PASSPORT HANDBOOK. The Traveler s Guide to Harvest Church

Transcription

1 PASSPORT HANDBOOK The Traveler s Guide to Harvest Church

2 Contents What is the purpose of the Passport Program?...3 What are the basic steps in engaging the Program?...3 What is a Passport? What is a Passport Stamp? What is a Travel Visa? Who can apply for a Passport?...4 What is a Level One Visa? What is a Level Two Visa? What is a Level Three Visa? What is a Level Four Visa? What pages are in the Passport?.. 7 What Passport Stamps are available?.. 7 How can I get the Passport Stamps?..11 What are the descriptions of activities?.13 Passport Handbook, The Traveler s Guide 2 8/2/2012

3 The Passport Program Harvest Church, Meridian Idaho What is the purpose of the Passport Program? The Passport Program is a vehicle that is used at Harvest Church to assist in the following ways: To provide people with multiple growth opportunities To equip people for their ministry callings To give people who desire further training a track to run on To help people monitor their own personal growth To put people in charge of their own learning process To give people an opportunity to move at their own pace To assist the individual to fulfill their destiny To assist the church in fulfilling its mission To make learning and growing fun What are the basic steps in engaging the passport program? The basic steps involved for engaging the passport program include the following: Step 1 - Submit Passport Application Step 2 - Have Photo Taken Step 3 - Pick up Passport Step 4 - Participate in Passport Activities Step 5 - Receive Stamps for Completed Activities Step 6 - Receive Visas by Accumulating Required Stamps Any official activity prior to 2006 where attendance records exist that has a passport equivalent will be credited and issued a stamp except for building block activities that have no time limit. What is a Passport in Harvest Church? A passport is a document issued by a government that certifies one s identity and citizenship and permits a citizen to travel abroad under the protection of the issuing authority. Passport Handbook, The Traveler s Guide 3 8/2/2012

4 At Harvest Church the Passport is a document that is issued by the church to anyone who would like to travel to or minister in areas of service within Harvest Church and beyond. It is also an official record of completed elements of preparation that make this travel possible. What is a Passport Stamp at Harvest Church? A passport stamp is a rubber stamp inked impression received in one s passport upon entering or exiting a country. It serves as a permanent record of a person s international travel. At Harvest Church a passport stamp is an official stamp that is placed in a passport by an appropriate department head or supervisor indicating the completion of a certain qualifying activity or course of study. Each passport contains pages that relate to specific learning and equipping experiences that are made available from time to time in the program of the church. Every time one of these experiences is successfully completed, the appropriate stamp is given. When certain prescribed stamps are in place, the passport holder can qualify for the corresponding travel visa. What is a Travel Visa at Harvest Church? A travel visa is an official document showing that a person is authorized to enter the territory for which it was issued. At Harvest Church a travel visa is an official sticker that is placed in the passport of a partner of Harvest Church indicating that they have successfully completed the appropriate series of qualifying activities and courses of study. There are four travel visas that can be earned which will potentially open new territories of travel (ministry opportunities) to those who possess them. Available travel visas include the following: LEVEL ONE VISA: PARTNERSHIP LEVEL TWO VISA: MINISTRY STAFF LEVEL THREE VISA: CHURCH LEADERSHIP LEVEL FOUR VISA: SENIOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP Who can apply for a passport? ANYONE! Anyone over the age of 12 years old can apply for a passport and begin to engage in activities that will help mature them and equip them for a life of service in the local church. What is a Level One Visa at Harvest Church? Passport Handbook, The Traveler s Guide 4 8/2/2012

