Greg Laurie: Why I Still Do Harvest Crusades
Harvest Crusades are about change — the transformation in us that can only happen when we first surrender. If it’s today or this coming Saturday (7/20) at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, change is coming.
PHOTO: Harvest Crusades
“Whether you're seeking, doubting, or suffering, the Harvest Crusade is a place to find people who love you and to discover how Jesus can change everything for you,” Harvest states on its website. “This FREE event features performances from top musical guests and a message from Pastor Greg Laurie that could change your life.”
Read Laurie’s story on Harvest below.
Why I Still Do Harvest Crusades
By Greg Laurie
Harvest has held large-scale evangelistic events since 1990 where I share the gospel to attendees. Over 8 million people have attended in person, and over 700,000 have made professions of faith to follow Jesus Christ.
When I started these crusades, I was in my late 30s. Now I’m going into this summer’s event at age 71.
People often ask me why I’ve done this for so long. Honestly, these events are a lot of work.
They take months of planning, asking thousands of people to volunteer their time and energy, not to mention the considerable expense to put on a free event for a packed-out stadium every year.
As the event approaches each year, I come under a lot of pressure and spiritual attack.
Calling it a day and thanking God for all He has done these last three decades would be easy. But here we are doing it again at Angel Stadium on July 20.
But why?
Because of the power of the gospel.
The Power of the Gospel
The Apostle Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16 NKJV).
The word that Paul uses for power is from the Greek word dunamis, which translates to “explosive power.” There is explosive power in the simple message of the gospel.
We have seen God change lives over the years in supernatural ways. Marriages are healed, addictions are overcome, suicidal people are given new hope, and the list goes on. But the most important thing for all those who have prayed to ask Jesus into their life down on that field after the invitation or altar call, as it is sometimes called, is this: their eternal address changed from Hell to Heaven.
Not Sharing the Gospel Is a Sin
If we as Christians believe in an afterlife, specifically Heaven and Hell, how can we sit by complacently, knowing that we have loved ones who could potentially face a future judgment? The Bible says, “It is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it” (James 4:17 NLT). It’s called the sin of omission. The sin of commission is knowing what is wrong and doing it anyway, like breaking a commandment. In contrast, the sin of omission is knowing what is right and not doing it.
Let’s say you were walking down the street and saw a house was on fire, and a family was trapped inside, screaming for help. You might choose to be a hero and rush in and try to save them. At the very least, you would call 911.
But what if you saw this home in flames with a family sure to perish inside, and you just kept walking? That would be criminal. Now, take that analogy and think about your family, your friends, and your neighbors. Their situation is worse than a house fire.
Do they know there is a God in Heaven who loves them?
That is where you and I come in.
God Uses Us to Reach Nonbelievers
The Bible asks, “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” (Romans 10:14 NLT).
Unless someone tells them.
God’s primary way of reaching nonbelievers is through the verbal articulation of the gospel. Some argue, “I don’t have a gift for preaching. I will just be a good example of what a Christian should be!”
By all means, please be that. God knows we need to be good examples.
But Jesus did not say, “Go into all the world and be a good example!” Instead, He said, “‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel’” (Mark 16:15 NKJV).
The Challenge of Sharing the Gospel
To preach the gospel, you need to articulate the message.
But the most challenging part of sharing the gospel is getting the conversation started. So, I have a tool for you that has worked powerfully and effectively for thousands of believers over the years.
Invite someone to the Harvest Crusade. Even if you aren’t in Southern California on July 20, you can watch for free via livestream on harvest.org.
You can start the conversation with, “Have you heard about the Harvest Crusade at Angel Stadium?” People might say, “Oh yes, I have seen the billboards and the bumper stickers.”
Then you ask, “Would you like to go to one with me? It’s a free event with amazing music and a message that could change your life.”
Let’s take advantage of the upcoming Harvest Crusade.
But don’t send someone, bring them. Eighty-five percent of those who come down to the field to follow Christ were brought to the stadium by a friend. Be that friend to someone. Extend that invitation.
I hope to see you at Angel Stadium on Saturday, July 20!
Greg Laurie is the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship with campuses in California and Hawaii. He began his pastoral ministry at the age of 19 by leading a Bible study of 30 people…
…In 2020 and in partnership with Kingdom Story Company, Laurie premiered his first-ever cinematic crusade, A Rush of Hope, viewed by over 2 million people in its opening weekend…
…In February 2023, Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate released Jesus Revolution, which is the story of Greg and Cathe’s life and the Jesus Movement of the 1960s and ’70s. It stars Kelsey Grammer and Jonathan Roumie and is based on Greg’s book of the same title…
Read Laurie’s complete bio on the Harvest website here: About Greg Laurie