Harvest, specifically referring to Harvest Christian Fellowship, is a Non-denominational Evangelical Christian organization. This multi-site church is primarily based in Riverside, California.
Understanding Harvest Christian Fellowship's Religious Identity
Harvest Christian Fellowship operates within the broader scope of Christianity, distinguishing itself as a non-denominational church. This means it does not belong to a traditional, larger denominational structure (such as Catholic, Baptist, or Methodist), allowing it to maintain an independent organizational structure.
- Non-denominational: This status signifies autonomy in governance and doctrine, separate from established denominational hierarchies.
- Evangelical: As an evangelical church, Harvest Christian Fellowship emphasizes several core tenets central to the evangelical movement within Protestant Christianity:
- The absolute authority and inerrancy of the Bible.
- The necessity of a personal conversion experience, often referred to as being "born again."
- A strong commitment to evangelism, or sharing the Christian Gospel with others.
- The centrality of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection for salvation.
Affiliation with the Calvary Chapel Association
Despite its non-denominational classification, Harvest Christian Fellowship maintains an affiliation with the Calvary Chapel Association. The Calvary Chapel movement originated in Southern California and is known for its distinct approach to worship, a strong focus on expository (verse-by-verse) Bible teaching, and a generally informal atmosphere. This affiliation provides a network for fellowship and shared theological perspectives among like-minded churches, without imposing a rigid organizational hierarchy.
Key Characteristics of Harvest Christian Fellowship
To summarize its religious identity and operational details:
Characteristic | Description |
---|---|
Religious Type | Non-denominational Evangelical Christian |
Primary Base | Riverside, California |
Organizational | Multi-site church |
Affiliation | Loosely affiliated with the Calvary Chapel Association |
Core Principles | Biblical teaching, personal faith, evangelism, Christ-centered focus |