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- Why did you remove "Final" from your name?
- Is Harvest affiliated with any other Harvest organization?
- Why is Harvest different than any other church?
- What denomination is Harvest?
- Why does Harvest have a bishop? What's the difference between a bishop and a pastor?
- What is the dress code at Harvest?
- What does your "V" symbol represent?
- I believe that I'm called to ministry. What does Harvest offer for leadership and ministry development?
- How do I join Harvest and become a member?
- Why does Harvest say "All Churches Aren't the Same?"
- Why do people stand when Bishop Foreman enters and where is this found in the Bible?
- I've heard the term "spiritual father" used in referring to Bishop Foreman. What is that and where is that concept found in the Bible?
- Is Bishop Foreman a "word of faith" teacher?
- Does Bishop Foreman teach a "prosperity gospel"?
- Can I call the Bishop by his first name?
- If I am already a licensed minister or ordained and would like to join the church, will my current credentials be recognized?
- What is the anointing?
- Why do you anoint people with oil?
- I've heard the phrase "the glory of God." What does that mean?
- What is the "laying of hands?"
- What does it mean to be "slain in the Spirit?"
- What is the tithe, the offering, and the first fruit?
- Why do we baptize in water?
- Why do we dedicate children?
- Why do we worship as we do?
- Why do we pray as we do?
- I tried to schedule a meeting with Bishop Foreman and was diverted to another leader. Can you tell me why?
- I have never been given a program for the flow of service when I have visited Harvest. Is there a reason for this?
- Does Harvest provide transportation?
- I have visited Harvest and I have seen people randomly bringing their offering to the altar.
- Why did you remove "Final" from your name?
It came to our attention that there were several other "Final Harvest" organizations, most of which believe that the world is going to end in 2012! and we don't subscribe to that view. We added a section to our website that explained what our name meant; however, we found that we were still consistently mistaken in web searches and to minimize confusion we removed the word "Final."
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- Is Harvest affiliated with any other Harvest organization?
Harvest is a member of the Harvest Fellowship of Churches which is overseen by Bishop Foreman.
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- Why is Harvest different than any other church?
Our passion is reaching, loving, and equipping all people whether churched or un-churched. No matter what your background, what your mistakes, or even spiritual questions you may have, at Harvest, you'll fit right on in. We do ministry according to the Bible and you'll leave energized and not just be on an emotional high, but leave with the practical tools to make changes in your life.
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- What denomination is Harvest?
Harvest is a non-denominational, charismatic (spirit filled) ministry.
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- Why does Harvest have a bishop? What's the difference between a bishop and a pastor?
A bishop is an overseer of other pastors and ministries, sometimes referred to as a "pastor's pastor." Bishop Foreman has been in ministry for over thirteen years and his dynamic leadership ability and proven track record in ministry allowed him to be chosen to serve as a bishop. He oversees an apostolic network of churches called the Harvest Fellowship of Churches. We address him as "Bishop" opposed to "Pastor" because it reflects the office in which he holds and functions in. He, as well as the Elders, Ministers & Deacons of the church wear ministerial attire for occasions such as weddings, communion, and baptism.
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- What is the dress code at Harvest?
Dress how you feel comfortable. Maybe for you that's a suit and tie, maybe it's jeans and a t-shirt. Regardless, here there are just real people with real issues that serve a real God with real solutions. God's more concerned about your heart rather than what you're wearing.
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- What does your "V" symbol represent?
Our "V" which is sometimes referred to as "The Taking Over Symbol," is a registered trademark of Harvest and is the "V" in the word "Harvest" which represents the victory that we have through and in Christ according to 1st Corinthians 15:56. The cross in the middle is also shaped like a sword to represent Christ's sacrifice on Calvary as well as the Word of God being sharper than a dual edged sword and it is the foundation upon which we build our lives (Hebrews 4:12).
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- I believe that I'm called to ministry. What does Harvest offer for leadership and ministry development?
