We believe that all human life is precious and that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator. Scripture tells us the Lord himself knits us in the mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13-14). We hold that all attacks on human life and the taking of life, including that of the unborn, are a grievous sin against God’s plan for a human life. For this reason, we support Fresno’s Crisis Pregnancy Center and advocate other endeavors that seek to urge and assist pregnant women to protect the life of their unborn child. At the same time, we know that some parents will need financial assistance in raising their child or emotional support in giving their child to an adoptive family. We also believe that those who have had an abortion or advocated for one, need forgiveness, love, and ongoing soul care. This means that we minister to those considering abortion with urgent truth about the sanctity of life, but also show the love and mercy of the Lord, as we, as believers, have been shown (Ephesians 4:32; James 2:13).

Because Jesus taught that we should have the authentic, innocent faith of children, we know that children are near to God’s heart. Also, we recognize that not all children have the capable care of a parent or other relative. For that reason, we see great value in Christian adults intervening to foster or adopt children, whether from domestic or international roots. In this way, men become “fathers to the fatherless” and women “mothers to the motherless” in close connection to the heart of God (Psalm 68:5-6). As with all families in our church, we come alongside parents in providing gospel education for children and guidance and counseling for the parent themselves.

The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of Harvest’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our Elder Board is Harvest’s final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.

We believe in the importance of serving the body of Christ by offering clear paths for people to start and develop healthy and growing relationships with others in the church body. We value an intentional plan to help every interested person enjoy godly relationships in the church. Church membership is a by-product of people who are growing in Christ and who grasp the importance of serving the Lord by using their gifts to serve others in the local church.

Harvest is a non-charismatic, conservative, evangelical fellowship that welcomes all who know Jesus Christ as their Savior and all who are seeking Him. Those who claim to possess the gift of tongues and other sign gifts are welcome to worship and fellowship with us if they are willing to be a source of unity rather than division within our church body. We believe that the Christian life is supernatural and that the Lord continues to perform miracles. We also believe that current displays of the gift of tongues distract from the main task of the local church, which is to glorify God through the fulfillment of the Great Commission ‐ Matthew 28:19-20.

Current displays of the gift of tongues:

Give unwarranted prominence to the gift, which is described in the New Testament as being only one of many spiritual gifts ‐ 1 Corinthians 12

Emphasize speaking in tongues as the primary manifestation of the Spirit’s work in a person’s life, while minimizing the Spirit’s work in producing a holy life ‐ 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 2 Timothy 1:9, and a life that displays the fruits of the Spirit ‐ Galatians 5:22

Often suggest that speaking in tongues is a required proof of being Spirit-filled or of possessing salvation in Christ, even though the Scriptures do not teach this.

Harvest seeks to prevent the propagation of doctrines that would cause divisions within an individual church. Therefore, members to and adherents of Harvest are not to propagate the teachings and emphases of the current charismatic movement. Although we do not control personal, individual interactions with the Lord, the expression of tongues and other sign gifts are not to be overtly expressed at meetings that are under the organization and authority of Harvest.

The church exists to glorify God through the fulfillment of the Great Commission, and in the spirit of the Great Commandment ‐ Matthew 28:19-20, Matthew 22:37-38.

The commission is fulfilled as disciples of Jesus Christ are made and grow in their relationship with Him and likeness to Him. God is glorified as we manifest His presence as we do His work ‐ 2 Timothy 2:2; 1 Corinthians 10:31.

In seeking to act upon the church’s purpose, we recognize the extraordinary value in multiplying the reach of His ministry by planting local churches and by associating with existing, like-minded local churches. God is glorified when Harvest and other like-minded churches associate with one another in order to foster relationships that edify, protect, encourage, support and admonish.

The governing members, serving as directors of the Harvest Elders Council, lead the association of Harvest and affiliating churches and oversee church planting. The Elders Council assists affiliate churches to more effectively spread the Word of God and the ways of God in order to build His kingdom. The Elders Council desires to bless all affiliate churches through the mutual exchange of pulpit and music ministry, consulting services, research, conferences and seed money devoted to church planting and pastoral education programs.

