
Witness on Wednesdays
June 7 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Harvest Small Groups are the primary pathway for you to build relationships with others at Harvest, to be cared for, to use your spiritual gifts, and to grow in your walk with Christ. A typical Harvest Small Group meeting consists of a time of worship and prayer, Bible study, mutual ministry time (men with men, women with women) and fellowship. The biblical curriculum is typically common to all groups and has been filtered through Harvest leaders. Meetings are approximately two hours in length, and each group has a leader couple or single, an apprentice leader(s), as well as approximately 8 to 16 members.
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 3:35
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25a
SMALL GROUPS ARE BIBLICAL
The primary focus of Jesus’ public ministry was not with the masses, but rather with a small group of guys that He did life with. This original small group changed the world!
The believers of the early church (Acts 2:42-47) gathered at the temple and in homes. While Acts is simply describing the practice of the early church, it does provide a principle for us today: discipleship involves both corporate worship services and times in smaller groups.
Moses demonstrated the principled importance of both large and smaller groups. He led God’s people corporately but also entrusted responsibility to others within their community (Ex 18).
SMALL GROUPS ARE PRACTICAL
The best way to care for people personally and intentionally is through small groups. Small groups are a place not only to be known, but also loved!
Small groups are an additional step beyond our weekend worship services to grow in the Lord and in His Word.
SMALL GROUPS ARE THE REAL WORK OF THE CHURCH
Small groups are designed to challenge men and women to grow as faithful and fruitful followers of Jesus Christ. We aim to increase our capacity to worship Christ, walk with Christ, and work for Christ.
Small groups provide an environment where close-knit relationships are cultivated for the glory of God.
SMALL GROUPS ARE AN UNCOMMON COMMUNITY
Our small group ministry is an “Uncommon Community” of disciples (Jesus followers) who want to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus. (Matthew 16:24) Below are eight characteristics of an “Uncommon Community” Harvest Small Group.
Redemptive: it is safe to confess sin
Transparent: people get real
Intentional: there is an effort to meet and connect regularly
Relational: people laugh, cry, and connect deeply
Giving: everyone shares generously of their time, treasures, and talent as they are able
Intrusive: others have permission to get into your “business” lovingly
Serving: taking care of the needs of others outside the group
YOU: as part of this Uncommon Community
Small Group Coaches
This following list is not exhaustive. There are many other sources out there that would be a blessing for you or your small group to go through. All small group leaders should confirm resources with their small group coach before beginning a study. Also, don’t forget to check out the many helpful video series studies on RigthNow Media.
The writer of Ecclesiastes wisely stated, “Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” (Ecclesiastes 12:12) Every year there are more and more resources published under the label or appearance of Christian teaching. While it would be impossible to review every single resource out there, it is possible to recommend authors or resources who are writing in accord with sound doctrine.
The pastors of Harvest Bible Chapel Des Moines take our charge to protect the flock from false teachers and unsound doctrine very seriously. Knowing that everyone has a finite amount of time for study, we will strive to recommend best in class resources. If you only have time to read one book on a topic, what should it be? That is what we hope to share with you.
Abuse
In the Aftermath – Pam Gannon and Bev Moore
Putting Your Past in Its Place – Steve Viars
Addictions
Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave: Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel – Ed Welch
Anger
Uprooting Anger – Robert D. Jones
The Heart of Anger: Practical Help for the Prevention and Cure of Anger in Children – Lou Priolo
Anxiety/Worry
Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest – Ed Welch
When I Am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety – Ed Welch
Apologetics
I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist – Norm Geisler and Frank Turek
Why I am a Christian – Norm Geisler and Paul Hoffman
Biographies/Testimonies
The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert – Rosaria Butterfield
God’s Smuggler – Brother Andrew
21 Servants of Sovereign Joy – John Piper
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret – Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor
Catechism
New City Catechism
Christian Fiction
Pilgrim’s Progress – John Bunyan (free PDF or ebook on www.desiringgod.org/books)
Chronicles of Narnia – C.S. Lewis
The Wingfeather Saga – Andrew Peterson
Church
9 Marks of a Healthy Church – Mark Dever
The Church: The Gospel Made Visible – Mark Dever
What is a Healthy Church? – Mark Dever
What is a Healthy Church Member? – Thabiti Anibywle
Church Discipline – Jonathan Leeman
The entire 9Marks series
Church History
Turning Points – Mark Noll
Rescuing the Gospel – Erwin Lutzer
Communication and Conflict Resolution
Communication and Conflict Resolution: A Biblical Perspective – Stuart Scott
