Harvest Church and World Outreach Center is a full gospel – Word of faith family of believers whose purpose and passion is to introduce people to the life changing gospel of Jesus Christ, and gather children, youth, and adults into the Kingdom of God.  Relevant teaching, contemporary worship, and prayer have been instrumental in building a strong spiritual foundation that has endured for the past twenty years. 

Pastor Mike Gardner is a 1983 graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.  His wife, Kathy, is a 1979 graduate of Oral Roberts University.  The Gardner’s are committed to a ministry that promotes excellence, integrity, and an uncompromised stand on God’s Word.  Pastor Mike and Kathy along with their congregation have a strong desire to teach and train young leaders who are devoted to reaching their generation with the Good News of the gospel. 

The four acre property that is located on the southeast edge of Norfolk, at 1810 Channel Road, (1/2 mile south of the junction of highways 275 and 24) has undergone extensive renovation the past few years.  The south building is the location for administration and children’s ministry.  The north building houses the sanctuary, bookstore, multipurpose fellowship hall, café, and Oneighty youth center.  Future building plans have been completed that will double the size of the present facility.

Current outreaches include:

1. Oneighty – youth ministry
2. Zoe – a young adults fellowship
3. Harvest Extreme – children’s ministry
4. Men & Women’s Prayer groups – weekly meetings
5. Nursery – care is provided for every service.

Meet Our Leadership Team

Pastors Mike & KathyGardner
Senior Pastor

Pastor Mike and Kathy are Nebraska natives who answered a call for ministry to Norfolk, Nebraska after his graduation from Rhema Bible Training center in 1983.  They have pioneered the work in Norfolk since 1986 and were formerly associated with Faith Christian Fellowship of Tulsa, Oklahoma.  In 1999 the name of Harvest Church and World Outreach Center was adopted which better defined their heart’s passion and purpose.  The Gardner’s have a desire to build the Kingdom of God and raise up a new generation of young leaders for the 21st century.  Transparency of character, integrity, and Holy Ghost boldness are characteristics that are reflected in his life and ministry.  Pastor Mike’s wife Kathy is a 1979 graduate of Oral Roberts University who teaches the Word of God with a down to earth style that is non-compromising and yet humorous.  Married for 25 years, the Gardner’s have two boys Caleb and Micah.

Pastors Shane & Julie Austin

Shane and Julie Austin have served as Youth Pastors at Harvest Church for the last eight years.  Shane is employed by Wis-Pak and has worked as a Quality Assurance Lab Tech. for the past twelve years.  Julie is self-employeed as a web site developer.  Shane, besides working with the youth on a weekly basis, plays electric guitar for the worship band, Chosen.  Julie plays bass guitar also for Chosen & the Oneighty youth band.  The Austin’s exemplify faithfulness and service in their ministry to the youth and understand the significance of team ministry.

Abe & Beth Schoenherr

Abe and Beth Schoenherr have been a part of Harvest Church since 2003.  Abe is a graduate of Wayne State College with a degree in broadcasting.  He is currently employed by WJAG/KEXL radio as an announcer.  Abe, who was raised in a pastor’s home has a heart for worship and leads the worship band, Chosen.  Beth is a graduate of Wayne State College with a degree in Elementary Education.  She is a teacher for the English Language Learners in the Norfolk Public Schools system.  Beth is a resourceful and gifted children’s church teacher and works with the Harvest Extreme Children’s Ministry.

Brad & Kourtnie Lewon

Brad and Kourtnie Lewon oversee the Young Adults Ministry called Zoe.  Brad and Kourtnie are both originally from Randolph, Nebraska.  Brad is employed by Affiliated Foods and manages their Reclamation Department.  Kourtnie is a a certified para optemetric at Fiedler Eye Clinic..  They have a heart for ministering to God’s people of all ages.  Brad not only teaches the Young Adults but also plays drums for the worship team.  He also stays busy working with the Helps Ministry.  Kourtnie possess a servant heart and ministers with compassion as she works with Harvest Extreme Children’s Church, youth and young adults.

Purpose

Introducing people to the life changing Gospel of Jesus Christ and inspiring them to become vessels of honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

Why We Worship God in the Manner We Do:
Our greatest desire as pastors of Harvest Church and World Outreach Center is to be obedient to the Holy Spirit and to follow the truths given to us in God’s Word.  Listed below are scriptures of what we believe to be God’s Word regarding the flow of the spirit, which you will see demonstrated from time to time as you fellowship with us.

Clapping of Hands/Audible Praise of God?
Psalm 47:1, Psalm 104:33, Psalm 108:3

Some “Fall Back” When they Come in Contact
With God’s Power in the Prayer Line?
II Chronicles 5:14, John 18:6, Matthew 28:4,
Revelation 1:17, Acts 9:4, Acts 22:17

Laying Hands On and Anointing With Oil?
Mark 16:18, Mark 6:13, Acts 9:17, Acts 28:8, James 5:14

Speaking and Singing in Tongues and in English?
I Corinthians 14:14-15

Interpretation of Tongues and Prophecy?
I Corinthians 12:10, John 4:19, I Corinthians 14:1, 3-5, 22, 24, 25, 27, 31, 39

Lifting Up Holy Hands?
Psalm 63:4, Psalm 134:2, Lamentations 2:19, I Timothy 2:8

Speaker Calling Out Supernatural “Word of Knowledge”?
(For example, God often reveals by his Spirit a specific name or a need such as physical healing.)
I Corinthians 12:8, John 4:17, Acts 5:3

Musical Instruments, Dancing Unto the Lord?
II Samuel 6:14, Psalm 150:3-5, II Chronicles 5:12-13, Ephesians 5:19, Revelation 14:2

Harvest Church and World Outreach Center
      Tenets of Faith

The program and activities of Harvest Church and World Outreach Center shall be based upon and at all times be consistent with the following beliefs:

1. The Bible is the mind of Christ, and is the inspired, the only infallible and authoritative Word of God.
2. There is one God manifested in three personalities:  Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
3. The reality of Satan and his present control over unregenerate man does exist.
4. Christianity is based upon the following:
1. The deity of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2. His sinless life.
3. His miracles.
4. His vicarious and atoning death through his shed blood.
5. His bodily resurrection.
6. His ascension to the right hand of the Father.
7. His personal return in power and glory as Lord of Lords and King of Kings.
8. The fall of man and his lost estate, which makes necessary a rebirth through confession and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ.
9. The reconciliation of man to God by the substitutionary death and shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
10. The resurrection of believers unto everlasting life and blessing in heaven, and the resurrection of unbelievers unto everlasting punishment in the torments of Hell.
11. The present supernatural ministry of the Holy Spirit, who bestows the spiritual gifts of the Word of Wisdom, the Word of Knowledge, Faith, Gifts of Healing, Working of Miracles, Prophecy, Discerning of Spirits, Speaking with tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterances and interpretation of tongues.