As believers, our citizenship is in heaven. Jesus said that his kingdom is not of this world. As a church, we emphasize living for the kingdom of God instead of the kingdom of man, which is fallen and fleeting. Yet, throughout the New Testament, we see a tension between the calling of God’s people to live in his kingdom, while at the same time we reside within the borders of nations and the systems of societies on earth. Accordingly, Christians should be the best citizens and a light to a fallen world. Moreover, when their laws and directives are not contrary to the teachings of Scripture, as believers we will obey the laws and honor those who establish and enforce them (Romans 13:1-7), including praying for the leaders of nations (1 Timothy 2:1-2). This means that in general we stand in support of elected and appointed officials, law enforcement officers, and the military, as they protect the people. At the same time, we allow for democratic voices to speak, criticize, and oppose governmental policies within the confines of the law. However, when governmental principles and laws directly depart from or contradict the clear commands of God, we believe that, as God’s people, we should obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29). Additionally, we accept that differences will arise among believers about the best course of action in certain matters (e.g., pacifism vs. armed defense, or capital punishment vs. life imprisonment), but urge that these disagreements not lead to disunity among believers who agree on essential doctrines. Finally, as mission-minded people, we remind our members that the United States is one among many nations now and in the sweep of history, and that in the end people of all tribes, nations, and tongues will worship the Lord together (Revelation 7:9-10).

The Lord changes lives and accomplishes His purposes directly through reading and applying the Scriptures, meditating on the truths of the Scriptures and prayer. The Lord also uses those who minister His Word as they encourage, exhort, admonish, edify, implore, reprove, rebuke and console others toward godliness. God needs no new or unique insight into the human condition in order to change lives, regardless of whether that insight is gained through psychology or some other tool of human origin. Problems that are approached by integrating the Scriptures with psychological theories tend to deceive individuals into diminishing the God of the Scriptures and into believing that He has not provided and cannot provide sufficient truth, insight and wisdom that will change their lives ‐ Colossians 2:8-10.

When psychology and other social sciences step beyond observing human behavior and seek to explain the causes of human behavior, they enter spiritual territory. Only the God of the Scriptures can explain causes and offer solutions that lead to godliness and a fruitful, joyful life. God has given us everything we need for life and godliness ‐ 2 Peter 1:3. He changes us as we discipline ourselves through obedience to the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit ‐ 1 Timothy 4:7; 2 Peter 1:5-11.

Each Christian’s passion should be to become more like Christ and fulfill the Great Commandment to love the Lord will the entire heart, soul, mind and strength ‐ Romans 8:29; 1 John 3:2, Deuteronomy 6:5; Mark 12:30; Matthew 22:37-38.  The Christian who learns and applies the Word becomes mature and, in turn, can help others mature ‐ 2 Timothy 2:2.

We believe God created the universe in six 24-hour days and that, before He created the universe, nothing except God existed ‐ Genesis 1; Exodus 31:17; Psalm 33:6-9; Acts 17:24; Hebrews 11:3; Colossians 1:16.

God chose to create the universe and all that is in it to reveal His glory, divine nature, eternal power, infinite wisdom and supreme authority ‐ Isaiah 43:7; Psalm 19:1-2; Jeremiah 10:12; Romans 1:20; Revelation 4:11.

We deny the theory of evolution, which states that nonliving substances gave rise to the first living material, which then reproduced and diversified to produce all living creatures. We believe that all people are descendants of Adam and Eve, whom God created personally and individually and as complete human beings ‐ Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 2:7; Genesis 2:21-22; 1 Corinthians 11:8-9. The fall of Adam and Eve infected all people with sin and death, but the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ gives the opportunity to receive God’s gift of eternal life ‐ Romans 5:18-19; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22.

God rules over His creation and cares about and is involved in the lives of individual people ‐ Job 12:10; Acts 17:25; Acts 25:28; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:13; Ephesians 4:6.

Nowhere in Scripture do we find evidence that all people can expect equality in terms of individual economic standing. Some will be richer and some poorer. Apparently even in eternity, some will be given greater reward than others (Matthew 25:14-30). However, we find repeated teaching directed to those who have, that they would be generous and supportive of those who are honestly poor, especially among fellow believers (see Leviticus 19:9-10, Isaiah 58:6-7, Matthew 25:34-46, 2 Thessalonians 3:10, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, James 2:14-17.) The economy of God’s kingdom is not the same as the economy of the world, and it is driven by love as it is enacted in generosity and kindness.

