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 church. 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 the Harvest family, plan to attend the next CLASS 101.
