From One Chapel to Another...

Hickory Community Chapel is a non-denominational church in Hickory, NC. Known as “The Chapel” in those parts, it has been in existence for over 30 years, with over 400 attenders and a strong missional emphasis. Yet internal struggles and the loss of a pastoral team brought increasing challenges and an extended season of uncertainty.


That night spent on their knees, seeking the Lord’s forgiveness and pleading for wisdom to lead their body forward, was the turning point. It brought a unity and greater sense of humility for what God could do through imperfect men, willing to follow Him fully.

Shortly thereafter, the adult Sunday school listened to a message from Acts given by Pastor James MacDonald, that spoke of Harvest’s vision for church planting and transitioning. One elder commented that the latter idea could be a promising option for their church. Agreeing this may be God’s sovereign hand giving needed direction for the future, Hickory elders initiated discussions with Harvest Bible Fellowship. After additional prayer, fasting, and discussion, the concept was brought before the body.  

The Fellowship’s Kent Shaw and Bill Molinari visited the congregation to pray with and for this church, answer questions, and describe what the transition process would look like, should they become a Harvest Bible Chapel. The body also committed to a 24-hour prayer and fasting vigil, through which God’s presence and unity were manifested, with the elder team in one accord commending the church transition.

A congregational meeting and vote to adopt the Harvest Bible Fellowship constitution and bylaws came next—not a minor matter for an established congregational church. On the meeting day, leadership members commented that the number of attendees was greater than for any vote that they could remember.

As the floor opened for questions, there was just one—pertaining to the transition timeline. When prompted for another question, there was silence...the body was ready to vote, displaying a spirit of unity this diverse group had not seen in years.

The outcome? 92% of attending members voted for the transition to become Harvest Bible Chapel Hickory—growing from one “Chapel” to another!

As this exciting process and work of God unfolds, join us in prayer (and tune in here for updates) over the weeks and months ahead.

Though the enemy would wish to undo this unified strength in Christ, Harvest Bible Fellowship and the congregation of Hickory walk forward together with confidence, “for he who is in [us] is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).