War of Words – Paul Tripp
The Peacemaker – Ken Sande
Contentment
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment – Jeremiah Burrows
Learning Contentment – Nancy Wilson
Decision Making
Just Do Something – Kevin DeYoung
Depression
Depression: Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness – Ed Welch
Shame Interrupted – Ed Welch
Devotional
A Gospel Primer – Milton Vincent
New Morning Mercies – Paul Tripp
Whiter Than Snow – Paul Tripp
Discipleship
Multiply – David Platt and Francis Chan
Follow Me – David Platt
Enjoying God & Creation
Desiring God – John Piper
The Things of Earth – Joe Rigney
Evangelism
The Gospel and Personal Evangelism – Mark Dever
Evangelism – Mack Stiles
What is the Gospel? – Greg Gilbert
Fear of Man
When People are Big and God is Small – Ed Welch
What do you think of me? Why do I care? – Ed Welch
Fighting Sin
Holiness – J.C. Ryle
Overcoming Sin and Temptation – John Owen
The Enemy Within – Kris Lundgaard
Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices – Thomas Brooks
Heaven
Forever – Paul Tripp
Heaven – Randy Alcorn
Hospitality
The Gospel Comes with a House Key – Rosaria Butterfield
Identity
Because He Loves Me – Elyse Fitzpatrick
Idols of the Heart – Elyse Fitzpatrick
Kids
Indescribable – Louie Giglio
God’s Very Good Idea – Trillia Newbell
Leadership
The Conviction to Lead – Al Mohler
The Book on Leadership – John MacArthur
Manhood/Husband/Father
Biblical Manhood – Stuart Scott
The Complete Husband – Lou Priolo
Disciplines of a Godly Man – R. Kent Hughes
What’s the Difference? Manhood and Womanhood Defined According to the Bible – John Piper (free PDF on www.desiringgod.org/books)
Marriage
This Momentary Marriage – John Piper (free as a PDF on www.desiringgod.org/books)
Strengthening Your Marriage – Wayne Mack
What Did You Expect? – Paul Tripp
Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage – Lee Strobel
Modern Issues
12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You – Tony Reinke
Mutual Ministry
Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands – Paul Tripp
Side by Side – Ed Welch
Overcoming Sin
Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave – Ed Welch
Humility: True Greatness – C.J. Mahaney
Parenting
Withhold Not Correction – Bruce Ray
Shepherding a Child’s Heart – Ted Tripp
Tying Their Shoes – Rob Green
Parenting – Paul Tripp
Give them Grace – Elyse Fitzpatrick
Prayer
Valley of Vision
A Praying Life – Paul Miller
The Prayer that Turns the World Upside Down – Al Mohler
Preparing for Marriage
Tying the Knot – Rob Green
Preparing for Marriage God’s Way – Wayne Mack
Priorities & Time Management
What’s Best Next – Matthew Perman
Don’t Waste Your Life – John Piper
Do More Better – Tim Challies
Crazy Busy – Kevin DeYoung
Sex
Sex, Dating, and Relationships – Gerald Hiestand
Biblical Principles of Sex – Robert Smith
Making All Things New – David Powlison
Sexual Purity
Finally Free – Heath Lambert
Sex, Dating, Relationships – Gerald Hiestand and Jay Thomas
Singleness
Redeeming Singleness – Barry Danylak
Small Groups
Why Small Groups – C.J. Mahaney
Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life – Don Whitney
Habits of Grace – David Mathis (free PDF on www.desiringgod.org/books)
Study of God
Knowing God – J.I. Packer
The Knowledge of the Holy – A.W. Tozer
Attributes of God – Arthur Pink
Studying Scripture
How to Study Your Bible – Kay Arthur
Understanding Scripture: An Overview of the Bible’s Origin, Reliability, and Meaning – Wayne Grudem
The God Who is There – D.A. Carson
God Wrote a Book – James MacDonald
How to Read the Bible for All its Worth – Gordon Fee
Suffering
Suffering and the Sovereignty of God – John Piper & Justin Taylor
Don’t Waste Your Cancer – John Piper
Suffering – Paul Tripp
Books by Joni Eareckson Tada
Relationships
Relationships: A Mess worth Making – Tim Lane and Paul Tripp
Sex, Dating, and Relationships – Gerald Hiestand
Theology
Systematic Theology – Wayne Grudem
Bible Doctrine – Wayne Grudem
Everyone’s a Theologian – R.C. Sproul
Womanhood/Wife/Mother
Women of the Word – Jen Wilkin
What’s the Difference? Manhood & Womanhood Defined According to the Bible – John Piper (free PDF on www.desiringgod.org/books)
Helper by Design – Elyse Fitzpatrick
Treasuring Christ when your Hands are Full – Gloria Furman
Mom Enough – Multiple Authors (free PDF or ebook on www.desiringgod.org/books)
Glory in the Ordinary – Courtney Reissig
Eve in Exile – Rebekah Merkle
Reputable Authors
John Piper
D.A. Carson
Russell Moore
R.C. Sproul
A.W. Tozer
Jerry Bridges
Elyse Fitzpatrick
Gloria Furman
Carolyn Mahaney
Wayne Mack
Dave Harvey
Heath Lambert
Bob Kelleman
Michael Emlet
Tim Chester
David Powlison
Ed Welch
Jay Adams
Mark Dever
Greg Gilbert
Tim Keller
John Calvin
Jonathan Edwards
Paul Bunyan
Kevin DeYoung
Norm Geisler
David Platt
Randy Alcorn
Albert Mohler
Paul Tripp
C.S. Lewis
Joni Eareckson Tada
Jen Wilkin
Various groups meet at different times throughout the week at host homes. Groups gather all over Des Moines and the surrounding areas, so there is likely a small group near you. We will do our very best to place you with others who meet at a time and place that fits your schedule.
June 7 5:30 - 6:30 pm
June 7 6:30 - 7:30 pm
June 11 10:30 - 11:00 am
June 14 5:30 - 6:30 pm
June 18
June 19 - 23
June 21 5:30 - 6:30 pm
June 24 6:00 - 8:00 pm
June 28 5:30 - 6:30 pm
July 10 - 14, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
July 16 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
August 5 - 12, 9:00 am - 11:00 am