5 The Level One Visa is called the Partnership Visa. This visa is issued to those who have successfully completed the partnership process including the following activities: Encounter Partnership Track Partnership Application & Interview Partnership Approval Water Baptism Partner is a term we use in Harvest Church to describe a member or a person who is being added to and joined in the Spirit to this local church who wants to be more than a spectator who wants instead to be a participator! God intends for all of His people to be in ministry which means serving, ministering and laying down their lives for others. What is a Level Two Visa at Harvest Church? The Level Two Visa is called the Ministry Staff Visa. The dictionary defines staff as a group of persons, charged with carrying out the work of an establishment or executing some undertaking. The word staff in our context is not referring to paid church staff, but to both volunteers and paid staff who play a significant role in the success of the various departments and ministry programs of the church. This visa is issued to those who have successfully completed all of the qualifying courses or activities required to receive it including the following: All of the requirements for level one visa + Baptism of the Holy Spirit Ministry Placement Questionnaire Foundations Ministering to Personal Needs Discovering Destiny (LM1) Prayer Track Evangelism Roles & Relationships Marriage Track Parenting Track What is a Level Three Visa at Harvest Church? The Level Three Visa is called the Church Leadership Visa. While all of God s people are to be leaders in their particular spheres of influence, this visa refers specifically to those who are appointed to official leadership roles in the local church that go beyond a single department and are recognized publically as appointed leaders relative to the entire local church body such as pastors and elders. This visa is issued to those who have successfully completed all of the qualifying courses or activities required to receive it including the following: All of the requirements for the first and second level visas+ Passport Handbook, The Traveler s Guide 5 8/2/2012

6 Prophetic Assembly Mission Trip Requirements (At least one stamp) Basic Ministry Practicum Requirements (At least 6 stamps) Basic Doctrine 1 Basic Doctrine 2 Local Church Achieving Destiny (LM2) Work and Destiny (LM3) Old Testament Survey New Testament Survey Bible Research Leadership Pastoral Ministry Biblical Counseling Speech Communication What is a Level Four Visa at Harvest Church? The Level Four Visa is called the Senior Church Leadership Visa. This visa is required for all of those who would be a lead pastor in a church plant or a full time missionary sent out by this local church. While obtaining this visa in no way guarantees that someone would be sent out in either of the above capacities, no one will be sent out in these capacities who has not completed the requirements for this visa. This visa is issued to those who have successfully completed all of the qualifying courses or activities required to receive it including the following: All of the requirements for level 1-3 visas+ Additional Basic Ministry Practicum (all areas) Advanced Ministry Practicum Requirements (minimum three stamps) Genesis Life of Christ Life of Moses Acts of the Apostles Holy Spirit Vision and Values Interpreting the Scriptures Homiletics (Preaching) Evaluating Current Trends Church Planting Walking in Present Truth What is the significance of the passport pages? Each passport looks and feels like a bona fide passport issued by countries of the world. Inside of the passport you will find five sections. Passport Handbook, The Traveler s Guide 6 8/2/2012

7 1. Section 1 Identity The inside cover of each passport has an identity page. The heading on the page is HARVEST CHURCH OFFICIAL PASSPORT. This page includes information that will never change over time including: Passport Number Full Name Date of Birth Place of Birth Sex Date Issued Issuing Agent 2. Section 2 Commitment to Purpose Each passport has a Commitment to Purpose on its first page. This commitment is to be signed by the passport holder when the passport is officially issued. This commitment is intended to provoke the bearer to take this process seriously. 3. Section 3 Scripture Challenge Each passport has a scripture challenge on page 2 of the passport. These scriptures are to remind the passport holder that God has a plan for his or her life, that He has given gifts and abilities to each one to use in the working out of that plan and that God has provided the grace that is needed to fulfill that plan. 4. Section 4 Training Categories Each passport page has a heading that reflects a category of activity or learning experience. There are 10 categories for these activities and one additional category for the visas that have been earned. The 10 categories of activity include the following: Building Blocks (page 3) Christian Growth (page 4-5) Doctrinal Studies (page 6) Biblical Studies (page 7) Ministry Preparation (page 8-9) Training Modules (page 10) Basic Practicum (page 11-13) Advanced Practicum (page 14) Missions Trips (page 15) Extra Credits (page 16-18) 5. Section 5 Visas Passport Handbook, The Traveler s Guide 7 8/2/2012

