Christian Living: How Is the AG Helping Churches Build for the Harvest?

When a community begins to grow, the infrastructure of faith, the places where we gather, serve, and heal, must grow with it. But how do local congregations handle the massive costs of expansion?

The Assemblies of God (AG) Church Mobilization program empowers churches by providing skilled missionary labor and RV volunteers at no cost. This unique initiative allows congregations to save millions in construction expenses, redirecting vital funds into local ministry, discipleship, and community outreach to reach more people for Christ.

Building Beyond Brick and Mortar

In the heart of the Assemblies of God mission is a commitment to the "Harvest", the biblical idea that there are countless people ready to receive the hope of Jesus if only there are laborers prepared to reach them. Often, the biggest hurdle for a local church isn't a lack of vision; it’s a lack of space or the overwhelming cost of maintaining a facility.

This is where Church Mobilization steps in. By mobilizing teams of RV volunteers, often retired tradespeople like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, the AG provides high-quality labor for free. This isn't just about construction; it's about stewardship. Every dollar saved on a contractor is a dollar that can go toward a youth program, a food pantry, or international missions.

Real Stories of Harvest Growth

The impact of this program is tangible. Consider these two powerful examples of what happens when the family of God works together:

• New Life Church (Wyoming): Facing a season of rapid growth, New Life utilized Church Mobilization to expand their facilities. The result? By creating more space for people to gather, they saw a 30% increase in attendance in just 17 weeks. When you build with a kingdom mindset, the community responds.

• Harvest Church (Arizona): Expansion is expensive, but it doesn't have to be crippling. By partnering with AG U.S. Missions and their volunteer teams, Harvest Church saved an estimated $10 million on their expansion project. That is $10 million that stayed in the ministry to serve families and change lives in Arizona.

A Biblical Mandate for Laborers

The concept of mobilization isn't a modern invention; it’s a biblical command. Jesus looked at the crowds and felt compassion because they were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36).

"Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'" , Matthew 9:37-38

When we talk about "Building for the Harvest," we are answering this prayer. We are providing the tools and the spaces where the "workers" can be trained and sent out. Whether it's a physical building in Memphis or a digital community reaching across the globe, the goal remains the same: making disciples of all nations.

Topic	Scripture	Kingdom Application
Laborers	Matthew 9:37-38	We pray for and equip volunteers to serve the community.
Stewardship	1 Peter 4:10	Using our unique skills (like trade skills) to serve others.
Unity	1 Corinthians 3:9	We are "co-workers in God’s service," building His kingdom.
Expansion	Isaiah 54:2	"Enlarge the place of your tent", preparing for growth.

What Could This Look Like in the 901?

At First Assembly Memphis, we are rooted in the belief that our city deserves the best of our efforts. When we look at the principles of Church Mobilization, we see a blueprint for how we can serve locally in Memphis, Cordova, Bartlett, and beyond.

Imagine the impact if we continue to leverage our collective skills to strengthen our neighborhoods. It might not always be a massive construction project; sometimes "building for the harvest" looks like:

1. Renovating spaces for children and families to feel safe and welcomed.

2. Creating hubs for community resources and mental health support.

3. Investing in technology to ensure our Boundless Online Church can reach those who are homebound or isolated.

Practical Ways You Can Build the Harvest Today

You don't need to be a master carpenter to help build the kingdom. Here is how you can get involved in the mobilization movement:

• Audit Your Skills: Do you have a trade? Are you a teacher, a tech-savvy creative, or someone who simply loves to lend a hand? Your skills are needed in the body of Christ.

• Invest in Stewardship: When you give to your local church, you are helping maintain the "base of operations" for the harvest.

• Pray for the Workers: Join us in praying for the RV volunteers and missionary teams currently on job sites across the country.

• Engage Digitally: If you can't be there in person, your presence in our online community helps build a "digital sanctuary" for seekers everywhere.

Transformation Is the Goal

We don't build buildings just to have bigger rooms. We build them because every square foot represents a place where a marriage might be healed, a child might learn about the love of God, or a broken heart might find peace.

Whether we are adding seats in a sanctuary in Memphis or adding members to a digital small group via Boundless, we are participating in the great harvest that God has prepared.

Want to go deeper?

If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person to see how God is moving in our local family: 🌐 www.famemphis.org

Outside the area? Join our global online church community where we are building for the harvest in every time zone: 🌐 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org

Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)