September 19, 2025 | Elder Update

Dear Harvest Family,

Our September elder meeting this past week was a truly encouraging time together. We devoted extended time to prayer, thanking the Lord for His continued kindness and provision—especially the financial blessing through the recent sale of the Elgin property. We also sought His wisdom and guidance as we look ahead, eager to follow where He leads us as a church family.

We are filled with anticipation for the future, confident that God is at work among us, and excited to see how He will continue to use Harvest to reach others and bring glory to His name. We would love for you to join us in prayer as we move forward together.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20–21)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)

Elder Meeting Agenda – September 16, 2025

  • Dinner and Fellowship
  • Prayer
  • Approval of August Meeting Minutes
  • Financial Update (current and post-sale of the Elgin property)
  • Harvest Christian Academy and Westminster Christian School Update
  • Strategic Direction and Next Steps
  • Staffing Update
  • Deacon Update
  • Future Elder Training Discussion
  • Communication to Congregation
  • Closing Prayer


With gratitude and hope,
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