All new members are expected to attend KLU, which provides a foundation for the principles of the Kingdom. For adult and student members that desire to serve as leaders in our Student Ministry can attend the Student Leadership Academy. We also offer the Harvest Bible College which offers an assortment of courses of study ranging from a Diploma in Biblical Studies all the way to Ordination and is great for everyday believers and for Christians desiring advanced biblical & ministry training.
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- How do I join Harvest and become a member?
You can join Harvest at anytime through visiting Membership Services after service, or you can join online under the "Members" tab. Upon joining, you should immediately register for and complete Kingdom Life University which is our version of New Members Orientation.
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- Why does Harvest say "All Churches Aren't the Same?"
People at Harvest come from different backgrounds and walks of life. We are unique because we're multi-cultural and multi-generational. You'll get practical teaching you can actually understand and use in everyday life and you can come as you are and be loved. Harvest can't be explained, it must be experienced!
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- Why do people stand when Bishop Foreman enters and where is this found in the Bible?
Make no mistake, Harvest is all about the worship of God and not man, but the Bible teaches that it's appropriate to honor spiritual and even secular leaders (Romans 13:1-7). We stand when the Bishop enters a room to honor his office according to Leviticus 19:32(the phrase"old man" translates to "leader").
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- I've heard the term "spiritual father" used in referring to Bishop Foreman. What is that and where is that concept found in the Bible?
The term "spiritual father" is given to a person that God chooses to be more than a pastor/shepherd to an individual, but to also "father" them spiritually. The term father, in its simplest form, means life giver and a spiritual father provides wisdom, counsel, guidance, and life to "spiritual sons & daughters." While there are different levels of spiritual father/son or spiritual father/daughter relationships, another way to think of a spiritual father is that of a spiritual mentor. Many people around the globe and locally recognize our Bishop as more than just their bishop or pastor, but also as their spiritual father. Some may even address him as "dad" because he fills that role in their lives. You don't have to have grown up without a father in order to need a spiritual father because the Scripture teaches that everyone needs a spiritual father. A spiritual father births you into spiritual and even natural things that you could not accomplish on your own. We find the Apostle Paul telling the Corinthian Church to "imitate him" and that though they'd had many teachers or instructors, they wouldn't have "many fathers" and asserts his role as their "father in Christ" (1st Corinthians 4:15-17). Elijah was Elisha's spiritual father even though he had both a natural mother and father (1st Kings 19 & 2 Kings 2). The Apostle Paul was spiritual father to both Timothy, whose natural father was missing, and to Titus. The Apostle Paul called them both "son" (1st Timothy, 2nd Timothy, Titus, 1st Corinthians 4:15-16). Moses was Joshua's mentor/spiritual father and the list goes on. It's important to note that every pastor is not also called to be a spiritual father so this principle will not be taught in every church.
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- Is Bishop Foreman a "word of faith" teacher?
We believe in the Word of God and the power that it possesses. If we follow God, put Him first, and allow Him to guide our lives, then we can and should experience good success. Bishop does not teach a "name it and claim it only" gospel, but a well balanced, total Bible gospel. Our doctrine is the Word of God and it only.
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- Does Bishop Foreman teach a "prosperity gospel"?
The bible teaches that God desires that His people are prosperous (whole) in every area of their lives which includes the mind, body, and spirit. What good is material wealth with no love? What good is money with failing health? People in poverty can't change the world, yet one thinking that faith is all about what they can get from God is out of balance. God does desire that we are whole and that's what being prosperous is all about. Our faith should be put in God and not in material things or in money.
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- Can I call the Bishop by his first name?
No. Out of respect and honor for the Man of God, we don't address him by his first name. Think of it like you'd address a judge, your doctor, or the president (Romans 13).
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- If I am already a licensed minister or ordained and would like to join the church, will my current credentials be recognized?
Harvest has a set clergy transfer policy and you may contact the Office of the Bishop for additional details.
