Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministries (HIM,) under the leadership of Pastor Che Ahn, has initiated a federal civil complaint against Governor Newsom’s latest restrictions which have been specifically aimed at criminalizing in-person worship (both in and outside of private citizens’ homes,) as well as criminalizing chanting and singing during such worshipful service.
It is the goal of Harvest Rock Church to protect the first amendment constitutional rights of the church and all people, while taking a specific stand against the misclassification of the worship of God as non-essential during this time of national unrest, economic strife, and physical ailment.
From early March of this year, Harvest Rock Church and the HIM network strictly adhered to the original state guidelines, first closing doors for several months and later utilizing above-standard safety protocols during in-person service. The church, recognizing congregants as a unified family rather than ‘customers’ or ‘clients’ of those businesses who have been deemed “essential,” has maintained throughout the last six months the importance of keeping congregants and the community safe. Safety, which was the original publicized goal of government mandates in California, has always been both the goal and the supportive action of Harvest Rock Church and the HIM network.
Recently in California, however; state leaders have consistently argued for and encouraged protestors of social justice initiatives to both congregate and chant, often while using slogans that are degrading, defamatory, and sometimes even violent. “Now is the time for courage. Now is the time for your voice to be brought to the forefront….” stated Governor Newsom, “Protesters have the right not to be harassed. Protesters have the right to protest…”
The Governor neither reminded protestors of current orders in place affecting citizens of California, nor diligently addressed protestors regarding the necessity to social distance while thousands gathered. Soon thereafter, Governor Newsom enacted the latest order which criminalizes the worship of God, both in the house of God and in private residences, in addition to criminalizing singing, chanting, and other means of praise. This egregious wrong and set of double standards prompted Pastor Che, Harvest Rock Church, and Harvest International Ministry to advocate for first amendment rights and the equal treatment of all citizens, by initiating this federal complaint.
Pastor Che Ahn said it best himself, “The church has been essential for 2000 years.” The church has forever been, and will continue to be, a place of healing for the people – a place of salvation, strength, love, guidance and the ultimate unity. Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministries stands against all injustice and division, targeted segregation of civil liberties amongst citizens, and the injustice in deeming God, and the praise of God, as both non-essential and now criminal in the State of California.
FAQ
“Why are you suing? The Bible says to pray and honor those in leadership”
One of America’s founding fathers, John Adams, said, “Liberty must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to it, derived from our Maker.” Harvest Rock Church seeks to protect the rights of people to worship freely and safely.
We see a biblical precedent in the way the apostle Paul used his rights as a Roman citizen to (1) request due process after he was beaten and jailed, and (2) to appeal to Caesar, which is how he arrived in Rome where he continued to share the Gospel. The Bible specifically speaks about not suing Christian brothers and sisters when the dispute can be resolved internally in the church. However, there is no prohibition to using your civil rights when the Gospel is at stake. In fact, when Peter was told not to preach in the name of Jesus in order to be released from jail, he said, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
Moreover, the state does not have jurisdiction over the church. In the Old Testament, the king did not have jurisdiction over the priests and the Temple, and the priests did not have jurisdiction over the king. Jesus also speaks of these two jurisdictions when he said, “Render to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar, and to God the things that belong to God” (Matthew 22:21).
“Why are you meeting when you have online service? You can worship God from anywhere.”
In the past, we have met both inside and outside a church building. The great heat of Southern California, often reaching into the 80s and 90s on Sunday mornings, is a significant deterrent from meeting outside. It is our best intention to protect our right to meet anywhere, which certainly includes meeting inside the house of God.
We have met inside the Ambassador Auditorium for the last four weeks, with not one case of reported COVID-19. Harvest Rock Church protects our community and family, both in health and in liberty.
Scripture also admonishes the church to intentionally meet in-person. The Bible states that we should not forsake the assembling together of ourselves, as is the habit of some people (Hebrews 10:24-25). Jesus also said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). And the Bible frequently talks about singing our praises to the Lord (Colossians 3:16). Additionally, the Bible speaks of the laying on of hands to anoint people and to heal the sick. There are many people who are hurting and suffering in our community, and it is important for Harvest Rock Church to meet together in-person in order to minister to them.
“You are putting your congregation members at risk. You are being irresponsible as a church.”
In-person services have always been, and continue to be, entirely voluntary. We are here to serve those members of our community whose needs include worshiping in the house of God. The option to attend church in the house of God is a sacred right that we intend to protect for both our family and friends. Indeed, assembling together is a biblical command (Hebrews 10:24-25).
