Training Designed to Give Believers a Compelling, Inward Motivation to Reach Out to Non-Christians

The Harvest Program emerged out of experiences and reflection on evangelistic efforts in planting a new congregation of a Church of Christ in the Philadelphia area. It is an attempt to create a structure and opportunity that God may bless and use to increase Christians’ motivation to reach out to lost people. It is intended for every member of a congregation, not just those who are interested in or “gifted for” evangelism. It scarcely addresses methodology but assumes that there are a variety of meaningful ways different members can reach out to lost people.

The total program consists of four parts: Ongoing Prayer, Seminar Lessons, Reflections, and Group Discussion:

Ongoing Prayer. This is essential if we want the Lord himself to send out workers (Matt. 9:38). Since A Heart for the Harvest takes a longer term approach to increasing evangelistic motivation, based on God touching people’s hearts, it is imperative that we invoke the power and blessing of the Lord of the Harvest on it. Prayer is a real and indispensable part of the program and must not be reduced to a toke effort. We will need to find ways to involved the congregation in earnest prayer, both before and after the day of the seminar.

The Seminar. The Harvest program is based on the belief that the gospel itself is the central motivating power for Christians to begin reaching out to others (Acts 4:20). Consequently, the seminar portion of the program is designed primarily to help Christians understand the gospel message more clearly and be touched deeply by it. Seminar lessons include Getting Our Bearings, Rediscovering the Gospel, A Disturbing Truth, Profound Disclosure, and What the World Really Needs. (Messages available in person and on DVD / Video). It is hoped that a meaningful “re-hearing” of the gospel, coupled with a powerful call for workers, will give people the motivation to begin working through the follow-up Reflections.

“I liked the positive presentation—encouraging us to action, not scolding or shaming.” – Miami , OK

The Reflections. The meat of the Harvest program is the follow-up self-study and Reflection Guide. Each of the seventy-six Reflections consists of questions and statements designed to help people reflect on biblical texts about evangelism (either the motivation for it, the lifestyle necessary for it, or the actual influencing of others). As the participant reflects on the Word, he invites God to touch the heart, transform, and motivate him or her deeply from within.

Group Discussion. The power of the Reflections can be multiplied if people are willing to participate in ongoing discussions of the things they are being exposed to. The group atmosphere provides an opportunity for support, encouragement, and learning. Suggestions and training for group interaction are available, if needed, but the local congregation will have to take responsibility for organizing and maintaining the groups.

Seminar Manual. The 150 page seminar manual contains outlines of the seminar messages, space for note-taking and recording insights and decisions, the follow-up self-study and reflection guide, and some additional resources related to evangelism. Ideally, each participant should have this manual. 

(Click on Image for Sample Pages)

“The seminar manual is excellent.” – Palestine , TX