8 Each passport has two pages for travel visas to be entered (pages 19-20). There are four Visas that can be earned including the Partnership Visa, the Ministry Staff Visa, the Church Leadership Visa and the Senior Church Leadership Visa. What passport stamps are available within the 10 training categories? 1. Building Block Section This section includes six one-time support activities or experiences that are required to obtain certain visas. These activities include the following: Salvation Required for Level 1 Visa Water Baptism Required for Level 1 Visa Partnership/Membership Required for Level 1 Visa Holy Spirit Baptism Required for Level 2 Visa Ministry Placement Questionnaire Required for Level 2 Visa Prophetic Ministry Required for Level 3 Visa Each of the above activities has a corresponding passport stamp. The appropriate stamp will be applied to passports by the activity supervisor when the activity has been satisfactorily completed. 2. Christian Growth Section This section includes courses of study relating to personal growth that are required to obtain certain visas. These courses include the following: Foundations Required for Level 2 Visa Prayer Track Required for Level 2 Visa Evangelism Required for Level 2 Visa Social Roles and Relationships Required for Level 2 Visa Marriage Track Required for Level 2 Visa Parenting Track Required for Level 2 Visa Discovering Destiny (LM1) Required for Level 2 Visa Achieving Destiny (LM2) Required for Level 3 Visa Work and Destiny (LM3) Required for Level 3 Visa Other Possible future Christian Growth areas Each of the above activities has a corresponding passport stamp. The appropriate stamp will be applied to passports by the activity supervisor when the activity has been satisfactorily completed. 3. Doctrinal Studies Section This section includes courses of study in Bible doctrine that are required to obtain certain visas. These courses include the following: Basic Doctrine 1 Required for Level 3 Visa Basic Doctrine 2 Required for Level 3 Visa Local Church Required for Level 3 Visa Passport Handbook, The Traveler s Guide 8 8/2/2012

9 Holy Spirit Required for Level 4 Visa Other Possible future Doctrinal Study areas Each of the above activities has a corresponding passport stamp. The appropriate stamp will be applied to passports by the activity supervisor when the activity has been satisfactorily completed. 4. Biblical Studies Section This section includes courses of study in the Bible that are required to obtain certain visas. These courses include the following: Old Testament Survey Required for Level 3 Visa New Testament Survey Required for Level 3 Visa Life of Christ Required for Level 4 Visa Genesis Required for Level 4 Visa Acts of the Apostles Required for Level 4 Visa Life of Moses Required for Level 4 Visa Each of the above activities has a corresponding passport stamp. The appropriate stamp will be applied to passports by the activity supervisor when the activity has been satisfactorily completed. 5. Ministry Preparation Section This section includes courses of study relating to ministry preparation that are required to obtain certain visas. These courses include the following: Ministering to Personal Needs Required for Level 2 Visa Speech Communication Required for Level 3 Visa Leadership Required for Level 3 Visa Pastoral Ministry Required for Level 3 Visa Biblical Counseling Required for Level 3 Visa Bible Research Required for Level 3 Visa Homiletics/Preaching Required for Level 4 Visa Interpreting the Scriptures Required for Level 4 Visa Vision and Values Required for Level 4 Visa Walking in Present Truth Required for Level 4 Visa Current Trends Required for Level 4 Visa Each of the above activities has a corresponding passport stamp. The appropriate stamp will be applied to passports by the activity supervisor when the activity has been satisfactorily completed. 6. Training Modules Section This section includes specific training experiences that are required to obtain certain visas. These courses include the following: Small Group Leadership Training Children s Ministry Training Connection Training Passport Handbook, The Traveler s Guide 9 8/2/2012

10 Altar Worker Training Platform Ministry Training Other training modules may be added Each of the above activities has a corresponding passport stamp. The appropriate stamp will be applied to passports by the activity supervisor when the activity has been satisfactorily completed. 7. Basic Practicum Section This section includes a record of hands on volunteer ministry activity in the local church. Each of the practicum stamps given represents a significant level of volunteer service activity in the respective departments. Each department will have its own requirements for the earning of a passport stamp for practicum. These stamps can only be issued by the respective department head. Multiple stamps for the same area can be added in the extra credit section of the passport. Any passport holder can begin to earn passport stamps for practicum. Level 3 Visas require a minimum of six such passport stamps. Level 4 Visas require a passport stamp in all of the areas listed. Church Administration Children s Ministry Encounter Sponsor Youth Ministry Media & A/V Custodial Worship Community Service Evangelistic Outreach Major Event Support Team Other potential basic practicum areas When all spaces in the passport have been filled, additional activity can be recorded in the extra credit section of the passport. 8. Advanced Practicum Section Advanced practicum operates in exactly the same way as the basic practicum but the qualifying activities involve a higher level of commitment, responsibility and accountability on the part of the participant. While each department will have its own criteria for issuing this stamp, some typical activities might include the following: Leading a Small Group Teaching a Class in the Passport Program Serving as a Department Head Mission Trip Leader Major Event Coordinator When all spaces in the passport have been filled, additional activity can be recorded in the extra credit section of the passport. Passport Handbook, The Traveler s Guide 10 8/2/2012

