About Us
Welcome to Harvest Christian Fellowship, a vibrant, non-denominational church founded in 1973 by Pastor Greg Laurie in Riverside, California. For over five decades, our mission has been simple yet profound: Knowing God and Making Him Known. We are a community of believers dedicated to fostering a deep relationship with Jesus Christ and sharing His love with the world.
Our Story
Harvest began humbly as a Bible study led by a young Greg Laurie during the Jesus People movement of the late 1960s. What started in a small gathering has grown into a multi-campus ministry with locations in Riverside, Orange County, and Maui. Today, with a weekly attendance of over 9,000 people, Harvest remains committed to biblical teaching, authentic worship, and meaningful fellowship.
In 1990, Pastor Greg launched the Harvest Crusades, a large-scale evangelistic event that has reached millions with the Gospel.
What We Believe
At Harvest, we believe in the transformative power of the Bible as God’s Word. Our core values center on:
- Worship: Engaging in heartfelt, Christ-centered worship.
- Teaching: Providing sound biblical teaching to equip believers for life and faith.
- Community: Building authentic relationships through small groups, ministries, and outreach.
- Service: Serving others locally and globally, reflecting Christ’s love in action.
Our Community
With campuses in Southern California and Hawaii, Harvest is a place where everyone is welcome. Whether you’re exploring faith for the first time or seeking a deeper connection with God, you’ll find a home here. Our services feature dynamic worship, relevant messages, and opportunities to connect through ministries like Harvest Kids, Youth, Young Adults, Men’s (Valor), Women’s (Virtue), and Harvest Groups.
About the Role
The Substitute Teacher at Harvest School is a born-again Christian, committed to living a biblical lifestyle and called by God to teach and serve. This position provides instructional support at the elementary level, fostering academic, social, physical, and spiritual growth in students. Substitute Teachers are expected to serve with compassion, encouragement, and leadership, modeling integrity, honesty, and knowledge that reflect Harvest’s culture, values, and mission.
What You'll Do
- Maintain a positive Christian atmosphere in the classroom, demonstrating Christ-like character and professionalism.
- Treat students with respect and objectivity, especially when addressing student concerns and grading.
- Instruct students individually and in groups using diverse teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- Establish and communicate clear objectives for all lessons and projects.
- Prepare materials and activities that encourage student participation and engagement.
- Provide a variety of resources for children to explore and use in both academic and imaginative activities.
- Supplement regular curriculum with instructional materials and activities, including media, field trips, and other enrichment opportunities.
- Adapt teaching methods and materials to meet the diverse needs, abilities, and interests of students.
- Develop techniques to help students reach their academic, physical, and spiritual potential.
- Organize the classroom to meet educational and physical needs efficiently.
- Attend to student needs by actively engaging with students throughout the classroom.
- Provide additional support and time for students who need extra assistance.
- Foster mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among students, faculty, and parents.
- Objectively observe and evaluate students’ performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Maintain thorough and confidential student records documenting attendance, participation, and progress.
- Offer positive feedback to encourage academic achievement, physical education, and spiritual growth.
- Reinforce and reward appropriate social and academic behavior.
- Prepare students for future academic success by encouraging perseverance and exploration.
- Establish and enforce behavior rules and procedures, prioritizing student health and safety.
- Implement early and consistent intervention for behavior concerns, involving parents and following the Administrative Discipline Process.
- Meet with parents and guardians to discuss student progress and resource needs.
- Communicate effectively with parents, volunteers, and external sources, representing Harvest positively.
- Supervise students in various settings, including hallways, courtyards, cafeteria, playground, and field trips.
- Build constructive and cooperative relationships with staff and maintain them over time.
- Maintain professional behavior in accordance with the Teacher Manual and Harvest Christian Fellowship Employee Manual, following all school policies and procedures.
- Accept change and evaluation in a positive, Christ-like manner, making necessary adjustments as needed.
- Stay current in the educational field through coursework, professional development, and ongoing learning.
- Perform physical tasks including sitting, standing, walking, handling materials, keyboard typing, and looking at a computer screen, with or without accommodation.
- Other duties as assigned; responsibilities may change at any time.
Qualifications
Experience: Prior teaching or classroom experience preferred.
Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.
Skills:
- Strong classroom management and organizational skills
- Effective communication and interpersonal abilities
- Creativity and adaptability in teaching methods
Attributes:
- Dependable, friendly, enthusiastic, and organized
- Ability to relate well with children, parents, staff, and volunteers
- Demonstrates humility, integrity, and servant leadership
Christian Character:
- A committed follower of Jesus Christ
- Actively growing in faith and spiritual disciplines
- Agreement with the mission, vision, and statement of faith of Harvest
- Models Christ-like behavior in personal and professional life
Statement of Faith
We believe the Bible to be the inspired and only infallible, authoritative Word of God. Therefore, our ministry emphasizes the exposition of God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation, line upon line, precept upon precept.
We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful humanity, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential and that repentance from sin and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the only way to come into a relationship with God.