June 20, 2025 | Elder Update

Dear Harvest Family,

This past week, we held our final elder meeting of the ministry season—and it was a gift. Each of us shared how we’ve seen God at work in our church as we pursue a culture of discipleship, generosity, prayer, and training. It was a time of real encouragement. God is so good!

We won’t meet in July but will resume our regular elder meetings in August. July is also a time of sabbath rest for our staff (June 30–July 11), and we’d love for you to join us in praying for them during this break.

As always, we’re here for you—feel free to reach out in person or at [email protected]. This was our agenda for the evening.

Food and Fellowship

  • Dinner and Fellowship


Pastoral

  • Sharing examples of God’s Provision/Grace/Faithfulness
    • Deeper Disciples
    • More Generous
    • Prayer Dependent
  • Training to Send
  • Making the most of summer
    • Hospitality
    • Connecting and caring for people


Process/Administration

  • Approval of the Minutes
  • Harvest Christian Academy and Westminster Christian School Update
  • Review Campus Plans for Sabbath Weeks
  • Communication to the congregation


Close in prayer

You are loved! You are sent!
—The Elders of Harvest Bible Chapel

Harvest Groups Podcast

Helpful conversations about Community and Discipleship Groups (D-Groups) at
Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago.
Community Group Leader Podcast
Community Group Leader Podcast | Episode 1
Community Group Leader Podcast | Episode 2
Community Group Leader Podcast | Episode 3
Community Group Leader Podcast | Episode 4
Community Group Leader Podcast | Episode 5
Community Group Leader Podcast | Episode 6
Community Group Leader Podcast | Episode 7
D Group Leader Podcast
D-Group Starter Guide Conversation 1 | Share Your Story
D-Group Starter Guide Conversation 2 | Goals and Expectations
D-Group Starter Guide Conversation 3 | HEAR Journals and Scripture Memory
D-Group Starter Guide Conversation 4 | Accountability and Prayer
Conversation 1 D-Group Multiply Guide | Who, Why, Where?
Bonus Episode 1 | Am I Ready to Lead a D-Group?
Conversation 2 D-Group Multiply Guide | Identifying Potential Members
Bonus Episode 2 | How to Select the Right People for Your D Group
Conversation 3 D-Group Multiply Guide | Inviting Potential Members
Bonus Episode 3 | How to Invite People to Your D-Group
Conversation 4 D-Group Multiply Guide | Celebrate & Commission

Community Group Outreach/Service Ideas

Create homeless blessing bags together, distribute to homeless outreach in area or keep in your car to give out.  

Serve at The Ruth Project either downtown Elgin or at the farm 

Serve together at Feed My Starving Children 

Contact campus ministry team to “adopt” a single mother in the congregation, and provide her with ongoing support (babysitting, groceries, gifts of encouragement)  

Contact local elementary/middle/high school and ask to provide regular blessing baskets to teachers   

Contact local senior/assisted living facility and offer to host a praise and worship night or ongoing Bible study 

Serve at local soup kitchen  

Sign up to serve with Habitat for Humanity  

Find more Volunteer opportunities at https://www.volunteermatch.org/ 

Contact the Lead Team