For some Christians, the question of education is greatly important: Public school? Private school? Home school? Because we do not find the argument for one of these choices to be “the one biblical choice,” we encourage parents to make the best choice for each of their children and for the family; further, we discourage those in any of these systems from positioning their choice as best for all children. In any case, we encourage a solid education for every child, because this can open the doors for greater breadth of service in the kingdom of God as a child enters adulthood. Above all we urge all parents to lead their children into strong biblical understanding and spiritual practice, raising their children in “the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

It is God’s divine decision to save a person and it is God’s kindness, forbearance and patience that lead that person to repentance ‐ Romans 2:4. All glory for the salvation and security of every believer belongs to God alone ‐ Romans 3:21-31; Ephesians 1:7-9; Ephesians 2:8-9, Jude 1:24-25. We believe that everyone who is born again by the Spirit through Jesus Christ is eternally assured of salvation from the moment of conversion. This assurance relies on God’s decisive grace rather than on the works of the Christian. Obedience, good works and fruit-bearing do not earn or retain the believer’s salvation, but indicate the reality of the person’s love of Christ and profession of faith ‐ Luke 6:46; John 14:21; James 2:17-18.

Eternal security in salvation relies on the Lord’s guarantee of each believer’s adoption as His son or daughter ‐ Galatians 4:4-7, and His seal of the believer by the Holy Spirit ‐ 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13-14, and the conviction that God gives the Holy Spirit to each believer as a down payment toward future bliss in heaven ‐ 2 Corinthians 1:21-22. A person who professes genuine faith in Christ immediately becomes His possession ‐ Luke 23:42-43; Acts 2:40-41; Acts 16: 30-34, and nothing can snatch that person out of His hands ‐ John 10:27-29. Having been bought with the price of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion as complete payment for sin, Christians are not their own. They are Christ’s possession ‐ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. This assurance is absolutely certain, reserved in heaven, protected by God’s unlimited power ‐ 1 Peter 1:4-5.

We believe that men and women were created with equal worth in the eyes of God, and that both men and women have significant contributions to make in family, church, and society. This means that men should honor women at all times, just as women should honor men at all times, which in the body of Christ is likened to brothers and sisters caring for and defending one another with dignity. At the same time, our reading of Scripture leads us to believe that leadership in the general congregation of the church should be given to men (and even only to certain men, whose spiritual maturity commends them to eldership). Still, there are many specific places of leadership for women in the church. Where society, including governments and businesses, raises women to positions of leadership, we find no biblical reason to condemn this. [Further discussion of this topic can be found in chapter 9 of our in-depth membership study, Inside Church, particularly the section, “Men in the Lead.”]

When Jesus told his disciples that the poor would always be with them, He meant that there would always be opportunity to care for the poor, providing for their material needs. From John the Baptist (Luke 3:11) to the earliest church (Acts 4:34-35; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5), the people of Christ emphasized benevolent action as a hallmark of God’s love. We endeavor to do the same, both individually and corporately through the church, where our deacons assess material needs of our congregants and consider the best way to meet them. Additionally, we join with ESA/Love Inc. and other organizations in Fresno who are reaching out daily to the homeless and poor.

Scripture recognizes the lines drawn between nations, even crediting these lines to the sovereign will of God (Acts 17:26). At the same time, the kingdom of God transcends national boundaries, with the grace of God available to all peoples, as they are told of the gospel and respond in faith (Romans 10:10-15). Traditionally, the larger Church has sent missionaries to other countries with the gospel message, but we know too that Scripture makes repeated reference to the kindness that should be shown to “sojourners” (or “foreigners” or “strangers”)—those who come to stay in a land not originally their own (see Exodus 22:21; Deuteronomy 10:19, 14:28-29). That is, immigrants and refugees among us should be offered the love of Christ through benevolent care and the gospel. The number of immigrants and refugees admitted into the United States, as well as the policies surrounding these admissions, is in the hands of the government, but once immigrants and refugees are among us, we should welcome them with the love of Jesus

In the past three decades, the internet’s many applications have become powerful tools for communication. At the same time, they bring sexual temptation, spread as much false information as trustworthy information, and provide platforms for gossip and open disdain. We encourage our members who are active on the internet and social media to maintain the excellence of their faith, including commitments to purity, edifying speech, integrity, encouragement, and kindness (Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:1-3, 29).