11 9. Mission Trips Section This section includes spaces for mission trips that are required in order to obtain certain visas. Stamps would be issued here for participation in official mission/ministry trips authorized by the local church. These stamps would be specific to each trip taken including place, dates and signature of team leader. 10. Extra Credits Section This section could include special seminars, books read or other equipping experiences especially those prescribed by a leader in the church for the purpose of further equipping. It can also be used as an overflow section for other activities when other pages in the passport are full of prescribed activities. How can I get the Passport Stamps? While some of the passport activities can only be accomplished in the live classroom setting, most of them can be accomplished in a variety of ways including the following: 1. Live Classes Classes will be offered regularly that reflect the passport requirements. These courses will be offered at various times and days of the week to create multiple opportunities for passport holders to take advantage of them. Attendance will be taken at these classes for those who want to receive an official stamp for the activity. There will be a $10-15 fee for a student manual. A schedule for these courses of study will be made available prior to the beginning of each quarter. 2. Online Courses The following websites can be utilized for taking courses online. All but one will require the student to enroll in an online program and will involve some financial commitment. Church Leadership Resources Church Leadership Resources is a resource website developed by Bill Scheidler for the purpose of equipping the Body of Christ to fulfill purpose and achieve destiny. All of the courses are available for free. The student is encouraged to download the student manual and the audio and listen to each session filling in the blanks in the student manual. The cost of printing the student manual will be borne by the student. The web address is All of the courses marked with CLR can be taken from the Church Leadership Resources website (See: Description of Passport Activities at the end of this booklet). In order to get a passport stamp the student must pick up an online report from the Passport Center, download the audio and student manual from the website and complete the form in conjunction with the course. In the event that you would like to order a printed manual for the course from Harvest Church they may do so from the Passport Center for a cost of $10-$15. The completed student manual, the report form and the passport are to be turned into the Passport Center before a passport stamp can be issued. The stamped passport will be available for pick up at the Passport Center the following week. Passport Handbook, The Traveler s Guide 11 8/2/2012

12 Portland Bible College Portland Bible College is a training institution under the covering of City Bible Church in Portland, Oregon. It has an online school where the student can enroll and take courses for credit. There are financial charges for the courses, but students who so desire can work toward a Bachelor s Degree. The web address is All of the courses marked with PBC can be taken from this website (See: Description of Passport Activities at the end of this booklet). Proof of the course s completion will earn a passport stamp for that corresponding activity in the passport. Proof of course completion must be submitted to the Passport Center with the passport. The stamped passport will be available for pick up at the Passport Center the following week. Logos Christian College Logos Christian College is an online Christian college that offers a number of degree programs. The web address is All of the courses marked with LCC can be taken from this website (See: Description of Passport Activities at the end of this booklet). Proof of the course s completion will earn a passport stamp for that corresponding activity in the passport. Proof of course completion must be submitted to the Passport Center with the passport. The stamped passport will be available for pick up at the Passport Center the following week. 3. CD & Student Manual Most classes will be available on CD. In these instances the student can order a CD and a student manual that goes with it from the Passport Center. There will be $20 charge for the CD and the accompanying manual. Orders can be picked up one week later at the Passport Center. The CD contains the audio for the sessions and the student manual that can be completed in conjunction with listening to the audio. Submission of the CD Report Form for the course and the completed student manual will be required before an official stamp can be issued. The stamped passport will be available for pick up at the Passport Center the following week. 4. Book Reports In certain cases there are books that can be substituted for the taking of a live or online class. A list of such books is available at the Passport Center. In this case the student is required to obtain a new or used copy of the needed book through any means available and they are required to pick up a Book Report Form for that book from the Passport Center. When the book is read and the report is submitted and approved a passport stamp can be issued. The stamped passport will be available for pick up at the Passport Center the following week. 5. Small Groups At times small groups will be organized to cover material that is consistent with the passport requirement for a specified activity. In this case attendance will be taken for those who want to receive an official stamp for the activity. 6. Special Seminars Passport Handbook, The Traveler s Guide 12 8/2/2012

