Harvest Community Church

In the weeks leading up to Easter we went spent four weeks talking about what it means to live contagiously for Christ.  I hope those thoughts haven’t left just because Easter is now behind us and life has gotten busy.  In the end, contagious living comes down to a mindset.  Below are several thoughts on what “makes up” the mindset of someone who lives contagiously for Jesus.

1. Sunday Mornings are a time to do ministry- Do you know that every single week at Harvest someone brings a friend our family member with the hope that they will connect with Jesus in a new and meaningful way.  That idea alone should change how we greet others, how we worship, and the words we use.  Andy Stanley, had a great teaching point when he said that the sermon begins in the parking lot.  In other words, everything we do on a Sunday impacts the life of one who is searching and seeking the truth.  As the church we need to make sure we are speaking the same language from the car to car experience.

The Sunday gathering is not merely a place to be ministered to, but a place to get in the game and participate. If we can’t do it on Sunday when we’re on our home turf, what chance do we have during the week out in the world?  In the end, this mostly comes down to mindset. And each of us needs to have a mindset ready to care for people, pray for people, and be a practical example of Jesus to them.

2. Be willing to show up early- If you want to impact the life of one of our guests…show up early (that means at least 10 minutes). At Harvest there are three types of people that show up early…Older attendees, workers, and new people. When guests arrive at the church- how great would it be if they walked onto the campus and saw a bunch of genuinely joyful people that were excited to connect with friends but were also excited to worship Jesus together?  Wouldn’t it be awesome if they were greeted by a number of Christ-filled people that wanted to say hello and get to know them?

If I was a guest, I know that is what I would want.

And I know, I know…it takes kids forever to get moving in the morning, especially when you want them to hurry ( I have two young kids myself). But every week kids do it for school and if we are honest, you do it for work. Why? Because showing up early to those things is important to you. Shouldn’t the opportunity to love on guests to our church (people who are likely exploring the faith) be just as important?

3. Be genuine- I often wonder how certain politicians have such a strong and passionate following.  And then it hit me…they are really, really good…and I would even go as far as saying they are masters at making people feel important. In other words, they make others feel like they are the only person in the room.  They have a genuine interest in the lives of others!

If a politician will do that, how much more should God’s people do that? Isn’t it simply the essence of Jesus’ command to “love your neighbor as yourself”?

If you want to make a real impact in the life of another…take genuine interest in their life.  Ask them sincere questions, slow down, and listen!!!  Let them know they matter.

I have to admit that this is personally tough for me…especially on Sundays when I’m trying to meet lots of new people, care for those in our church family, and think through the elements of my sermon and the service. It’s tough. But I’m trying to get better.

I’d love it if we had 300 other people trying as well. I think the love of Jesus like that would turn our church and our community upside down!

What a fabulous weekend we had.  I am so thankful to everyone that stepped up the past few weeks and invited people to join you for church on Easter and the weeks prior or after.  You are making a difference in the lives of our our community. Keep up the good work.

Also, I need to say a big thank you to all those people that invited someone but they haven’t come yet…don’t give up on them.  Remember, God never gave up on you!

Yesterday, we had a great morning as we worked through our second weekend in our MORE series.  Specifically, we discussed 1 John 1:5-10 and what it means to be a follower of Jesus; one who walks in the light.  Are you walking in the light?

The morning was followed up by a great picnic in the park.  We had an all time high in attendance, the weather couldn’t have been better, and we even saw people dropping in from the park to get food and to enjoy some fun community (I am not kidding).  And if you are wondering because you missed it…YES, I did win the pie eating contest.

If you took any pictures from the event or Easter that you wouldn’t mind sharing…please let us know at the church.  We would love to get those from you.

Have a blessed week and don’t forget that the challenge of the week is to pray Psalm 139:23-24 everyday of the week.

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!(Psalm 139:23-24 ESV)

It is hard to believe, but Spring is here and summer is just around the corner.  That also means that the season of weddings is also upon us.  One of the things that Harvest offers is pre-marital counseling to anyone looking to get married.  The process of walking through pre-marital conversations with couples is fun and enlightening for all those involved.  Below are some important questions that I have compiled over the years that serve as a good starting point for couples looking to tie the knot.  These are not an exhaustive set of questions but they do help get the ball rolling.  How would you answer the following questions?

Theological Questions:

1. What do you believe about God? Creation? Everything?

2. Why are we here?

3. How do you form your beliefs?

4. What do you believe about the Bible? (A good exercise is to actually go through the Church’s doctrinal statement together and discuss your beliefs about each point)

5. How important is Church? Corporate Worship?

6. What are you personal habits when it comes to prayer, study, reading, worship, etc.?

7. What are we doing now when it comes to praying for one another? Is there something you would like to change in this area?

8. When kids come into the picture, should we do family devotions together and if so what should they look like? Who should lead these moments?

Relational Questions

1. Define the roles of the husband and wife in a marriage setting?  Who is going to do what?  What does the Bible say about roles in the household?

2. Define expectations when it comes to spending time with the opposite sex.  Alone?

3. How will we share home responsibilities: cleaning, cooking, yard work, car maintenance, bill paying, etc.?

4. What is an ideal date? Anniversary celebration?

5. Who keeps track of the checking account?

6. What are expectations when it comes to intimacy?

Children

1. Do you want kids? If so, how many?

2. When should we have kids? How far apart?

3. Would you or have you ever considered adopting?

4. What are the appropriate ways to discipline children?

5. When should kids go to bed?

6. How do plan to show your kids affection?

7. How would you prefer to school your kids? Home school? Public? Christian?

Lifestyle Choices

1. Rent or own a home?  How big?

2. What kind of neighborhood?

3. How many cars? New or used?

4. Financial goals? Retirement? College funds?

5. Talk about your views of money? How much money do you plan to give? (Church?)

7. Where do you plan to buy clothes?

Having Fun

1. Should we eat out? How often?

2. What kind of vacations are appropriate?

3. What kind of toys and how many toys should we have? Boat? Quads?

4. What kind of movies do you enjoy seeing?  Stay home or go to the theater?

Misc.

1. Who is going to be the main breadwinner?

2. Should a wife work outside the home?

3. What are your views on daycare?

4. What makes you angry?

5. How do you normally handle frustration?

6. Who should bring up an issue that is bothersome?

7. What is your views on getting help from friends or counselors?

8. Will we go to bed angry at each other?

9. Is it good to have guy time and girl time with the friends?

10. Do you have any health issues or physical problems that could affect our marriage?

11. What do you think about eating healthy and exercising?

12. Do you have an unhealthy habits?

My goal is not to be a “Debby Downer” today.  Actually, my desire is to do the complete opposite.  I hope some of my reflections inspire you and even encourage you in some of the challenges you face.  One thing is for sure…life is full of challenges.