We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. (Gen 1:26-27.) Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person.

We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. (Gen 2:18-25.) We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. (1 Cor 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb 13:4.) We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.

We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God. (Matt 15:18-20; 1 Cor 6:9-10.)

We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:19-21; Rom 10:9-10; 1 Cor 6:9-11.)

We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31.) Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of Harvest.

For the church, political activism is one of the great questions of our time, just as it has been throughout the history of the United States (pastors advocated from the pulpit both for and against the American Revolution, for instance, depending on their interpretation of Scripture). Today, church leaders often insist that one political party or another “truly” represents the teachings of Scripture. To us, the disagreement as to which political side is the more biblical side is a strong indication that God’s word does not align wholly with one party’s platform. Additionally, the question becomes difficult because of the crossover between “political” issues and “moral” issues, such as abortion or care for the poor. Still, we recognize that political advocacy can be an important aspect of bringing God’s heart, as revealed in Scripture, to a democratic society.

That said, we have great concerns about the way strong political alignment can drive a wedge between God’s people, especially when the two sides disagree not on God’s intent but on “His program” or “His candidate.” We have additional concerns that social media fosters a distance between people who then argue with each other online, often enlisting sources and sharing observations that lack integrity. Therefore, we encourage extreme caution among our members about the way they engage politically, knowing that all we say and do publicly about the world’s political discussions can lead to rancor both in God’s church and in our contacts with the mission field that is the world. All the while, we encourage our members to vote the conscience given to them by the Spirit of God.

Every corner of the world has a history of racism (often connected to classism), including the United States. While governments, schools, and churches can make intentional efforts to create equality and acceptance among the races, the sin that resides in people will tend toward division over the color of one’s skin. Scripture recognizes differences like race and national origin and says that, in Christ, these differences are eliminated in a spiritual sense. At the same time, we know that both individuals and systems have hindered and harmed people because of their race, leading to pain and trouble, even from one generation to the next. For this reason, we want to do three things when it comes to racism among us. First, we want to hear the lamenting cries of those who have been hurt by racist speech and action, thus mourning with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). Second, we want to care for others in a way that assists them restoratively where physical, emotional, or financial restoration is needed. And third, we want to remind all people that Christ’s call to repentance and offer of forgiveness guides the way for our own repentance and our own forgiveness as the Holy Spirit leads us.

Mature disciples walk with Christ, worship Christ and work for Christ. A person committed to a relationship with Christ focuses on personal walk with Him, worship of Him and work for Him. That person will experience significant growth in personal sanctification and, therefore, will experience a closer personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and will become “complete in Christ” (Colossians 1:28). We are committed to multiplying the godly characteristics of leaders’ lives into others ‐ 2 Timothy 2:2. This multiplication of ministry is key to the healthy growth of the church. We believe the disciples of Jesus Christ should minister to one another in the local church, rather than one or a small number of professional pastors bearing total responsibility to care for the entire congregation. God has given spiritual gifts to all of His people to provide mutual ministry in the context of the healthy and strong local church ‐ Ephesians 4:11-12.

We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. (Psalm 139)

While the presence of COVID created a number of new questions about the extent to which Christians should trust science, this is a debate at least as old as Copernicus and Galileo and threading through Darwin and the multitudinous advances of the 20th century. Many things that were rejected at first are accepted freely now. This makes sense if we define science as “the incomplete discovery of all that God has made.” Even the smartest brains in the world are light years behind in understanding the detailed wonder of God’s universe. The trouble comes when too much credence is given to their work and science is presented as a replacement for God.

We do not fear science in its raw forms of discovery, seeing its place among the theological concepts of “all truth is God’s truth” and “common grace,” wherein God may use even unrighteous agents to establish and dispense grace and blessing. At the same time, we are concerned when scientists and doctors forsake the ethics of Scripture. A prime example is that “safe abortions” performed by a doctor are still abortions, where the life of a child is ended in the womb; though medicine can do this procedure, we reject it as a murderous sin in God’s eyes.

