A Church of Christ on Marshfield Avenue
Harvey Church of Christ stands at 15246 Marshfield Avenue in Harvey, Illinois, a south suburb of Chicago. The congregation describes its mission simply: developing Christ-like persons through life-changing experiences in worship, study, teaching, fellowship, evangelism, and service. The building serves as both a Sunday gathering place and a hub for an unusually wide range of outreach ministries, from a food and clothing pantry to a transportation ministry that brings seniors and others to worship.
The church identifies with the Churches of Christ tradition, a network that calls itself non-denominational in governance. Each congregation is autonomous, and Harvey Church of Christ follows the practice of a cappella singing - voices only, without instruments. That conviction shapes everything from Sunday morning to the music ministry that prepares worship each week.
Beliefs and Mission
Members accept the Holy Bible as their guide for doctrine and practice, alongside a covenant that guides Christian conduct within the body. The church teaches that salvation comes through hearing the gospel, believing that Jesus is the Son of God, repenting of sin, confessing Christ, being baptized in water for the remission of sins, and remaining faithful until death. Baptism is by full immersion, taken from the Greek word "baptizo," following the pattern of the apostolic church.
Sunday Morning Worship
Sunday morning worship begins at 11:00 AM. Visitors arriving a bit early can expect warm greetings - hugs, smiles, and handshakes - and time to fellowship before the service begins. The order of worship moves through songs of worship, the Lord's Supper, prayer, the giving of offerings, and preaching. Communion is open to everyone in attendance who believes in Jesus Christ; offerings are collected but never required of visitors.
The Sunday service is livestreamed on the Harvey Church of Christ YouTube channel, and recordings remain available afterward. Giving is offered online through Zelle to the church's email address.
Wednesday Night Bible Study
Wednesday evenings are anchored by Bible study at 7:30 PM, hosted on Zoom (ID 405 634 2559, password Harvey2020) and on the YouTube channel. Recent studies have included series such as Living Life That Matters and a unit on Christian conduct, giving members space to dig into Scripture midweek.
Tuesday Night Prayer
On Tuesdays at 7:00 PM the church gathers for a phone-in prayer time. Members dial in to share prayer requests and agree together over the line, an option that keeps the prayer culture of the church accessible to shut-ins and busy parents alike.
A Cappella Music and the Worship Ministry
Songs of worship at Harvey Church of Christ are carried entirely by voices - a deliberate practice rooted in verses like Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16. Marcus May leads the Music Ministry alongside his work as Minister of Music, Technology, and Media, preparing the music team to support congregational singing each Sunday. A separate Media Ministry handles the audio and video equipment that makes livestreaming and recording possible.
Children: Bible Hour and Nursery
Children are welcome from infancy through upper elementary. The Nursery operates during services so parents of infants can worship. Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to leave the main worship during the sermon for Bible Hour, a children's church led by a team of teachers that includes Corey Jackson, Marcia Bratcher, Antonio Jackson, and Aja Jackson. Sandra Butler serves as director and educator for the children's program.
Youth Ministry and Soldierhood
Harvey's Youth Ministry exists to connect, engage, and support young people as they grow in Christ. The team coordinates activities that encourage young Christians to live out their faith and serve others, under the direction of Youth Minister Cortez Harris and Dr. Patrice Payne, with support from a circle of youth counselors.
One of the most distinctive offerings is the Gym Ministry, also called "Soldierhood," started by Lead Minister Micheal Payne to help young people maintain spiritual, mental, and physical wellness together. The group meets as "a band of brothers united as soldiers under Christ," blending fitness and faith in a way that few congregations can claim.
Care for the Community: Food, Clothing, and Hands-On Help
The congregation runs a Food Pantry that delivers food to neighbors in Harvey and refers people to other resources when needed. Working alongside it, the Clothing Pantry provides clothes for those in need. Helping Hands bridges gaps for seniors and other members, offering practical assistance when and where it is needed. H.O.P.E. Ministry serves senior members and "bridge gappers," coordinating activities that inspire Christian growth and respond to identified needs.
Sick and Fellowship Ministry keeps the congregation connected to members who are sick or shut in, providing a spiritual outlet for seniors. The Transportation Ministry brings members and visitors who lack a ride to worship, Bible class, and other church events - drivers must be at least 25 and hold a valid license. The Kitchen and Dining Ministry plans, purchases, and serves meals for church events, turning the fellowship hall into a warm place of hospitality.
Men, Women, and Marriage
Band of Brothers is the men's ministry of the church, built on solidarity, encouragement, and replenishment among the men of the congregation. Heart 2 Heart focuses on marriage, working to develop strong marriages that lead to strong families and, in turn, a stronger church. Together they reflect a conviction that faith lives in everyday relationships.
Baptism Preparation and Membership
Those ready to take the step of baptism find the water already prepared. The Baptism Preparation Ministry organizes baptismal garments and supports individuals through the moment of immersion. New members are welcomed into a congregation that treats faith as a circle extended: gaining brothers and sisters in Christ, with mentors, teachers, and leaders who help them grow.
Leadership
Minister Micheal Payne has served as Lead Minister since May 2022, after walking through his own story of distance and return. He grew up at Harvey Church of Christ, found his way through Lansing Church of Christ, and came back in 2016 to rededicate his life to Christ before being appointed Assistant Minister in 2017. He started the Soldierhood ministry along the way and remains focused on ushering people into salvation. Minister John Young serves as Assistant Minister; a lifelong member of Harvey Church of Christ, he spent a decade teaching Bible Hour before becoming Youth Minister in 2017 and Assistant Minister in 2022. Elders include Ross and Carolyn Burgess, Willie and Sandra Butler, Nelson and Jean Raglin, Granville and Jackie Butler, and Michael and Carmen Williams.
What to Expect on a First Visit
Visitors are greeted warmly but never put on the spot. No one will be asked to wear a name tag or stand in front of the congregation - though many friendly faces will likely stop to talk. Dress runs the gamut from suits and dresses to jeans, shorts, and traditional clothing. Communion is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ. Giving is optional, and offerings are taken for members who wish to support the work of the church. Parking is available on site, and families with infants will find the nursery ready when they arrive. For those who want to plan ahead, the Plan a Visit page answers the most common questions, and the Sunday service can be watched live from anywhere on YouTube.