Are you full?

Well, it looks like we are about to start another new diet in our family. Not that I am complaining (much), because it is for our kids. And I can stand to lose a couple (dozen) pounds. 

I know I need a new diet, I just don't want one. Why? Because like everyone else in the world, I trained my appetite. Appetites don't just happen, you and I train them, whether they are good or bad. You may be hungry for the salad, I am hungry for the pizza. People like me have a problem staying full, because we fill up on junk. Junk is a quick fix, but it never satisfies.  

This is true spiritually. People aren't hungry for the truth of God's Word because they have filled up on the junk of the world, which never satisfies. But the good news is, like our physical appetites, our spiritual appetites can change - if we can discipline ourselves to start filling up on the right things. 

Many people come to Jesus with an appetite for the wrong thing. "What can Jesus do for me? Jesus, make me rich! Jesus, get me outta this mess I put myself in. Jesus, make me happy!"

And then they leave disappointed, thinking the problem is Jesus!

In John 6, Jesus fed 5000 men, and afterwards the disciples crossed the sea by boat, but Jesus just decided to walk over... on the sea! When the crowds went looking for Him (6:25-26), they found him, but they were interested in more free lunch! Jesus even called them out on it: "...you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves."

Everyone wants a free lunch, but Jesus made it clear what they really needed, and what they needed to be seeking! In verse 27, He commanded, "Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you." Where can I get a loaf of that? Jesus said (v35), "I am the bread of life."

Coming to Jesus means receiving Jesus, not just looking for what Jesus can give me, but receiving Jesus Himself.

Church-goers everywhere face this every Sunday. They go to church with wrong expectations, and then blame the church when they don't get what they think they need. They always feel unsatisfied, because they weren't ready to receive the One who satisfies our deepest spiritual need.

Satisfaction can only come through Jesus Christ. We don't need reformation, we need transformation. We don't need a quick fix, we need life! And only Jesus can give life. 

Like the song goes, "Above all else, Jesus, give me yourself."

So what about you? Are you satisfied?

Frequently Asked Questions...

This church planting experience has been quite amazing so far... and it just keeps getting better as the Lord brings more people to join our Core Group, send other people our way, and pray for us. 

This is all a "first" for me. I never imagined I would even be a pastor... but a church planter? The Lord brought me into this, so I have no doubt He will make perfect provision and guide us every step of the way. 

There are a few questions that come up repeatedly (some more than others) when I hold Open Houses, lead Core Group meetings, and meet people over coffee. These are great questions, so I thought I would get some answers frontloaded here on the blog. (Blogging is also new to me, so I think that this is allowed.)

Q: Where is the church going to be?

A: This first Harvest Bible Chapel church plant is going to be in the Wexford - Warrendale - Cranberry area. Population growth and accessibility are just two of the reasons our leadership locally and in Chicago have determined to plant here. .


Q: Where is the church going to be?

A: Didn't I just cover that? Next ques... oh, you mean, like, what building? My bad. I am working on meeting location. Currently our Core Group meetings are held at the home of one of our Core Group members, e-mail me for that info. But as for what building are we meeting in on Sunday mornings when we launch in September...? I have been checking out places already and have some calls out to others. I will let you know when I have something. Pray for this, won't you? I want to be where the Lord would have us, perhaps He will give us a facility!


Q: What about the role of women in the church?

A: We encourage women to be involved in every area of ministry the Bible permits! This excludes the roles of pastors and elders which the Bible indicates are roles carried out by men. 


Q: Is this just the start of another denomination? How does this plant fall under the authority of Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago?

A: First off, we are not a denomination. We are a non-denominational church. Further, we are a local, self governing, independent, autonomous church. Until we have our own elders in place, we are receiving leadership from "Big" Harvest in Chicago. They are gracious in their involvement to help us get going. But even after we have our own elders, we will always be part of the Harvest family of churches all over the world!


Q: Do we really need another church, especially in this area you are planting?

A: Do we need another church that boldly proclaims the Word, passionately worships Jesus Christ, cries out to the Lord for His Work to be done through His people, and boldly shares the good news of the Gospel to a lost and dying world? We need a church like that on every corner. 

At Harvest, we seek clarity, simplicity, and urgency in all we do. If your question is not answered on this website or in this blog, e-mail me! You can ask anything!

To God be the Glory!

p.s. - "In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to your name forever." -Psalm 44:8

Have you heard?

So Harvest Bible Chapel is coming to the Pittsburgh area.

How does that news strike you?

Let me tell you, I am thrilled. I have been a huge fan and follower of Harvest Bible Chapel since 2002. That year, I went to NANC to see John MacArthur, and Harvest Bible Chapel Rolling Meadows was the host. I had never even heard of Harvest or James MacDonald at that point (I know, I know… “GASP!”). But when James MacDonald got up to preach, I was blown away by his boldness, clarity, and urgency. He delivered the Word in such a way that you just had to do something with it. And since then, he has really been used by the Lord to minister to me.

When I got the call last April to go to Chicago in August and train under James and the Harvest staff, I was excited. When I started my training and found out in October that I was being sent back to Pittsburgh North to plant, I was ecstatic. Bringing my favorite ministry to my favorite city? It’s still hard for me to wrap my brain around it!

But it’s happening. And I am so thankful to God to be a part of it. And you should be a part of it, too! Why? Because the Lord is moving through Harvest Bible Chapels all over the world! You can have a front row seat to see God at work. You can be used by the King of Kings to accomplish His eternal purposes. Witness souls saved, lives changed, marriages restored, families united, chains broken… you got somewhere better to be?

Not familiar with Harvest Bible Chapel? Take some time and see what we are all about through the information provided on this website. Feel free to e-mail me any questions you have that may not be answered here.

Your next step is a more personal approach. You can host an informational meeting (or an “Open House”, as we call them) in your home for you and any friends of yours who may be interested in helping plant this Harvest Bible Chapel. I will come and share what the Lord is doing and how you can take part of this… from the ground up!

You will also want to come to a Core Group meeting. These are our regular meetings for those who are on board with Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North. More info about Core Group meetings is also available on this site. Just give me a call or shoot me an e-mail and I can give you directions to where it is held. 

Keep coming back here, and bring your friends!

The beginning…

p.s. - ”And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation.” - Mark 16:15