We tried out a small group to get a more close-knit experience. The first thing I noticed is that no one looked happy or like they were being built up. Most looked down at the ground or around you and they appeared almost mopey. The music was incredible..the lead singer had this amazing voice that was raspy & soulful, plus he'd give you the next line all while playing amazing guitar and singing with his awesome voice. They had a great drummer girl rockin it, along with talented other guitarists, back-up singers and a keyboardist. But most had a very down-trodden look on their face. The lead singer almost never even looked up. But the music was great. It's too bad that the message was full of shame, obligation and guilt. I don't know about you, but I didn't drive 50 miles to go to a house of God for the first time in 20 years to be pushed down. That was what has kept me and so many others away! Afterwards, we went to their cafe, named Cafe 3 20 (giggle!) and the poor people must have been pushed down so long that no one would hardly look at us, let alone speak to us. We had to jump up and start a convo with one of them. You'd have thought that they were the visitors! We must have picked the right guy to talk to, because only then did people start being friendly to us. One gal went up after the sermon & offered us all Kohl's discount passes which was very nice. And then at the cafe she was embarrased by it, telling us not to tell anyone--as if a church isn't a place for good things or something. Maybe she was joking but it was all very weird. I think most can agree that God's house should be a place where you get empowerment and hope. A place where you can have your inner cup filled so that you can be a blessing to others. It was our experience that Harvest didn't fit that bill. P.S. Love him or hate him but Pastor Joel Osteen empowers people & gives hope! He's on TBN Sundays at 5 p.m. & on Youtube. read more

Today was my very first time attending Harvest Church in Riverside. Greg Laurie is an amazing speaker who speaks the truth. Loved it 100% I think I'm gonna call this church my home church. read more

Okay, so I rarely give straight five star ratings to any place I go. But I have made the exception with this place. Who am I to comment about a church? I've been to many churches as a member & as a visitor. i'm also a former Pastor and former worship leader. Now I attend Harvest where I sing, work security & a Sunday School teacher for the past 16+ years. Is it perfect? No, far from it. I've never been to a perfect church. And I've been to a lot of churches in my lifetime. In fact, the day I find a perfect church, is the day I get far away from it because I don't want to ruin it by attending. As Pastor Greg often says, "the church is not a crutch, it's a hospital" for sick, sinful, hurting people. It's not supposed to be a place for making you feel good. Rather a place for you to realize how bad you are, and how bad you need Jesus. And once you have Jesus, you have hope. It's also a place for encouragement and for others to help uplift you. Sometimes you don't get that here ir any other church because others are feeling down just like you. Therefore, again you look towards Christ for your fulfillment. And this church fits that bill You'll get the best in bible teaching here. And the church is so large that there is always something going on somewhere for someone. Yet, once you get involved, it becomes a small church. Will you get your feelings hurt here? Maybe (especially if you cant take loving advice). Will someone be rude to you here? Most likely (we're all human & an usher was rude to me my first time here). Will you get offended here? Hopefully (because that means God's working to change you). Will you find the best in bible teaching here? Most definitely. My favorite service is Sunday night. I personally guarantee your satisfaction. So come out and bring your 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders to my class in Room 209. We can chat more then. read more

I love my church so much . My encouragement for my brothers and sisters is that we all become more intentional toward each other and step outta of our comfort zone and love those they would usually not hang out with. Our church, our members are being attacked more now than ever!!!! We must not let work take away the main point of life. To show the LOVE of God . We must return to our first love. read more

Love Pastor Greg Laurie and his wife.......Been attending this church since '2015.

My lovely home church, oh how I love thee (: Harvest has the BEST worship band around town. It's a HUGE church, so it's hard to get to meet people but the music and teaching is amazing. I love it! read more

Great place, I feel like the Holy Spirit dwells among the true Christ like people, many people come here, I am Roman Catholic tho I love Jesus and I seek him everywhere, I enjoy this Christian Fellowship Church, I pray that Jesus May be strong in all branches of mother church and enlightened people to have hope and happiness among the challenges we face. Long live Jesus Christ read more

I don't have enough words to say how awesome it is go 300 miles and hear word of God speak through Greg Laurie. Good time and maybe if I am lucky I can go again. read more

Harvest - I like it. - Churches Near Me - Riverside, California

Way too big. Way too commercialized. If you are looking for a welcoming church where you feel accepted, this is not the place.