We are providing people an option to continue watching our services online, and for those without symptoms or health risks, we are also providing the option to meet in-person. Harvest Rock Church loves and values our people and our community.
By contrast, frequent visits to grocery and retail stores present equal or greater risks than that of a weekly church service. While we will continue to take precautions to protect our church family, we will not live in fear. (link to safety measures)
“The church is meeting for financial gain because giving is down”
Due to COVID-19, we are not holding collections during any in-person services. Indeed, our decision to meet in-person has nothing to do with finances. It is the best intention of Harvest Rock Church to tangibly serve the members of our community by meeting in-person.
“What makes the church essential, and exempt from the law?”
Houses of worship have been essential to societies for thousands of years, and now it is more essential than ever to help hurting people. Houses of worship, while essential, are not exempt from the law. In fact, no one is exempt from the law, which is why it is so important to defend the Constitution of the United States and our unalienable rights. The First Amendment to the Constitution provides special protection to the church through the Free Exercise of Religious Clause and the Establishment Clause.
Furthermore, the U.S. Supreme Court has clearly ruled that the state has no authority to force anyone from attending church: “Neither a state nor the Federal Government can set up a church… Neither can force nor influence a person to go to or to remain away from church against his will.” [Everson v. Board of Education of Ewing Twp., 330 U.S. 1, 15 (1947) (emphasis added)]
“Explain demonic forces shutting down church in America.”
The USA was founded by a group of people who were fleeing religious persecution in England. Our Constitution’s First Amendment provides for the unalienable right to worship: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”
It is very difficult to justify the notion that suddenly in 2020 — amid high global tensions, a health crisis, and a social justice movement where thousands are consistently encouraged to meet and chant in-person — that the church would be specifically targeted and criminalized for meeting in-person. The shutting down of churches in America is an egregious and immoral movement, which is being spurred on by leaders choosing to purposely ignore the oaths that they have sworn to uphold. This movement is concerning and needs to be met with lawful and moral correction.
How Do We Financially Support This Effort?
Thank you for your heartfelt desire to support Pastor Ché, Harvest International Ministry and Harvest Rock Church in their stand for Freedom to Worship our Lord, Jesus Christ. The direct lawsuit costs are being handled pro bono by Liberty Counsel, though there are indirect costs being absorbed by Harvest International Ministry and Harvest Rock Church. If you feel you’d like to contribute to any of these organizations, here are the links you can use to give…
Donating to Harvest International Ministry:
https://pushpay.com/g/harvestim
Donating to Harvest Rock Church:
https://pushpay.com/g/hrockchurch
Donating to Liberty Counsel:
https://lc.org/make-a-donation?t=LC-WEB&c=LC-WEB
Finally !!
Praise God, for your courage. The church for too long has stayed quiet in the history of our nation during the slavery during the annihilation of Indian tribes during World War II on and on and we stay quiet I praise God that You are standing for our
Constitutional right ofFreedom of religion. An answer to prayer. 10K blessings
Amen!! I agree with you. Thank you for supporting Pastor Che. I do too!!🙌🙌🙌🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸
I so agree it is time to take a stand. May God direct and bless every move.
The people of God have every right to meet in-person and serve, praise and bless our Lord and Savior.
I support you Pastor 🙏🏼 Well done 🙏🏼
God bless all at Harvest Rock Church! God bless America and Pastors Che and Sue and all here!
I completely support Pastor Che Ahn on his decision and agree.
The world is in distress and going through a crisis with the covid pandemic. We all desperately need God more than ever before. Church is crucial and essential for all during this time of crisis and unrest.
Well said God’s faithful servant “Faith over Fear”
Thank you Pastor.
The church cannot be silent the last time we where silent it led us to WW2. We are called not to foresake the gathering together.
I will always support Pastor Che and the church. We must take action against what the enemy is trying to do against the church of the Lord. Jesus said the doors os hell will not stand against the church.
Amen!! I agree with you!🙌🙌🙌🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸
We started attending Harvest Rock in Dec 2019 and instantly fell in love with this church, the pastor, staff, and fellow members. We are moving next week to central California and won’t be able to attend services anymore, but we stand with you! I can only pray that we will find another church family as committed to Christ as Harvest Rock.
Go for it Che!! Dare to be a Daniel.
