Ian Tait

I grew up in England, which doesn’t really have a Bible belt. I would have described myself as a Christian, simply because I wasn’t a Muslim, Buddhist or anything like that. I really never thought about God or Jesus, because religion is a bit of a personal thing over there. Church was for weddings, funerals and the occasional Christening. Christmas was just a good time to get loaded down with gifts and sing comfortable, but meaningless songs. We never talked about God at home and the few times I went to church, the passionless, droning delivery just served to confirm that God was irrelevant. My American wife was born-again, but her gentle attempts to guide me fell on deaf ears. Her constant prayers, however, were answered faithfully in time.

Circumstances saw us move to Charlotte, where I got a nagging desire to go to church. I finally gave in and went to a nearby church. It was just as I remembered the churches of England – spiritually unsatisfying and, quite frankly, boring. I told God that I’d go to church only if He found one for me that was welcoming, but not in-your-face, one that answered my questions, but only the ones I wanted answering and one that was full of grace for my messed-up past. I was confident that He’d have a tough time of it and we could forget this church nonsense once and for all.

My mother in law had gone to Harvest in early July and said it was great. We thought we’d give it a try. I wasn’t expecting anything much out of the experience.

First thing I noticed was the atmosphere. It actually had one. Second was the worship team. I’d never heard anything like it. These people were singing about Jesus as if He was there. They were clearly ENJOYING singing to Him. They acted like they loved Him. I was fascinated by this.

I wish I could say the sermon was as good as the worship, but it wasn’t. A kid turned the fire alarm on and the church was so new, no-one knew how to turn it off. The sermon was canceled. However, I’m happy to say that the following week was superb and has been every week since then!

Why is Harvest a good church? For me, it was about being welcomed as an honest atheist (one who was prepared to listen) and loved for who I was, not who I was expected to be. There was no finger pointing at MY many sins, but plenty of fingers pointing to the Cross. I was given encouragement to grow, not harassed and hurried into being just another church member. I could ask questions, without being made to feel like a stupid outsider. I was part of the family as soon as I walked through the doors.

When my wife was hospitalized, people I’d seen once or twice at church turned up with food while we were unable to cook. Not because they were told to, but because they wanted to. Because we were considered family, even though I was an atheist and we weren’t even members of the church. Because there was a need and they were Led. They were doing what Jesus had told them to do. They were living witnesses. They were Harvest.

I’ve learned you don’t have to be perfect to come to church. I’ve learned that the Truth DOES set you free. I’ve found that all are welcome here, no matter where you’re from or what you believe. I’m not the man I was when I walked through the doors for the first time and I truly thank God for that. I love my Jesus and I truly believe He loves Harvest.