I went to Harvest for years. Greg Laurie teaches from the word of God directly, with a lot of great foundation. He has an amazing story, from his life without a father in a broken home, to his conversion to Christianity, to an amazing love story with his wife, and then the tragic loss of his young son. But somehow, through all his pain, he's never let go of God and never lost his sense of humor! Harvest is a HUGE church. By huge, I mean a weekly attendance of 12,000 people. So, if like one of the previous posters, you expect people to recognize you're new, it probably won't happen. There are ways to get to know people in the church, such as small community studies, where a newcomer is more readily recognized. Also, the worship here is amazing! One thing: Harvest is an amazing church. If you've been a Christian seeking God in earnest for a while, you won't get past most of the basics on a Sunday. Wednesday nights are more in-depth, as are the small studies. But, as much as I liked Harvest, it was time for me to find a church that digs into God's word more deeply. That said, the basics of Christianity are really available here, in an easy-to-grasp format, and it is really fun to listen to Greg Laurie's self-deprecating sense of humor! read more

This was the first church I attended. People are nice here, welcoming presence. I really like Pastor Greg Laurie. Great speaker. Funny. read more

Thank you Father, Son and Holy Spirit for all that you've blessed us with according to your will for all that Greg Laurie and Harvest Christian Fellowship has become. We are so blessed here in Riverside California to be ground zero of Harvest and this ministry. I will forever more follow the Lord unto my death. He has given his life for me because he loves me. For anyone reading this that doesn't know the Lord, please allow me to share some good news, God loves you. He loves you and is calling upon you to follow Him. Why does He want you to follow Him? Because He loves you dearly. Ask for His forgiveness and you will become His child. May God bless all who read this. I'll see you at Harvest. I am so there. Thank you God for your love and forgiveness and the gift of your Son to mankind for the forgiveness of our sin. Jesus Christ, you are my Lord and Savior. Amen. read more

Harvest - Christmas time at Harvest - Churches Near Me - Riverside, California

I have to say I was really in awe of this place when we came to visit this last Sunday. The place is very nicely kept and beautiful all around. Attendance here at the 2nd service was so many that there were a total of 3 areas in use: The main church, the outdoor auditorium, and the gym. The later two telecasting on big screen projections. As for the service itself, Greg Laurie is an amazing speaker. I'm sure many are familiar with some speakers who talk in such monotone voices that you fall asleep. I did not see see this with Mr Laurie. He mixed a healthy dose of humor with his sermon. We will definitely be attending here again. read more

Becoming a member of this church. Friendly people who serve God. Ushers, Parking attendants, greeters, and fellow believers. Enjoy the biblical teachings and there are so many ways to connect. Boot camp, running groups, creative arts, and of course the typical men, women's studies. Can't wait to see what God has in store for me here. read more

Harvest - Outdoor service. Great atmosphere to be blessed. - Churches Near Me - Riverside, California

The church is amazing teaching of Greg Laurie but it's like buying a seat to sit there. No matter what time you come the first sixteen rows are "held" for certain people. One usher in the center has turned us away many times and then taken someone and found them a seat. What a turn off for a church to be like this. You can be the first in line and all the seats are reserved and then all of a sudden a friend of a friend comes in and the reserved signs come up. Makes me feel unwelcome and gives me a different picture of who I thought Greg Laurie was. If he runs his church like this, is he really the man he proclaims to be ? How can 16 rows be reserved at every service. So those coming here new are instantly turned off by the selective favoritism. Very sad. read more

