Frequently asked questions regarding replanting to become a Harvest:

1.   What is your approach to church replanting & transitioning?
2.   Do transitioning churches need to change their name?
3.   What is a Harvest affiliate church?
4.   Will existing church members automatically become members of a transitioned Harvest?
5.   Will existing church ministries remain after the church becomes a Harvest Bible Chapel?
6.   Are existing church members able to serve in new ministries?
7.   Harvest Bible Chapel is elder-governed. Is an elder-governed church biblical?
8.   How are elders chosen?
9.   How will a transitioned church’s finances be managed?
10. Do HBC congregations vote on any issues?
11. Do HBC congregations have input into the overall church governance, i.e. selection of elders, deacons, pastors?
12. How would you describe Harvest’s worship music?
13. What is the role of women in the church?
14. Are Harvest Bible Chapels seeker-sensitive churches?
15. What is the next step?
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1. What is your approach to church replanting & transitioning?
As of spring 2010, we have had the privilege and opportunity to replant several churches that have approached Harvest Bible Fellowship with an interest in becoming a Harvest Bible Chapel. (To view, click 'locations' tab at top right of site.) Potential church replants all follow the same process:

• The leaders of the existing church resonate with the doctrine and core values of Harvest. Read/download Principles of Doctrine, Government and Practice for Harvest Bible Chapels.
• They believe, for various reasons, that it is in their interest to transition.
• After approaching the leaders of Harvest Bible Fellowship, meetings are scheduled to consider the viability and wisdom of the transition.
• Assessment tools are utilized to bring clarity to the decision-making process.
• Upon the recommendation of the Executive Director of Harvest Bible Fellowship and consultation from the senior staff, a church is approved to replant into a Harvest Bible Chapel.
• A detailed time line is implemented to prepare a church for its first public worship service as a Harvest Bible Chapel.

Complete this form to discuss transitioning with Harvest Bible Fellowship.

2. Do replanting & transitioning churches need to change their name?
Yes. Along with the name comes an expectation of the type of church associated with that name. Harvest Bible Chapels are contemporary, conservative, non-charismatic, evangelical churches that bring blessing to their congregations and communities. Every Harvest church is a part of the greater movement of Harvest Bible Fellowship which has planted flourishing churches that greatly impact individuals and entire communities for Christ, and provides ongoing training that strengthens these churches “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service” (Ephesians 4:12).

3. What is a Harvest affiliate church?
A means of association with Harvest Bible Fellowship is offered by becoming a Harvest affiliate. Affiliate churches hold to the core doctrines as defined in our Principles of Doctrine, Government and Practice for Affiliate Churches, but do not carry the Harvest Bible Chapel name.

Churches that participate as Harvest affiliates may receive:

• Consulting services from the Fellowship.
• Discounts on printed materials and Harvest conferences.
• Exposure on the Harvest Bible Fellowship web site.
• Opportunities to connect with Harvest Bible Chapels and other like-minded churches.
• Access to teaching opportunities.

Download an application to become a Harvest affiliate or contact Harvest Bible Fellowship with questions: 847.222.9522 or .

4. Will existing church members automatically become members of the new church?
Existing members would be asked to participate in the Peak Performance program, which is a four-hour seminar on the doctrinal positions of Harvest Bible Chapel and is required for anyone seeking membership at Harvest. This can be an exciting opportunity for the congregation to grow together. All who consider the existing church their “home” will be invited to jointly participate in the Peak Performance program.

5. Will existing church ministries remain after the church becomes a Harvest Bible Chapel?
Harvest Bible Chapel is committed to serving the needs of all the people of the congregation. We fully recognize the need for vibrant ministries to every age group and are committed to strengthening flourishing ministries and launching new ones as the Lord gives increase. Although this may mean that some ministries may change over time, we envision that all ministries will be fruitful and effective, reflecting the 4 Pillars of HBC and our 3Ws of discipleship conviction—Worship Christ, Walk with Christ, Work for Christ.

6. Are existing church members able to serve in new ministries?
All current members will be encouraged to offer themselves in service to the Lord in the new Harvest Bible Chapel. We strongly desire all members to do the work of ministry for the building up of the church.

7. Harvest Bible Chapel is elder-governed. Is an elder-governed church biblical?
The Scriptures teach that a plurality of elders governed individual New Testament churches (Acts
14:23; Acts 20:28; Titus 1:5; Philippians 1:1). Scripture does not mention any congregations voting to elect leaders or voting to determine direction. Neither does it feature a stand-alone pastor and leader.

A plurality of godly elders, exercising their individual giftedness, squares with scriptural teaching that wisdom is found in a multitude of godly counselors (Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 19:20; Proverbs 24:6). This truth does not eliminate the possibility and likelihood that one or more elders will stand out from the others as more public in their ministries or more influential in their workings on the Elder Board.

