Church of the Harvest gathering folk

Michael Hill’s church’s vision is found in its name — Church of the Harvest.
   
“What we are trying to do is to reach people for Christ and bring in the harvest. We want to attract people to Christ and help them discover their spiritual gift,” said Hill, the church’s pastor.
   
The idea for this church was planted nearly two years ago. Ed Cruce, director of missions for Bessemer Association, recognized the Lake Siris area as a place of significant growth.
   
“Having a church in the area is critical because the plans for development are astronomical, as close to 1,200 homes will be built in that area eventually. We felt we needed to get something in that area quickly,” Cruce said.
   
So last November Hill began praying about the possibility of a church in this area and felt impressed God was leading him to start the church. He then gathered a group of people and made arrangements to meet in Bumpus Middle School. The church held its first service April 16, with about 15 in attendance.
   
Located in Hoover, Church of the Harvest is now made up of 20 people, with most of those from North Shelby Baptist Church (Shelby Assoc.), which is sponsoring the newly formed church, and some from a congregation of a disbanded church in Bessemer Association. North Shelby Baptist, where Allan Murphy serves as pastor, helps with the bookkeeping and is a prayer partner with Church of the Harvest. Bessemer Association also is offering encouragement, resources and helping survey the area.
   
The demographics suggest 32,000 people will live within a four-mile range of the church, Hill said.
Church of the Harvest has already established a few ministries.
   
“We are starting with the ministry of worship,” said Hill, who served as pastor of Black Mountain Church in North Carolina before moving to Alabama.
   
“We also have a prayer ministry because God answers prayer,” he noted.
   
A few of the people get together for fellowship Wednesday evenings at the International House of Pancakes on Highway 31.
   
An aerobics group also meets. Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 31-August 4, in which North Shelby Baptist youth will assist the during the week. Within the next few weeks, Bible study will begin.
   
Cruce echoes Hill’s request for prayer. “We truly do need folks to pray for them. Since they are just starting, there will be so many obstacles to overcome. Prayer is an absolute key to the church being established and successful,” said Cruce.
   
Since the church began meeting, Hill has learned many lessons. He feels each day presents a challenge and provides new opportunities. Standing above all others is a lesson of faith.
   
“We’ll trust Him for daily resources in our life,” Hill said. “He has shown us how powerful and wonderful the gospel is in terms of reaching people.”