For God’s glory and by His grace, Harvest Fellowship exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ who are progressively growing in their love of God, their love of people, and their commitment to help others grow as disciples.
CORE VALUES
If we are to be faithful to and effective in our mission, we believe the following core values must permeate and describe all we do as a church and as members of that church.
Christ-focused, Gospel-centered, Grace-driven
The gospel of grace defines, guides, and drives all that we do as a church. Making disciples is about growth and transformation, and those happen only through the gospel of grace in the power of the Holy Spirit as he magnifies Christ in our lives.
(1 Corinthians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 3:4-6, 4:5-7; Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 12:1-2)
Relational: Life-on-life
We are relationally focused, not program focused. Spiritual growth happens in the context of relationships (with God and with others); we need each other and are called to serve each other and to walk alongside each other.
(Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 3:12-13, 10:24-25)
Outward facing
We are to live redemptively in and before a watching world. God has blessed us so that we may be a blessing to those who are not yet a part of our church family.
(Genesis 12:1-2; Matthew 5:13-1, 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21)
Intentional
We are to be intentional about everything we do. The transformation of hearts, minds, lives, churches, and communities does not happen passively or by chance.
(Josh 24:13-27; 1 Cor 9:19-27; 1 Tim 4:7b)
Prayerfully dependent
We can do nothing of real consequence or eternal value apart from Christ. Prayer (which is a declaration of our dependence upon God) is a necessary and foundational element in all we do and in every aspect of our lives.
(John 15:4-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)
What is a Disciple?
A Disciple is growing in their love for God, striving to:
- Having God’s glory as one’s primary motivation. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
- Surrendering to Christ as Savior and Lord in all areas of life. (Luke 14:25-27, 33)
- Living out of a confidence in the gospel of grace. (Ephesians 3:12; Philippians 3:8-9; Hebrews 10:19-22)
- Feeding upon and abiding in God’s Word and applying it to all areas of life. (John 8:31-32; James 1:22-25)
- Engaging regularly in worship. (Luke 4:8; John 4:24)
- Living in continual dependence upon the Lord. (John 15:4-5)
- Praying -- both privately and with others. (John 15:7; Ephesians 6:18)
- Practicing repentance as a lifestyle. (2 Corinthians 7:10)
- Living with an eternal perspective. (Revelations 1:7; Revelations 21 - 22)
A Disciple is growing in their love for people, striving to:
- Living in authentic community with God’s people, identifying and serving with and serving with other believers. (John 13:34-35; Galatians 5:13, 6:9-10)
- Living among and serving those who are not yet disciples. (Matthew 4:19, 5:16)
- Seeking to redeem the surrounding culture rather than retreat from it. (John 17:14-19)
- Bearing the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Developing a lifestyle of generosity. (Matthew 6:19-21; Acts 4:32-27)
- Committing to biblical peacemaking. (Matthew 5:9)
- Practicing forgiveness. (Luke 17:3-4; Colossians 3:13)
A Disciple is making disciples by:
- Sharing the gospel with those who do not yet know Jesus as Lord and Savior. (Romans 10:14-17)
- Using one’s gifts (time, talents, and treasures) in helping others grow as disciples of Jesus. (Ephesians 4:11-16)