Hello from Sacramento. Thank you for speaking up ! I’m glad we have a voice.
I ask in Jesus name for God’s truth to prevail in our land, and for His children to not fear tyranny. God bless you and make His countenance to shine upon you and make you successful in everything you put your hand to do.
Amen.
God Bless you Pastor Che! I stand with you! Thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Thank you for this. We will share the information. Thank you for standing up for all rights of Americans to worship. Thank you for upholding the Constitution and calling out the motives of restrictions across the Nation.
I’m in agreement with the direction Harvest Rock Church is taking.
We as the body-of-Christ have to take a stand and trust the Lord we serve and stand firm in what we believe.
We as citizens have to protect our rights or we lose our rights.
Living for the Lord is risky during these times, but I chose to follow and trust the Lord who saved my life at 40 and redeemed my life last and my family’s.
This is SO well articulated and such an incredible example
of “giving an answer with gentleness and respect”. It is so powerful. I’m so proud of Pastor Che and the staff and proud to call Harvest Rock my church. Praying daily for you and our government leadership!
Is it possible for other churches to join this lawsuit. I believe there needs to be a very large presence of all churches uniting against this “request from the governor”. Blessing on leading this for Gods people.
Great idea. Allow other churches to join and partake and stand together in unity.
Blessings Wolfgang
I’m so proud of you guys! I’m enrolled in the Peter Wagner course and just last week I saw a video of pastor che speaking about how he asked God for forgiveness because he wasn’t connected to the overall church and was more locally concerned. He even raised an offering and sowed it to local ministries. I see how that shift in his heart prepared you all to be leaders at this moment. I love you guys!
Thank you Papa Che for taking a bold stand for the church as we have been constantly persecuted by taking away our voice for standing on what we believe, the holy bible. Our family support you all the way in this. We pray for you and the leadership. We love you!
Thank you Pastor Che . I’m very proud of you for not bowing down to man and obeying God. I went to Texas at the beginning Of the month to attend Brother Copeland’s revival tent meeting. Even though had a spike in the virus there. They are blessed to have a governor and a mayor who believe the church is essential. It is time for body of Christ to rise and shine during this shaking ❤️ Praying daily for you 🙏🙏🙏
This is great! Thank you for standing up for us and more importantly, Jesus!
I’m curious if Harvest Rock is a 501c3?
We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!
Thank you so much, Pastor Che, for being obedient to the Lord and not bowing down to the fear of man!! In a world where so many pastors do not stand up for what the Lord is calling them to, we applaud your commitment and obedience to the Lord. We pray for the judge who is assigned to this action – that the Holy Spirit will give him a spirit of revelation and open his eyes to see and his ears to hear. We love you, Pastor Che, and are so proud to call you our pastor!!!
I support and pray for you. Thank you for fighting for all of us.
Pastor Che, I am from Lake Isabella, a very small community. In 1999, For the first time, I attended a conference at the Mott auditorium. It was the first time I realized that we are to pray for the “Nations”. I had never experienced such POWERFUL WORSHIP and POWERFUL CLEANSING of GOD, as I did that weekend. Long story short, I went in to the conference as a normal Christian and left as a RADICAL INTERCESSOR! Recently, since our governors restrictions, I have been grieved, believing that our leaders have abandoned the church. I have heard some say “it’s time for the church to rise up”! But no one rises up. I find myself asking God “but how are we going to pray, how will intercede, how will we worship you as one body? Because just as I was taught (in the many conferences) “that is when God shows up”! That is when he moves and the action breaks out! I always considered to you to be one the Fathers that raised me up (even though I am older than
you). I have been broken hearted by the news that your church was also conforming to the governors restrictions. I’ve reminded God of the same scriptures that you quoted in your statement above.
I am absolutely elated to hear that you are taking a stand for us. I can’t thank you enough.
However I am 65 and do not believe it’s right to keep people my age, away from the services. I am in need of them just as much as the next. Please consider this.
Thank you and H.I.M for taking a stand. I will a stand with you in intercession for the church!
Terry McMillan/Barry
Great post Terry and Barry!!!
I believe the governor is doing his best in human understanding to combat this pandemic. Regardless of the outcome of our case, there are times for the church to stand, face the nation, and declare, “Remember your promises!”
