Harvest University (a.k.a. "Harvest U") takes place in Elgin, IL at "Big Harvest" campus as a training, equipping and spiritual recharge time for Harvests all over the world. We will hear from several Harvest Pastors, including James MacDonald, as we kick off the 4 days with a night of prayer and worship on April 22nd.
How does it work? Pastor Kaj describes it as a Youth Retreat for ADULTS! We all stay in the same hotel, share breakfast and devotional time together, spend our day being poured into by learning more about the area of ministry we serve in (see 2012 Tracks below) and then we connect together to share what we've learned and are excited to bring back to the Harvest Muskoka Team!
The approx. cost for four nights (Sat-Wed) for a couple is $1000 and $800 per single person (the price does drop depending on carpooling and accommodation-sharing which will get worked out as people begin to register). The price takes into account your registration fee, travel, accommodation and food (some meals are provided by the Conference).
Here are some quotes from Harvest Muskoka volunteers who went in 2011:
"I went to Harvest U for the first time and I remember thinking, how can I NOT come back next year??? Imagine being part of thousands of people who have the same heart as you, who partake in worship I guarantee will be unlike any worship you have experienced before! I loved the teaching of James McDonald everyday. The breakout sessions were inspiring, educational, and you really felt equipped with new tools to make a difference. One of the best things I took away was a better understanding of what "the bigger" Harvest really is, and where it is going, and how blessed I was to be a part of it. You gotta go!"
"Harvest U wasn't just the highlight of our year - witnessing God's transforming work via Harvests around the globe was one of the highlights of our lives! Hands down the best conference I've ever attended, with more than 100 practical take-aways for my 'ministry sweet spot.' (Made it even better the next year by sharing the experience with my spouse!) You don't have to be leading a Ministry at Harvest to attend Harvest U... it's purpose is to train, equip, disciple and encourage every worker in Christ's kingdom. Skip the vacation - invest your time and resources to worship at Harvest University - it's like Christian camp for adults x 2000!"
When attending Harvest University, you will choose a track and follow it through 2.5 days of intensive ministry training. Each teaching track includes five workshops – drilling down to expose practice, methodology and theory related to its subject.
1. Accelerate
Break through to the next stage of ministry.
2. Assimilation
From the parking lot to active membership.
3. Biblical Soul Care
Uncommon Community: Raising up a Church of Biblical Counselors.
4. Children’s Ministry
Kids who Worship, Walk with and Work for Christ.
5. Communications
Bold, Clean, Strong. And why everything matters.
6. Compassion/Missions
Equip the church to show compassion as we make disciples.
7. Elder Topics
The office of overseer; a noble task.
8. Leadership in Ministry
Stepping Up to a New Level of Pastoral and Organizational Influence.
9. Preaching
Unapologetic preaching brings God’s glory down.
10. Small Groups
Disciple Making in Uncommon Community.
11. Student Ministry
Equipped to Perform.
12. Wives of Senior Pastors
Unique Role, Unique Challenges.
13. Women’s Ministry
Building IRON Women: strong in truth, powered by love.
14. Worship
High Impact Worship Services.
If you would like to be added to our "Yes, I want to learn more about Harvest U!" contact list, register today by emailing Alex at office@harvestmuskoka.com. There is a $50 Registration fee required at the time of registering.
If you've been to Harvest U before and want to skip right to registration, email Alex and sign-up!