The Scriptures show that elders “serve by leading” and that their responsibility involves the spiritual oversight of the congregation. All elders are equal in authority, but not necessarily equal in influence.

The elders’ primary responsibilities:

• Doctrine. Ensuring that the doctrine of the church is biblical; all doctrinal issues in the church will be settled by the Board of Elders.
• Direction. Ensuring that the direction of the church is consistent with the Harvest Bible Chapel statement of purpose and the 4 Pillars.
• Discipline. Administering in love and humility the process of church discipline as outlined in Matthew 18:15-20; Galatians 6:1-4; Titus 3:10; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; 1 Timothy 5:17-25; 1 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11; Romans 16:17.

8. How are elders chosen?
When the church’s existing elders discern that additional elders are needed, they consider men from the congregation who fit the qualifications for eldership as described in 1 Timothy 3:1-16 and Titus 1:5-9. They may also invite the congregation to suggest men worthy of consideration.

An elder candidate completes a questionnaire regarding his spiritual life, personal history, and family life. The candidate appears before the elder board to discuss his candidacy. After the elders’ initial review and approval of the elder candidate, the candidate’s name is placed in the church bulletin for 30 days for response from the congregation. After successful completion of that 30-day period, the candidate becomes an elder of the church.

9. How will a replanted church’s finances be managed?
In addition to elders who oversee doctrine, direction, and discipline, each Harvest Bible Chapel has individuals that serve as deacons. The elders choose deacons whose focus is on the church’s finances, facilities, and benevolence—ensuring that the elders are free to focus on doctrine, direction, and discipline. The deacons serve the elders in this role and are under the authority of the Elder Board. As with elders, deacon selections are drawn from the congregation, and those who appear to be biblically qualified for these positions will be approached.

10. Do HBC congregations vote on any issues?
Harvest Bible Chapel members do not vote on any issues. However, the elders of each Harvest church decide issues by consensus. The Book of Acts reveals that the authority for the direction of the affairs of the church was vested in the elders. The elders are responsible to be sensitive to the leadings of the Holy Spirit and to discern on behalf of the congregation the Spirit’s direction.

Frequently the elders will seek congregational input on key issues. Pertinent information is shared by the elders with the congregation, and the congregation will have opportunity to give input to the elders on an as-needed basis.

It is the responsibility of the elders to discern direction of the Holy Spirit through the truth of the Scriptures, prayer, an understanding of the pertinent issues at hand, and input from the congregation.

11. Do HBC congregations have input into the overall church governance, i.e. selection of elders, deacons, pastors?
The congregation is not directly involved in deciding on candidates for elders, deacons, or pastors. However they affirm the chosen candidates for elders and deacons according to biblical qualifications and have the opportunity to either endorse or express caution toward the prospective candidates. The pastoral staff is chosen and hired by the church’s elders.

12. How would you describe Harvest’s worship music?
Harvest worship music seeks to honor and please God first. We use contemporary worship styles, but also value the depth that hymns bring to worship. Hymns are incorporated into Harvest worship services.

Several tenets guide our worship. We seek to:

• Lift high the name of Jesus Christ. John 4:22-26; John 12:32; John 14:6
• Lead God’s people to lift their hearts and voices to Him, giving Him praise and thanks in music and lyric. Nehemiah 12:45-46; Psalm 66:1-4; Psalm 95:1-2
• Prepare hearts to hear the Lord speak through the proclamation of Scripture. Psalm 95:6-9; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42
• Emphasize fresh and contemporary expressions while retaining traditional elements that recognize the richness of our heritage in the faith. Deuteronomy 32:7; Psalm 33:3; Isaiah 46:8-9
• Pursue excellence in worship because God is worthy of our best. Exodus 12; Deuteronomy 17:1; Psalm 33:3; 1 Timothy 4:14-15; Hebrews 11:4

13. What is the role of women in the church?
Harvest affirms the God-ordained and significant role that women should play in establishing and leading the local church. Every leadership opportunity is open to women except those that are excluded by Scripture. The Scriptures clearly state that men are to serve in the office of elder and that women are not to serve in church positions in which they exercise authority over men or in which they teach doctrine to men (1 Timothy 2:12; 1 Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:6-9). We do not see this as an issue of equality, for the Bible is clear that men and women are equal under God, yet with differing roles. Qualified women should serve in any leadership position that is not forbidden in the Scriptures.

14.  Are Harvest Bible Chapels seeker-sensitive churches?
Harvest churches seek to minister to those who desire a knowledge of God and an understanding of their need for relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. However, we are not “seeker-targeted.” For example, a Harvest does not alter its plans to serve communion during a worship service out of concern for how visitors will respond. Likewise, Harvest pastors preach the entire council of God from the Scriptures regardless of who is visiting the church during a worship service.

15. What is the next step?
If you are interested in replanting & transitioning your church into a Harvest Bible Chapel, complete this form. Fellowship staff will contact you in response.

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