SHEPHERDS
“Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Take care of My sheep.” John 21:16
Our Structure
• People of all sorts are the “MINISTERS”
• The Founding Pastoral Team Members are the “ADMINISTERS”
External Elders – Responsible to provide prayer covering, accountability & wisdom to the Founding Pastoral Team
Shepherds – Responsible for prayer, study of God’s Word, vision casting and teaching the Teachers
Under-Shepherds – Responsible for prayer, study of God’s Word and receive regular training
The structure of Harvest’s Home Churches is not be determined by culture, age, business practices, or even denominational traditions; instead, people of all kinds are meeting together, to grow in the knowledge of God, in love with one another, as a witness to the world around us, in the backdrop of our daily lives.