Can’t agree with many of the premises. The Governor is doing his duty to protect lives, including all of yours. There is no “criminal” intent; that is truly insulting to everyone that understands the evidence already before the world in other gatherings, including churches, that the virus is not a political ploy nor is it affected by public opinion. You know that the church Jesus builds looks nothing like a building nor does it depend upon one. You all look the same to our Lord sitting in the church chairs as well as in other circumstances. It is actually pathetic to read the statement that the church is being “shut down” when Jesus assures us that the gates of Hell will not be able to do it. To say that it is God’s will against the state sews a seed that is not in anywise helpful to our mutual survival and struggle against the pandemic. I have spent many a wonderful hour in the presence of Harvest Rock teachings, prayer and worship dating back to the beginnings at Mott. I would never have expected a point of view so contrary to love for each other and fellow survival as the accusations expressed in a law suit, none the less, and encouraging others to join in. I admit readily that these are my points of view based on easily available observations and my objections to denigrating those who are working diligently for yours and my safety because they take the job and the threat seriously. Perhaps your internal debates have touched all the bases, but I don’t think that you have hit a home run.
I believe what this lawsuit is saying is that the church is every bit, and more, as essential as a food market, a liquor store, a retail store like Target or Walmart, etc. Governor Newsom permits these businesses to be open during this pandemic with the obvious restrictions. These businesses are “essential” for us physically. How much more “essential” is the church!!
Duane, what greater harm could there be against a person than death? And yet, for thousands of years, even under the threat of violent death and persecution the church has continued to meet IN-PERSON, at risk of their very lives. So your argument, to not meet for the “safety” of others holds no water whatsoever!!! It’s shameful that you would even consider a “virus”, as somehow worse than centuries of violent persecution and as a “reasonable” excuse for church people to not congregate together to worship the Lord. In addition, that you would allow a godless Governor/politician to make decisions about your spiritual activity as though he has your best in mind?! NOTHING can be further from the truth. And the TRUTH is clearly what you lack in your statements. In addition, to bold faith, in addition to a sound mind. Clearly not a home run for you either.
So well said Naomi!
Unfortunately, many like Duane have bought the propaganda that our Governor snd other leaders are selling… this thinking will lead to the demise of the church and our Nation under God!It is the Time to speak, to defend at all costs ,our rights to worship Our God freely!
Thank you to Pastor Che and HR for taking this on boldly and with truth!!
You can stay home then, Duane. The rioters are not afraid.
Why should Christians be, to do what we are called?
Daniel faced the lions! This is the very least we can do in response to targeted oppression.
While you’re entitled to your opinion, your true colors show.
I support the Church and the Constitution in this!
Well done statement. Really proud of Pastor Che.
Bless you Pastor Che and church family for standing up for the truth and our Lord Jesus Christ!
🕊
L
God bless you Pastor Che’ Ahn, for courageously standing up for righteousness, and our Constitutional rights as Christian’s. I am standing with you in this!
Very informative and well expressed and it gives a good appropriate answer to the article in the Pasadena Star News. We are standing with you Pastor Che and Sue Ahn.
We are so proud of you and stand with you 100%.
May God place a hedge of protection and warrior Angels over the church and this lawsuit! To God be the Glory!
Amen
Thank you Pastor Che and your church family. Thank you for standing up. Will be praying and standing with you.Blessings Ginny
As Australian Apostles belonging to HIM, our Access Apostolic Network will hold you and your rights you up in prayer. We will make this a point of extreme importance.
May God protect you and bless you as you stand up for Jesus and your right to worship Him in the state of California.
I fully support you, Pastor Che. Our religious liberties must be protected. The Church is essential. Those people who are immune compromised and believe they are at increased risk of contracting any type of infection (including seasonal flu, colds, etc.) are able to choose to stay at home and appreciate online or television worship services. The elderly can make their own decisions as well. My friend and 83-year-old church member chooses to attend church in Orange County. Additionally, the Bible teaches that the infectious person is the one to be isolated, not all the healthy people. As a public health nurse, i can tell you that the state health department is turning long-standing public health standards upside down. You and Harvest Rock Church are in my prayers.
Thank you for standing up. May God mightily bless and prosper your efforts.
Thank you Papa Che for so courageously and fearlessly leading the church based upon revelation knowledge and wisdom from Holy Spirit!
I stand with you and am praying for you.
This is clearly a spiritual battle and the enemy has always been after the praise and worship that belongs to God alone!
Holy Spirit highlighted 2 Chronicles Chpt 20 to me as a pattern for this year of 2020.
I believe that as Judah goes first in battle with corporate praise and worship the Lord will set an ambush up against the enemy and come and heal our land!