13 At times special seminars will be organized by or promoted by Harvest Church. When these seminars are consistent with a prescribed stamp in the passport, stamps can be issued in the appropriate space. Most seminars will have a registration fee associated with them. For seminars that do not have a specified space in the passport, extra credit stamps can be issued for those who participate in the entire approved event. What are the descriptions of passport activity? Building Block Stamps Salvation (Level 1). The most important stamp is the first one and acknowledges the new birth experience by the passport holder. Participants in the programs should be prepared to give testimony to this experience in their life. Water Baptism (Level 1). All believers in Christ are commanded by Jesus to be baptized or immersed in water in the name of the Lord. Those who complete this step are given the appropriate stamp in their passport. Partnership (Level 1). To get the partnership stamp the passport holder must have completed the following four elements: The Encounter. The Encounter is a weekend retreat designed to establish a basic foundation in the life of those seeking to have a living encounter with Jesus Christ that will put them on a path to victory as a Christian. Partnership Track. The partnership track seeks to build on what was experienced in the Encounter weekend by further establishing foundation principles in the life of the believer. Partnership Application & Interview. Those completing the Encounter and the Partnership Track can officially apply for partnership in Harvest Church. This application process will include a live interview with one of the leaders of the church. Partnership Application Acceptance. Those successfully completing all of the above will be officially received into partnership in a service set aside for that purpose. Partners will also receive an official card indicating their partnership status. Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Level 2). The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is an experience that is available to every believer in Christ to empower them for ministry and to help them to function at a higher level. Ministry Placement Questionnaire (Level 2). To receive a level two visa one must complete a ministry placement questionnaire that will facilitate more effective placement and involvement in the ministry programs of the church. Prophetic Assembly (Level 3). Experiencing the laying on of hands of the presbytery is an important step in the confirming of ministry and ministry direction. Christian Growth Stamps Foundations (Level 2). A stamp can be earned here for the Core Values class associated with partnership or the class entitled Victorious Christianity which is a study focusing on the spiritual foundation of the life of the believer including repentance, faith, water baptism, baptism of the Holy Spirit, forgiveness and other basic Christian disciplines (CLR, CD). Prayer Track (Level 2). An exploration of a key discipline in the life of every believer coupled with a study of the basic tools and methods for studying the Bible particularly as it pertains to the personal devotional life of the believer (CLR, CD, Book Option). Passport Handbook, The Traveler s Guide 13 8/2/2012

