July 18, 2022
Orchard Group and Harvester Christian Church are partnering to plant a new church in Ferguson, Mo. “The city is hungry for something new, something fresh—but more important, something genuine,” church planter Lenny Brown said.
October 7, 2019
This is a repost of an appreciation for smaller churches from Oct. 15, 2006, written by Ben Merold, who was then serving as senior minister with Harvester Christian Church, St. Charles, Missouri. Merold, now in his early 90s, continues to serve Harvester as teaching pastor. (Read our October 2019 issue for articles about challenges facing rural and small churches . . . and possible solutions.) _ _ _ By Ben Merold, Harvester Christian Church, St. Charles, Missouri I have a great appreciation for the smaller church. I was led to accept Christ as my personal Savior in a small church.
By Chris Moon Four years into its existence, the Merold Institute is looking toward the future. The ministry of Harvester Christian Church in St. Charles, Mo., began primarily as a place to help mold the church’s key volunteers and existing and incoming staff—to give them the biblical and theological training lacking in many ministry workers who were unable to attend Bible college or seminary. During its short existence, the institute named for Ben Merold, Harvester’s former senior minister (who continues serving as a teaching pastor), has largely accomplished that goal. Many of the church’s staff and volunteers have earned certificates
December 3, 2017
By Matt Merold Some of the greatest lessons in life are caught, not taught. They”re learned by what is observed in us, not what is heard from us. Sometimes the teacher isn”t even aware that school is in session. I”m not entirely sure if my instructor””my grandfather, Ben Merold””is fully aware of all the ways he”s taught me, in both simple and sophisticated ways. His lessons have gone beyond anything I could ever learn in a classroom. You”re Never Too Important to Take Out the Trash. It was hot . . . Missouri hot! Anyone who had been outside
By Ben Merold (From our series “The Best or Worst Advice I’ve Ever Received.”) The best advice I ever received came after I moved to Southern California in 1969, during the peak of a Pentecostal movement in that area. The movement was very sophisticated in its approach and seemed to touch every segment of that society. There were many good things about this, but there were also things that became very divisive to the work of a New Testament church. As a result, I went through a lengthy period of pressure and frustration in my ministry. One morning I accepted
April 24, 2012
Brian Jobe challenges the divide between missional and attractional church models, arguing that effective churches can invite people in, build believers up, and send them out to serve.
November 2, 2011
Ben Merold reflects on how personal Bible study transformed his Christian growth and became a trusted guide for his lifestyle, preaching, teaching, evangelism, pastoral ministry, and dependence on God.
May 18, 2008
Ben Merold shares several surprising conversion stories from decades of evangelistic ministry, showing how God’s Word and the Holy Spirit can work in unexpected ways.
September 12, 2007
Veteran minister Ben Merold reflects on church growth, encouraging small-church leaders, and reaching the culture without selling out. He shares practical wisdom from decades of preaching and leading Harvester Christian Church.
September 13, 2006
After a head-on collision left Doyle Roth with severe injuries, he faced a long recovery filled with pain and discouragement. In this interview, he shares how his church cared for him and what he learned about hope, heaven, and hospital visits.
July 9, 2006
Church planting is thrilling—but risky. Bob Williams shares field-tested lessons on balancing faith with reality, launching at the right time, learning wisely from others, and adapting through change, setbacks, and a shift to a multisite model.
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