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- What is the anointing?
The presence and work of the Holy Spirit in a person's life, which empowers us with supernatural effectiveness for Godly service. (Luke 4:18; 1 John 2:27).
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- Why do you anoint people with oil?
Oil is one symbol of the Holy Spirit. We use olive oil to anoint for healing, for ordination, and for restoration. The power of God is released through faith. The oil is symbolic of Gods presence. (James5:14-15; Mark 6:13; Exodus 25:5-9; Luke 10:33-34).
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- I've heard the phrase "the glory of God." What does that mean?
Simply, it's the manifestation of God's presence that produces a charged atmosphere in which God performs supernatural works upon our spirit, mind, or body (1 King 8:10-11).
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- What is the "laying of hands?"
A practice of the Church to transfer blessing (such as healing virtue or stirring spiritual gifts) by the power of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 6:1-2; 1 Timothy 4:14; Mark 6:5-7).
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- What does it mean to be "slain in the Spirit?"
When a person falls down while being prayed for, while in prayer or worship, or when hands are laid on them. It is a physical yielding to God's Spirit and for others it is an overpowering by the presence of God (Acts 9:4; John 18:6).
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- What is the tithe, the offering, and the first fruit?
There are 3 ways in which we give to God according to Nehemiah 12:44 that guarantee the fullness of the blessing in our lives. God's desire is to have your heart and wherever your money is, that is also where your heart is. When you give, you help the church to change lives around the world and impact the community with the love of Jesus Christ.
The Tithe - the tithe is the first 10% of our gross income and was originally instituted by Abraham in Genesis 14:20 as a sign of the covenant between He and God. The tithe belongs to God and is not ours and should be the first check you write when you receive any income. God wants the first and the best. Tithing is proof of your love for God. Tithing is not an "old covenant" principle. It was taught on extensively as part of the Renewed Covenant. God states that you can test Him through your tithes and offerings according to Malachi 3:8-11.
The Offering - the offering is designed for specific needs in our life and determines the measure of increase we experience according to Luke 6:38. While the tithe is a sustainer, the offering brings increase. For example, if your offering is in the measure of tens, your increase will be tens and the tithe will sustain an atmosphere of that increase. If your offering is in the thousands, your increase will be thousands and your tithe will sustain that.
First Fruits - first fruits are the first of your increase found in several places in the Scriptures, but made plain in Proverbs 3:9-10. For example, if you get a raise $1000 MORE every week than your previous job, then your first fruit would be the first $1,000 your receive from that raise. If you did not have a job and came into a new job, your first fruit is the entire first check. You only give first fruits when you come into a continual increase (i.e. raise, bonus, etc.) If you start a business, the first sale made is a first fruit. First fruits guarantees us continual overflow and should always be placed in the hand of the Man of God according to Ezekiel 44:30.
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- Why do we baptize in water?
Jesus commanded His followers to baptize those who would believe in Him through their preaching Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). The word baptize in the Greek means to immerse, submerge, or overwhelm. For this reason, in obedience to Christ's command we practice water baptism. When a person has accepted Jesus as Lord, having repented of his sins, he is ready to be baptized. Water baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), and for the believer's identification with Christ (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:12).
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- Why do we dedicate children?
Jesus loves the little children; all the little children of the world belong to Him, they are weak, but He is strong. These quotations are from hymns that teach that God loves children. Therefore, as soon we have opportunity, we should present our children to Him for His will to be done.
God instructed Abraham to dedicate every son of his to God, by the rite of circumcision, as soon as he was born. In effect, he was instructed to mark them for God. In the law, Moses instructed that sacrifices be made on behalf of children at their birth. Samson's parents were told how to set Samson apart unto God from his birth, because of the great destiny God had prepared for him. Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord before he was born, and brought him to the tabernacle as soon as he was weaned, for the service of the Lord. God told Jeremiah that He had chosen him to be the prophet of the Lord before he was conceived in his mother's womb.
