Bearing Much Fruit in the Season of Harvest

As we gathered in worship Sunday, I was reminded of something powerful: it takes an army, even in a church like ours, to make everything work together. We have so many moving parts, so many ministries extending beyond the walls of our church. Whether you are someone who gives the Word, leads in worship, prays, serves, or simply stays on standby, I want to thank you! Each role is vital, but we must always remember that it is God alone who gives the increase.

Reflecting on my personal journey, I recently had the privilege to minister at the church where my father pastored for 20 years. I grew up in the church—one of those "pastor’s kids" who was always at every service, early in the morning, late at night, always the first to arrive and the last to leave. At the time, it sometimes felt inconvenient, but as I look back, I realize how much God was shaping me in those moments. Even when we don’t feel anything, God is working.

As we step into a new season—both naturally and spiritually—there’s an anticipation that Jesus is coming back. We must prepare our hearts, because when He returns, it won’t be as a lamb but as a lion, bringing judgment upon darkness. For believers, this is a message of hope. But for the unbeliever, it’s terrifying. The Lord said we wouldn’t know the day or the hour, but we would recognize the season—and we are in that season.

This is why we must bear fruit, and not just any fruit, but much fruit.

In John 15, Jesus declares, "I am the True Vine, and my Father is the vinedresser." Every branch in Him that does not bear fruit is taken away, but the ones that bear fruit are pruned so they can produce even more. Now, pruning is not a comfortable process. It hurts, it looks ugly, and it feels like we are being stripped down. But just like a peach tree my wife pruned back last season, what seemed bare and lifeless eventually produced abundant fruit.

Many of us feel like we’re in a pruning season. It’s easy to look back at the last season where we felt fruitful and get discouraged. But understand this: God is preparing you for something greater. He prunes us not to punish us but to prepare us to bear more fruit in the new season. So if you’re feeling cut back or discouraged, remember: pruning precedes growth.

As a church, we are in this together. The work is great, and each of us has a role to play. Jesus said, "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples" (John 15:8). It’s not just about talking the talk—it’s about walking the walk. God is calling each one of us to labor in His harvest fields, whether it’s through evangelism, prayer, teaching, or simply loving one another. And as you faithfully abide in Christ, you will bear much fruit.

In this accelerated season, we need to be ready. The tempo is quickening. What used to take a year can now take a month. What took a decade might only take a year. God is multiplying His work, and the Harvest is ripe. So, where has God planted you? What role has He given you in His Kingdom? Don't underestimate the power of small, faithful actions done over time. Each one of us can reach one, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we will bear much fruit.

God bless you all as you seek to labor in His fields. Let’s press forward, knowing that our work is not in vain, and that in due time, the fruit will come.

— Pastor Niel Petersen-