How We Support This Ministry
When Harvest began in Barrie in 2001, eight families supported the whole ministry. Sunday services were held at the community centre at Sunnidale Park, a small staff of two pastors worked out of the public library and midweek ministries were a dream for the future.
Today, Timothy Christian School houses Sunday and mid week gatherings, and our staff works during the week from offices at 258 Bayfield Street.
Along with the expenses specific to Harvest's ministry in Barrie, Harvest also supports global ministries around the world, the details of which can be explored on our global ministries page.
The Bible teaches that God must be put first in every aspect of our lives. Exodus 20:3 and Colossians 1:18 help us to understand the principle of first fruits which is demonstrated in tithing. In Malachi 3:10, God promises to open the windows of heaven and pour out incredible blessing on those who will put him first in this way.
Jesus required full allegiance of those who would follow him. (Matthew 10:37-38). Likewise, the Apostle Paul commends the Macedonians, for giving their support, and more—giving themselves first to the Lord (2 Cor. 8:5).
The examples we have in the Scripture all point to God's people giving their tithes to the Temple or Tabernacle (Old Testament) or being distributed in and by the Church (New Testament). We believe that the primary way that God is working is through the local churches which Christ established through the Apostles.
At Harvest we have several ways in which our people can support the ministry of this local church. As most churches do, we take an offering each Sunday during our worship services. This offering is to allow those who consider Harvest their church home to conveniently support this ministry with their weekly tithes and offerings. Guests are welcome to give but should feel no pressure from us to do so. If you would find it helpful to use offering envelopes these are always available in the black folder in each row and can also be obtained at Connections in the lobby or from an usher.
Many of our people appreciate the convenience of giving using our pre-authorized offering (PAO) plan. Giving can be set up as weekly, bi-weekly or monthly and can easily be changed as required. Click on these links for
more information and for the
form to sign up for PAO.
If you would like to make a one time or ongoing online donation to the ministry of Harvest, please click on the
Canada Helps button below.
On the last Sunday of each month, Harvest also collects a benevolent offering. The offerings received for this HOPE Ministry are part of the regular operating fund and give us the opportunity to help with practical needs and to encourage those in our church family here at Harvest Bible Chapel. Galatians 6:10
Finally, if you have any questions about this aspect of Harvest's ministry, about how donation receipts are handled, or about Harvest's status as a Canadian charity please feel free to
contact our financial assistant, Kristin Vanderboor.
"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want." Proverbs 11:24.
