Pastor Jon & Debbie Callahan began their ministry in 1977 when they were both born again at a small group meeting in Pastor Jon's family farmhouse. Shortly thereafter, Pastor Jon founded and served as President of the Watseka, Illinois chapter of the Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International in 1979. Jon and Debbie both served in their local church in Hoopeston, Illinois from cleaning the facilities and teaching in the Kid's Church, to preaching and serving on the church board. Debbie was also active in Women's Aglow International.
In 1980, Jon was asked to lead worship for a local church in Melvin, Illinois and from there was asked by his brother to help pioneer a church in his home town of Milford. Here he worked with his pastor and brother Joel for several years until he was called to pioneer the church in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois.
In 1984, Jon and Debbie moved by faith to Champaign to pioneer Harvest Church. They held their first service in a small two bedroom apartment in the sister city of Urbana. Pastor Jon preached to his wife and three small children— Jennifer, Sarah and Joshua for the first two weeks and the church grew from there. Pastor Jon worked as a builder and owner of a graphic arts and printing business while planting the church.
This exciting, spirit-filled journey has equipped Pastors Jon and Debbie for the ongoing work of building God's kingdom in the Champaign-Urbana area. Now, having built a new building in 1998, on twelve acres of beautiful wooded scenery, they are happily and successfully meeting the challenges of growing a church for the Glory of God.
Harvest Church is known as a place where the simplicity of the gospel is preached, the presence of God is felt and the love of God is evident. Harvest truly is a life giving church with a relevant message that helps people connect with God and with one another.