Love this church! I'm more of a small church girl but the most important thing is going to a bible base church, not a feel good church! Greg Laurie is funny but yet serious and direct... I've visited many churches and I have to say this is my favorite...you never feel uncomfortable, I love the book store and cafe ...they have a lot to offer for everyone when it comes to bible studies / classes for all ages....if u want to grow spiritually come here you won't be disappointed!! read more

Yes this church is AMAZING. It can sometimes feel lonely on a big church campus!! Not at Harvest, everyone that I speak to or run across is always smiling, and very welcoming. I like that they offer a variety of activities or lesson during the evening with childcare for most of them. This makes it very easy to visit more that just Sunday. . Greg does a great job of just keeping it real. He delivers real messages. I would recommend that you stop in. read more

This is the best church I have ever been to. So many times I have felt Pastor Greg Laurie was speaking directly to my heart and the situation I was going through at the time. The church is to far for me to go to anymore. I am going to try the PC location. read more

If you want truth from the word, you will get that here. Just be advised, if you don't know somebody here, this may not be the place for you. It is very heavy on exclusive inner circle and those outside just aren't all that necessary. It is very heavy on the "business" of the gospel. But that said, as a new believer who knows no one at the church, I have called repeatedly to the church office for prayer and other concerns concerning my salvation and eternal destiny. And I have been reassured with each call that is not a service offered by the church, save for after services. And if it is discovered by the church that you are a truck driver or have some other somewhat shady profession, you can count on being an outcast at this church. The perception here is that salvation is for some, when convenient for them, on their timetable. Salvation is open to all at the harvest crusades which are great. But don't call the church office for prayer. You will not get it. And whatever the tragedy, it simply does not matter. Yet, you have to hand it to them, the truth does indeed come from the pulpit. So if being taught the word is what you seek, regardless of how alone you are and really, regardless of how unwelcome you may actually be, this might just be the right place to be. And having said that, if anyone looks at this review and doubts the utter honesty and authenticity with which I present this review, then maybe even I am indeed wrong in my estimation of this church. But I have sat in this church for over a year as a new believer, learned a lot of truth, and to this day, I know that I am not really welcome here. I just haven't let that stop me. read more

I don't see what's so great about this church. I wasn't greeted and it was way too big in my opinion. It should have a "small church feel", but doesn't. read more

Harvest needs to expand their parking area for their customers. My family lived in the area and the customers park on residential streets and block driveways. Harvest customers are some of the rudest people when they are trying to find parking or leave after a service on Sunday morning. Also, the music is so lound you can hear it from blocks away. Talk about noise pollution! read more

Josh from Harvest Church in Riverside, at the 5pm service, actually make a shovenistic remark, in his opening statement, regarding going on a mission. He referred to a woman being on a mission at the grocery store(which is fine), but then he referred to a business MAN being on a mission immediately after. He should have said a business man or woman. The way it came out of his mouth(watch video if there is one for the Easter service, 5pm) and any business woman or anti shovenistic woman, would be offended. I wanted to walk out immediately, but I sat there for 5 more minutes, and then I left. I couldn't listen to that jerk anymore. read more

Been going here for years we love it great people and the kids programs are amazing!! They learn so much and talk about what they learn during the week. It's great!!! read more

Visited this church for the first time this past Sunday 8.10.14 and LOVED it ! Everyone was so welcoming. The sermon was pulled directly from one chapter of the bible (instead of scattered everywhere). My family have a different home church but I believe this just might be MY new home church . Look forward to seeing what The Lord will present to me while visiting this church . read more

My favorite place to worship. Greg Laurie is an amazing speaker.

