WHO WE ARE:

OUR VISION:

Our vision is to reach the community and beyond with a practical message of hope and purpose. We have come into a relationship with the Lord and we want to share it. We understand that many people have never been involved in churches and are uncomfortable in traditional church settings. Our services are aimed to reach these "seekers" and we provide a safe environment where they can observe the church, the people, and the message.

The following is an excerpt from the original "Church Plant Proposal" presented by Pastor Jim Cowart:

"My vision is to see a tremendous harvest reaped for the Lord in Middle Georgia. I want to see thousands of people won to Christ and discipled. I see home Bible studies throughout Houston County. Each group will be taught by a qualified lay leader from our church."

"I see a church that is honest and genuine with people . . . accepting them where they are but loving them enough not to let them stay there; a church which does things in an excellent way; one which exalts the Lord by teaching and preaching the Scriptures; a church which equips people by teaching them the Word and helping them discover and use their gifts and talents given by God; a church with a process, a system, and a strategy to intentionally win people for Christ and then help them grow in maturity."


OUR PURPOSE:

Harvest Church Purpose Statement
To bring people to Jesus Christ and membership in His family, develop them to Christ-like maturity, equip them for their ministry in the church and their life mission in the world, all the while magnifying God.

OUR HISTORY:
A Brief Harvest History

After several years of studying demographic growth and the effectiveness of church planting, the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church determined Houston County to be a "Hot Spot" for growing a new type of congregation. One without walls, without old structures and traditions, a new type of model. This church would be less traditional in style but seriously focused on reaching the unchurched. In June of 2000 a pastoral family with just this type of vision was appointed to the Highway 41 and Highway 96 area of Houston County. Jim, Jennifer, Alyssa and Joshua Cowart moved to the area later that year and Harvest began meeting once a month in September of 2000 at Houston County High School.

At the first service there were about 150 people in attendance, however, over half of these people were servant-hearted people who had traveled from out of town to help with ministry needs. Slowly, the crowd began to grow. In February of 2001 Harvest began meeting weekly. The goal was clear. Harvest Church would be dedicated to reaching out to the community with the message that God loves YOU and He has a plan and purpose for your life.
The challenges of beginning a church from absolutely nothing have been overwhelming at times. Who will greet? Who will sing? Who will help with all the children? The needs continue to be a challenge with every step of growth, but the rewards are even GREATER! So many lives are being changed!

To learn more about the vision of Harvest or to join this congregation, plan to attend the next CLASS 101.