What We Believe About Missions
Missions is central to the heart of God.
John 3:16 (NIV) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
Missions is central to the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Luke 19:10 (NIV) For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
Matt. 4:17 (NIV) From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
Missions is central to the purpose of the church.
Matt. 28:18 (NIV) Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Acts 1:8 (NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
2 Cor. 5:18 (NIV) All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: be reconciled to God.
Missions is central to the purpose of Harvest.
"Harvest Baptist Fellowship exists to glorify God and make His Son known throughout the world to this generation." (Taken from the first line of our vision statement.)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does our missions program work?
As a new church we currently give 25% of our undesignated receipts to missions (we will be increasing this by 1% a year until half of every dollar we receive goes directly to missions).
Where does the money go?
10% goes to the Cooperative Program - a combined missions program of Southern Baptists.
7% goes directly to the International Mission Board - the international component of the world missions program of Southern Baptists.
3% goes to the Northwest Indiana Baptist Association - a regional missions program designed to help strengthen and expand God's work in Northwest Indiana.
5% goes to our strategic missions fund - this fund can be used at the discretion of Harvest's mission team to assist in Great Commission efforts locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. These funds can also assist Harvesters in serving on short / medium / long term missionary assignments.
Each year the additional percent added to our missions program will be contributed to the strategic missions fund, allowing Harvest to be highly active in world missions and not just be cheering, praying, spectators.
Missions is ministry - not just giving towards ministry! Harvest is constantly seeking ways to involve our people in praying, giving, and DOING missions both here and abroad.
How can I be involved with your missions program? Contact one of our Pastors. |