In the end, while we gladly receive many of the discoveries and advances of science and medicine, we know that different members of the body of Christ will wrestle with various questions differently, according to their conscience. What we do encourage is that every believer considers their choices through the lens of the law of love, as they live and minister among others.

While many point to the sexual revolution of the 1960s as the genesis of open sexual discussion, Scripture took of the matter of sex thousands of years ago and should still guide our thinking today. Jesus specifically affirmed that marriage is to be between a man and a woman, and the council of Jewish leaders asked the Gentiles to maintain only a few restrictions regarding food and to avoid “sexual immorality” (Acts 15:29), which would have been defined by the limiting commands given in Leviticus 18: no premarital or extramarital sex, no incest, no homosexuality, and no bestiality. Without reference to same-sex orientation or attraction, then, God prohibited certain sexual acts. We believe that these boundaries remain in place, while making no judgments about whether one is “born gay” or may truly love another of the same sex or someone outside their marriage. Sexual immorality is defined by the act, not the proclivity. Additionally, we cannot express strongly enough that sexual immorality is one of countless sins that place us in need of God’s grace (Romans 3:23-25). As we do for all who are working with matters of conflict or sin, we provide biblical counseling for those who wish to be set free from their sexual sin. [Further discussion about marriage, divorce, sexuality, and pornography can be found in chapter 11 of our in-depth membership study, Inside Church.]

Justice is deeply connected to the heart of God, from the fairness of weights and measures (Deuteronomy 25:13-16), to appropriate policing (Luke 3:14), to fair wages (Malachi 3:5), and more. However, in the world we can find injustice meted out by individuals (e.g., corrupt judges or teachers), as well as hidden in laws and practices that give preferential treatment to certain groups. The psalmists, the prophets, and Christ lamented over such injustice. Therefore, while we normally avoid the politically charged term “social justice,” we believe the justice of God’s heart is meant to be advocated for, enacted, and defended by the people of God as a demonstration of what life will be like in His enduring and perfect kingdom.

Satan and his demonic servants viciously oppose the work God performs in and through His people ‐ 1 Peter 5:8; Genesis 3:1-7; Ephesians 6:12. God, who by His nature is infinitely more powerful than Satan, in due time will have complete and total victory over Satan ‐ 1 John 4:4; Revelation 20:1-10.

Although it is appropriate to pray in Jesus’ name for protection against demonic activity, the Scriptures do not instruct the Christian to “bind Satan in Jesus’ name.” Rather, the Scriptures instruct the Christian to combat Satan by:

Humbly drawing near to God, knowing that He will give grace, mercy and strength ‐ 2 Corinthians 12:7-9; Hebrews 4:15-16; James 4:8; 1 Peter 5:6-10

Resisting his temptations ‐ James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9

Rightly applying the truth of the Scriptures ‐ Matthew 4:1-11; John 8:44; Ephesians 4:24-27

Forgiving offenses ‐ 2 Corinthians 2:10-11

Putting on the armor of God’s truth, righteousness, readiness to share the Gospel, faith, salvation and prayer ‐ Ephesians 6:11-20

Demonstrating faithfulness to the Lord by enduring trials ‐ Revelation 2:10; Revelation 2:13; Revelation 3:9-10.

We believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration of that Scriptures and that they contain all the words of God that we need in order to completely trust and obey Him. The Scriptures are inerrant in their original writings ‐ Psalm 119:97-104; Psalm 119:160; Matthew 5:18; John 5:46-47; John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:15-16, and are infallible in their instruction ‐ Proverbs 6:32; 2 Peter 1:19, eternal in duration ‐ Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:23-25; the final authority and the standard for faith and practice —Matthew 4:4; Psalm 119; and sufficient for counsel in every issue of life ‐ Psalm 19:14-17; 2 Timothy 3:16. We believe that the very words of Scripture in the original Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic are inspired by God. Therefore, we believe that the Bible versions which translate God’s Word most literally into modern English should be preferred.

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 men and women are equal under God. The Bible is clear that men and women do not have the same roles. Qualified women should serve in any leadership position that is not forbidden in the Scriptures.