FAQ

Questions that we anticipate might be frequently asked about the project.


Why are you doing this?
The simple answer is because God told us to. Granted, we didn't have any kind of Voice-From-The-Sky or an angel appearance to get us started, but that isn't usually how God communicates with His people. Usually it's more just a "knowing" that you're supposed to do something. For those of you familiar with the film City Slickers it's what Curley referred to as finding the "One Thing" that you are supposed to do in life, and doing it. That doesn't mean it's necessarily the only thing you do, but it's important to include it in the priority list. Ultimately this is about people, not technology or money or equipment or trucks. It's about getting God in touch with people so that He can change their hearts and improve their lives.


Isn't there already enough religion on television?

Lots of people seem to think so. On the other hand, with the advent of the "500 channel universe" there will soon be plenty of everything on television, but people keep creating more sports programming, more entertainment, more music videos, and more documentaries.

To some extent this is a question of semantics. "Religion" as we define it, is man's attempt to reach or appease God (or "the gods" in the case of polytheistic religions.) We don't think that is the proper approach, since everyone's view of God is different, as is everyone's view of how to approach Him, and there is no guarantee that any of them are correct. We prefer to take a completely different approach by emphasizing Relationship over Religion. In other words, Religion seems to assume that God is angry and/or hiding, and it is man's job to placate Him or search for Him. Often it seems to leave the participant feeling empty and unfulfilled, and often doesn't really change anyone's life. Our perspective is that God is eager to reveal Himself to man and have an intimate relationship with man, and that the means for responding to His offer is clearly outlined in the Bible. Following those guidelines in a relationship setting seems to be far more satisfying and has a real chance of helping people live fuller lives. Examples of this kind of relationship can be found here and there in all types of churches, so we don't want this to seem exclusionary. We're about including people who have this kind of relationship, regardless of the kind of church they attend. So, to answer your question, "Yes, there is perhaps plenty of religion on television," but at the same time, "No, there aren't yet enough people talking about having a relationship with God on television."

Another answer would point out that many of the previous attempts by the Church to use television have involved large ministries built around one individual. We believe that trend is changing, and that the next phase will be a more local approach. In other words, local churches using electronic media to reach local people. These facilities will be built to facilitate that type of interaction. Ultimately we would love to build lots of facilities and get them into the hands of churches and ministries all over the world to be used as tools to reach their local communities.


It sounds like you are trying to get people to leave their churches and join yours?

Not at all. That's a practice referred to as "sheep stealing." First, we think that's an unethical practice. Second, the types of churches that we have tended to associate with just aren't that big on the whole membership concept. They may have "members" but there is rarely any pressure put on anyone to "join." Organizations, and especially religious organizations, often formulate membership guidelines as a way of excluding people, or kicking people out, as opposed to being inclusive. If people are being spiritually fed in another church, we're happy for them. On the other hand, there are lots of people who have little or no interaction with any church, (as well as some who aren't getting much out of the church they do happen to be affiliated with) and consequently they don't have the intimate relationship with God that we are promoting. Those are the people, both locally and around the world, that we are interested in introducing to Jesus.


Does church via TV replace attending a real church?

No. That isn't what this is about. This is about connecting God to people who under normal circumstances wouldn't ever get connected to Him. A person finding a church family is a later step in the process. At some point flesh and blood needs flesh and blood to connect with. Sometimes that connection happens on its own, but other times there has to be a God connection with the person first. We are always amazed when we view videos of worship services that we have attended. It's incredible how the energy and spirit and anointing that existed in the service comes through the TV screen, even years later. The fact that this happens is what facilitates God getting involved with an individual's life. Once that happens, people search out others who have had similar "God" experiences. Setting that process in motion is what we are all about.


Can you elaborate on your Vision Statement?

Sure.

Harvest Helps¹ seeks to pursue and accomplish² (with the right motives and attitudes³) the plans and purposes that God has for our lives⁴ by successfully⁵ building and operating TV production facilities⁶ to help⁷ get the Good News about Jesus⁸ to the ends of the earth⁹ via television, radio, the Internet, and audio and video recordings,¹⁰ so that people's hearts can be changed by the Holy Spirit.¹¹

1. This project is so interwoven with our lives that to some extent this is a personal vision statement, but it is at the same time a valid summary of the project.

2. We have to roll up our sleeves and get busy. After we bought the truck, we spent several years kind of waiting for God to make this happen. Apparently, that's not the way it works, and we have committed ourselves to getting busy.

3. People who pursue visions sometimes lose track of their priorities and become so focused on their vision that they run over people in the process. We hope not to.

4. This is God's plan for our lives. God's plan for your life may include your involvement in this project. Why not ask Him if that's the case?

5. Of course we want to be successful at this. The alternatives are either failure or mediocrity. Neither of those is appealing.

6. Our original focus was on the use of large television production trucks. We still love trucks and believe they have a future as part of our vision. We don't want to be limited by size, however. Sometimes that level of portability isn't needed, and that kind of cost isn't warranted. We are open to developing whatever kind of facility makes the most sense for each particular application.

7. We are personally not the kind of people who gravitate towards being in the public eye, or on the front lines. We are support people, and this is a support vision. The Bible talks about the ministry of Helps, which can cover a spectrum from the kind of volunteer work (like ushering) that happens in churches everywhere every week to something on a larger scale like this.

8. Also known as "the Gospel." As mentioned in point number 4, God is intimately interested in each of our lives. In order to participate in His plan for your life, you must first make Him your Lord. In the long run, the good news includes lots of helpful teachings that will assist you in your pursuit of His plan for your life. Getting people involved in God's plan for their lives is the goal of this endeavor.

9. Before he left the earth, Jesus laid out a formula. He told his disciples to begin in Jerusalem (their city) then go to Judea and Samaria (nearby regions) and finally to the ends of the earth. We intend to follow that pattern, and due to the wonders of technology, the ends of the earth are becoming more accessible every day.

10. This is a list of current technologies that can easily be generated from the types of production facilities that we are familiar with. We will make use of each technology as it is appropriate to do so.

11. This is the "bottom line." This is what is really important. The ultimate goal is to get God and people working together in harmony, and people's hearts are the key. Secular society makes the mistake of believing that it is man's intellect that is the important part; but we could argue different beliefs and theories and philosophies all day long and not get anywhere. On the other hand, when God Himself, through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, reaches into man's heart and begins to conform it to God's ways, then everything begins to work like it was designed to.