Harvest isn't a church WITH small groups, it's a church OF small groups.
WHAT ARE SMALL GROUPS?
In Small Groups we gather together to deepen our relationship with Jesus by intentionally applying God’s word to our lives, helping one another, caring for one another, and encouraging one another as we seek to be transformed by Jesus. We accomplish this in weekly gatherings in homes around our community. Groups meet from September - May the first 3 weeks of every month and we have groups that meet almost every day of the week.
WHY SMALL GROUPS?
We believe that as followers of Jesus we are called to do life in community, and believe small groups provide the best space for us to do this. As we look at the role of a follower of Jesus in Scripture, we see this idea of “Mutual Ministry” which is the understanding that we are entering into community not only to be poured into, but also to pour out by walking alongside our group and pointing them to Jesus through love, prayer, and encouragement.
GOD AT WORK IN SMALL GROUPS
JOIN A SMALL GROUP
SMALL GROUP FAMILY VALUES
ENDURANCE
From a biblical perspective, is a steadfast commitment to remain faithful and resilient through life's trials, motivated by the example of Christ, who suffered and remained obedient (1 Pet 2:20-21). It is both a command from God (Phil 1:27-28) and a gift empowered by His sustaining grace (Jude 24-25). Rooted in a forward-looking faith, endurance grows through obedient perseverance amidst challenges, knowing that such testing produces spiritual maturity (Jas 1:2-4). It is not an isolated endeavor but is strengthened in the context of community, where believers support, encourage, and bear one another’s burdens (Eccl 4:9-12; Heb 3:13; 10:24-25; Gal 6:2; Rom 15:1). Consistency in mutual ministry and fellowship with others fosters an enduring spirit, allowing each person to press on toward the goal of faithfulness in Christ.
HUMILITY
A posture of the heart that reflects a true understanding of one's complete reliance on God. It is the antithesis to pride which God hates (Prov 6:16-17). Humility starts with a willingness to submit to His will recognizing that all good things come from Him, and is exemplified in Jesus through His life, death, and resurrection (Phil 2:5-8). Humility is commanded by God, as He opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). It is characterized by considering others more significant than oneself, serving them selflessly (Phil 2:3-4), and gently restoring those who have gone astray (Gal 6:1). Humility is also nurtured in community, where believers learn to bear with one another in love (Eph 4:2) and to submit to each other out of reverence for Christ (Eph 5:21). Ultimately, it reflects the mind of Christ and results in God's exaltation of those who humble themselves before Him (1 Pet 5:6).
LOVE
God is Love (1 John 4:8). Love is characterized by putting the wellbeing of others ahead of your own. It is foundational and defines a believer's relationship with the church; motivated by the sacrificial example of Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us (1 John 4:9-11). It is not optional but is commanded by God; characterized by patience, kindness, and selflessness (1 Cor 13:1-7; Rom 12:10). This love is empowered by God, who is the source of all love and enables us to love one another (1 John 4:7). It stems from a forward-looking faith, recognizing that love will endure forever, outlasting all other spiritual gifts (1 Cor 13:8-13). True love for the church requires sacrifice, following Christ's example of laying down His life for others (1 John 3:16), and it involves practical service, using our gifts to serve one another humbly (Gal 5:13; 1 Pet 4:10). Moreover, loving the church means persistently praying for one another, seeking God's guidance, strength, and blessing (Eph 6:18). In all these ways, love becomes the defining mark of a believer's life and witness to the world (John 13:35).
GRATITUDE
A right response to God's grace and goodness, motivated by Christ's example of sacrificial love, which draws us into a deeper appreciation of God's love for us (1 John 4:9-11). It is a command from God, who calls His people to rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances, recognizing that a grateful heart aligns with His will (Phil 4:4; 1 Thess 5:16-18). Empowered by God, true gratitude springs from the joy and peace given by the Holy Spirit (Rom 15:13). It flows from forward-looking faith, knowing that our salvation and eternal inheritance in Christ bring an inexpressible joy (1 Pet 1:8-9). Gratitude involves celebrating God's work in our lives, publicly giving Him thanks (Ps 35:18), and rejoicing in the blessings He bestows on others (Rom 12:15; 1 Cor 12:26). It is a conscious choice to maintain a spirit of thankfulness in every season of life, whether in abundance or in trial (Eph 5:20). In this way, gratitude becomes a profound act of worship that honors God and reflects His love to the world.