14 Evangelism (Level 2). A study designed to equip the believer with tools needed to become more effective in communicating the Gospel and building bridges to those who do not know Christ (CLR, PBC, LCC, Book Option). Social Roles/Relationships (Level 2). A biblical study exploring our relationships with God, government, parents and peers with a special emphasis on cultivating friendship, dating, courtship and marriage (CLR, CD). Marriage Track (Level 2). A biblical study of the purpose for marriage, roles and responsibilities, keys to marital success, sex in marriage and maintaining first love in the marriage relationship (CLR, CD, Books Option). Parenting Track (Level 2). A biblical study of family relationships, parenting, grand parenting, blended families and the ministry of the family (CLR, CD). Discovering Destiny (Level 2). This study is designed to lead the student on a journey of discovering God s will and purpose for his or her life and how that life fits into God s eternal purpose (CLR, CD, Book Option) Achieving Destiny (Level 3). This study focuses on managing the resources of one s life to achieve one s destiny. It includes goal setting, organization, and time and money management (CLR, CD, Book Options). Work and Destiny (Level 3). This study focuses on how our life s work or career can lead to living a life of significance, glorifying God and fulfilling God s agenda and eternal purpose (CLR, CD, Book Options). Doctrinal Studies Stamps Basic Doctrine 1 (Level 3). A study of some of the major doctrines of the Bible including the doctrines of Scripture, God, Man, Sin and Satan. These studies become the basis for establishing a biblical world view (CLR, PBC, CD, Book Option). Basic Doctrine 2 (Level 3). A continuation of Basic Doctrine I covering the doctrine of Christ, Angels, the Holy Spirit, the Church, Heaven, Hell and Eschatology. These studies become the basis for establishing a biblical world view (CLR, PBC, CD, Book Option). Local Church (Level 3). A study of the local church in God s eternal purpose including a practical emphasis on the biblical pattern, the structure and the ministries that make up and contribute to the success of the local church today (CLR, PBC, CD, Book Option). Holy Spirit (Level 4). A study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit with special emphasis on the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit as they pertain to the individual believer (CLR, PBC, CD). Biblical Studies Stamps Old Testament Survey (Level 3). A survey of all the Old Testament books of the Bible, emphasizing their historic setting and thematic content. Each book is highlighted for its relationship to Christ and to its special contribution to the rest of Scripture (CLR, PBC, LCC, CD, Book Option). New Testament Survey (Level 3). A survey of all of the New Testament books of the Bible, emphasizing their historical settings and thematic content. Each book is highlighted for its relationship to Christ and the Church and to its special contribution to the rest of Scripture (CLR, PBC, LCC, CD, Book Options). Life of Christ/Gospels (Level 4). A study of the life, ministry, miracles and teachings of Jesus Christ taken from parallel gospel accounts (CLR, PBC, LCC, CD, Book Option). Genesis (Level 4). A study of the first book of the Bible with a particular emphasis on Genesis 1-11 which are basic to the Christian world view and laying the foundation for the purposes of God and many of the covenants between God and man (CLR, CD). Passport Handbook, The Traveler s Guide 14 8/2/2012

15 Acts of the Apostles (Level 4). A study of the Book of Acts with special attention given to the growth and development of the Early Church and to the pattern that Paul provides for modern leadership ministry (CLR, PBC, CD). The Life of Moses (Level 4). A study of the life of a significant leader in the history of God s dealing with His people and principles of leadership that can be drawn from his life (Exodus- Deuteronomy) (CLR, CD). Ministry Preparation Stamps Ministering to Personal Needs (Level 2). A study dedicated to equipping the believer to minister to people in personal areas including salvation, water baptism, baptism of the Spirit, healing and basic counseling (CLR, CD). Speech Communication (Level 3). This course is designed to equip the student with principles that will help him or her to become more confident and effective in public speaking. Bible Research (Level 3). A study of the basic principles and methods of biblical research with an emphasis on how to use some basic tools of research (PBC, Book Option). Leadership (Level 3). A study of the biblical qualifications for leadership, important keys to success as a leader and timeless leadership principles that serve as a basis for a person s ministry as a leader (CLR,CD). Pastoral Ministry (Level 3). A study that deals with the biblical foundation for the pastoral ministry and specific guidelines for common areas of pastoral practice in the pastor s private and public functions (CLR, CD). Biblical Counseling (Level 3). A study of the biblically based principles and techniques of counseling and their application in a variety of problems that are common among people (CLR, CD). Vision and Values (Level 4). A leadership development course focusing on defining, developing, and implementing core values, vision and appropriate strategies in growing a church or building a business (CLR, PBC, CD, Book Option). Interpreting the Scriptures (Level 4). A study of the basic principles governing the accurate interpretation of Scripture and how to use them effectively (CLR, PBC, CD, Book Option). Homiletics /Preaching (Level 4). A study of the principles relating to the spiritual feeding of a congregation and the technical preparation and delivery of sermons. Evaluating Current Trends (Level 4). A biblical study of the principles one uses to discern trends and true and false ministry with a special emphasis on the analysis of various trends currently affecting the church world (CLR, CD, Book Option). Walking in Present Truth (Level 4). A study of the biblical principles of restoration as they apply to the history of God s people, the future of the Church and God s unique work in the life of every believer (CLR, CD, Book Option). Church Planting (Level 4). A look at the biblical basis for church planting with particular emphasis on the practical process of starting a church from preparation to implementation. For any other specific questions that you may have please feel free to inquire at the Passport Center in the lobby of the church building. Passport Handbook, The Traveler s Guide 15 8/2/2012