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- Why do we worship as we do?
Standing- The Bible is our guide and it records instances of people who stood and worshipped God. Scripturally, when one comes into the official presence of another greater than himself, he stands or bows. In America, citizens stand when the President or a judge formally enters the room. How much more should people stand in the Presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? (Nehemiah 9:2-3)
Bowing- As stated earlier, in the presence of One greater than oneself, it is customary to stand or bow. The Bible has numerous examples of people bowing before God on their knees, or even prostrating themselves on their faces in His Presence. (Psalm 95:6)
Dancing, Leaping, or Running- Scriptures encourage us in the longest book of the Bible, to praise the Lord. One of the modes of praise that is listed is to dance. We believe that all believers, as happy little children of a wonderful Father, are free to leap and dance expressing their joy and gratitude to Him. (II Samuel 6:14 & Psalm 30:11)
Lifting Hands- The lifting of hands is another act of worship that is exemplified and encouraged in the word of God. The lifting of hands signifies several things. (Psalm 63:4, Psalm 134:2, I Timothy 2:8, Hebrews 12:12)
1. Adoration
2. Surrender
3. Victory
4. Earnestness
Clapping- Though clapping in itself is said to be neither praise nor worship, it can utilized as a joyful noise unto the Lord. We are exhorted to clap and shout unto the Lord.
Using musical instruments- The Book of Psalms encourages us to praise God with the various instruments. The book of Psalms is an Old Testament book, but that does not invalidate it for our day. Most people would not question whether Psalm 23 is for our day. So, except in those cases where Jesus fulfills the shadow and typology of the ceremonial law, the principles of the Old Testament still apply, for God's principles never change. The New Testament does not explicitly command the use of instruments, but neither does it explicitly or implicitly forbid their use. (Silence on the part of scripture concerning a certain topic does not necessarily imply prohibition or endorsement.) The New Testament does depict trumpets and harps being used in worship and ministry in heaven. It would seem that if a practice such as accompanying worship with musical instruments, is forbidden to the worshippers on earth, it would not be embraced by the worshippers in heaven, not to mention God Himself who would permit such a practice.
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- Why do we pray as we do?
Aloud- There are numerous accounts of people in Scripture praying to God aloud, even loudly. It is proper, when one is so prompted, to follow their example. (Psalm 143)
In unison (At one time) - In the book of Acts, Chapter 4, the assembled believers lifted up their voices to God at one time. Sometimes the prayers will have the exact same theme, while at other times, each person's own prayer is being offered as are others.
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- I tried to schedule a meeting with Bishop Foreman and was diverted to another leader. Can you tell me why?
As you know, Bishop Foreman's heart is such that he desires to be able to be involved with all of the congregation on a personal basis. He
would love to be able to hear every concern, assist with every issue, and mentor every member; however, this is not only impossible, but
against biblical wisdom (Exodus 18:13-27). Because Bishop Foreman realizes that God has not called him to carry the load of the ministry
by himself, he has surrounded himself with capable men and women to assist in these issues. Therefore even if Bishop cannot meet with
you personally he will ensure that the leaders assist you in the same heart and manner that he would.
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- I have never been given a program for the flow of service when I have visited Harvest. Is there a reason for this?
While we do have a predetermined service flow, it is our desire to be completely led by God during our worship services & events and a
printed order of worship is not given out to allow for the free flow of the Spirit.
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- Does Harvest provide transportation?
Yes, this will be available in the next 45- 60 days.
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- I have visited Harvest and I have seen people randomly bringing their offering to the altar.
The Bible admonishes us to "bring our offering to the altar" (Matthew 5:23-24). Bishop encourages the congregation to follow this mandate
as a symbolic expression of their sacrifice to the Lord. Bringing their offering to the altar allows members to be reminded that the offering is
for God to build His Kingdom and to advance His will.
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