Many people get lost at a big church like Harvest, but there is no lacking for "getting to know people" here. Every day of the week there are many different options for getting involved and enjoying fellowship. Add to that solid Biblical teaching, a great staff of amazing pastors, talented worship leaders and so many servant hearted volunteers and employees all there to bring you closer to the Lord. Come by and get plugged in! read more

Welcoming atmosphere. Large enough for those that don't want to be noticed. Plenty of small groups for those wanting fellowship. Gifted staff filled with the spirit. And it does shine. read more

This is my church and I love it so much that I'm sending my daughter to the school. I love the atmosphere compared to other churches I've been to; it really feels as though everyone is welcome because people from all walks of life converge in this one place. It's not like other churches where they say anyone and everyone is welcome, but you can tell not everyone is because of the way people treat each other. The staff and other church members are genuinely nice and the church grounds are very expansive. I like that they have a fully stocked bookstore on site that also sells apparel and accessories. They have books on every subject dealing with religion that allows you to really understand what Christianity and other religions are all about. Pastor Greg, and the other pastors on staff, are not the type to judge and even admit to their faults as well which is very refreshing. Overall I enjoy this place and love coming. read more

Harvest is my home church and I love it. Solid, Bible-based teaching and awesome worship. If you're looking for even deeper study of God's Word, check out Jeff Lasseigne's Wednesday night Bible study or one of the many other midweek opportunities. Harvest also does large-scale events called Harvest Crusades in Southern California and around the world. Their website has a TON of free video content, so be sure to check that out too--it's the next best thing to being there! read more

Went many years Love Greg Laurie and music it just got to crowded for me

Love Harvest it's a great church it is a big church but you can make it small by getting involved with the many opportunities they have my husband and I have been attending for 2 years now and need to start getting more involved we just haven't been able to find a balance with work yet we recommend harvest great people great atmosphere great pastor great church read more

HCF is my family's home away from home. We love going to the smaller satellite campus on Sunday's and meeting at the larger main campus for midweek studies. Our son gets poured into by the children's ministry so we can easily enjoy and focus during the services. The amount of love and prayer that goes into this church family is evident by its fruit! Our family wouldn't be where we are today without the love, support, and foundation that comes from a strong Bible-teaching church. read more

I was at a very low time in my life, struggling and depressed and was talking with a wonderful counselor via phone a few times. I have a hard time going anywhere new but attempted to go to this church to continue seeing this women who was making a difference and was made available to me. I had a very low income and It took all I had to get there. When I went into the office area to inquire and speak to this counselor and had explained all that I was going threw, I was quickly told, " In order to speak and receive counseling with her, I would have to become a member ". I was so shocked. This counselor had never told me it was a stipulation and did encourage me to come in. Disappointed and feeling mislead, and it taking all I had to get there, I than realized that this Church was a Big Business . I left that day with a lightbulb moment. It made me very sad. read more

This is a church for the young or old !! The Lord Our God Jesus is the " I AM " in this church . Greg Laurie is a very anointed minister and delivers each message from the heart !!! Happy to be in such a Blessed Church were God Resigns !!! read more

A truly amazing church! My wife and I found ourselves at the Harvest Crusade @ Angels Stadium last month, and soon therafter, started attending Harvest Church. It's a big church, but doesn't feel like it. People are friendly, the message is straight from the bible, the music is decent, and coffee at the coffeehouse is from Peet's. What more do you want? Salvation? OK, you've got it! read more

I've noticed the 'one-star' crowd seem to have some 'personal issues.' i've been in small and large churchs in my 30 years as a Christian. Both large and small have their +'s and -'s. Harvest is a great and safe place to hear the word of God and worship the King. It isn't heaven on earth, but then again, there isn't one. It's especially good for Christians who don't have a regular fellowship to attend. It's a haven for the wounded and fallen who need the Word and Fellowship to heal. Also, no church is designed to only "fulfill your needs." You get out of any church what you also put into it. read more

Great worship band and music. A bit big so hard to connect with people on an individual basis. Pastor Greg is always funny and delivers a good sermon. Like to visit when I'm in the IE. read more

Great program and I love pastor Greg Laurie. He does so well with telling others about jesus to be honest!

I love Harvest Christian fellowship it's a big beautiful church. pastor Greg makes the Bible priority and speaks the gospel as if you are hearing it for the first time ! Highly recommend read more

Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Great atmosphere to relax and the fries are madr just right.