Worship truly is our warfare and the enemy knows it so thank you for honoring Gods word over mans!
Well done! May God richly reward you for your faithfulness to hear and obey his voice!
Thank you for taking a leadership role and spearheading this initiative.
Thank you, Pastor Che Ann, for your courage and commitment to lead us in the fight for our Constitutional Rights. We stand with you and support you and your team. May the Lord bless you and keep you, your family, and your team. May the Lord grant us victory in this righteous cause and may He bless the United States of America in His mercy and grace. THANK YOU!!!
Thank you Pastor Che for boldly speaking up and defending our rights. Your explanation is clear and scripturally sounded and we can’t agree more. We’ll pray for the Church, that we’ll be united and alert and not be complacent.
Thank you both pastors Che and Sue for having the backbone and standing up for our God given rights to stand in the face of Satan and saying this is enough. I feel like God has given you this task to accomplish for God’s people. I pray for you and your family to be kept safe, especially during this time of unrest especially with putting out the Gospel of Jesus. If God be for us who can be against us! May the Lord Jesus be with you both to guide and Lead You to say the exact thing the Lord would have you say and at the exact hour it should be said and to whom it should be addressed. I have been with you at HR since the Mott Auditorium. Love and prayers to you both. God richly bless you and yours.
Hello Pastor Che,
Greetings, in the name of our Lord, from a brother in Richardson, Texas on the border of Dallas.
I praise God that a pastor finally has the courage to stand up. I believe I speak for many of us believers who have been feeling abandoned and defeated by a government that seems more and more, to be anti-church and anti-Christian.
We see violent rioters, smashing and tearing down, and intimidating people, and nothing seems to happen to them. In fact, many political “leaders” laude what they are doing in name of “protest.”
So, I applaud you for standing up for the freedom for believers to gather and to praise God.
Certainly, if liquor stores and abortion clinics are essential, believers gathering together is much more essential. I think the case may be that many who attend church “to be seen” or to check a box, truly don’t see or feel the gathering to be essential.
We really don’t understand how this disease is transmitted and who is vulnerable. I give an example from my own life to say that Many mandates are being given and there is little basis for many of them.
I attend a small church, here in Texas. One member of our church came down with Covid19 and had to be hospitalized. She was infected by a co-worker. She was a person in good physical health.
An interesting fact is that she was living in the same house with her husband, who is over sixty and has diabetes, and with her mother who is close to ninety. Neither of those two have come down with Covid even though they lived in contact with her before she became symptomatic.
There is an extreme lack of understanding regarding Covid.
In my own case, I am over 80. If I am not concerned about catching Covid when I go to the grocery store, I am certainly not concerned about contracting Covid19 while I worship the Lord. His hand of mercy has been over my entire life. I’ve been spared from earthquakes and tornadoes, and He pulled me out of a strong undertow that tried to pull me out to sea. I’ve seen His hand at work in my life at many points. He will keep me here as long as He was work for me to do and, when that is done, He’ll take me home.
I pray for your success in this issue. You are a man of strong principles.
Blessings and love, Jim
Amen and amen to all of this righteous effort of all the faithful. In Christ.
Thank you for sharing this message.
In agreement.
Aloha Pastor Ché and Sue,
We stand firm with you in doing the right thing. To keep our God given rights as Americans. Our right to gather and worship is a fundamental right. We are so blessed to have you stake a stand against the oppressive spirit that have come against the believer and the Church.
We will continue to pray for your covering and protection. We pray that the Lord will correct the left’s attack on America.
God Bless America.
God is not going to like it that we cannot worship Him at church, I feel sorry for Governor Newsom, because the Lord says : “”Vengeance is mine” Praying for you Pastor Che, so proud of you!
Meeting in person is not setting a good witness for Christ in the community. By meeting in person Harvest Rock is being selfish and not being a good neighbor. Your right to worship is not more important than the health and well being of the community around you. Your rights are not being denied since you have the right to worship online. The church will lose the respect of the community by not be being a good neighbor. Is the church. Loving your neighbor as yourself involves not meeting in person when health authorities determine that to be dangerous.
Sending a big God bless you from NY! Thank you Pastor Che, Harvest Rock Church/Ministry and Liberty Counsel for standing up for the religious liberty for churches and people across this country. And thank you for articulating so well, the legality of our freedom to meet together to worship our Lord. It helps people to have an understanding of our rights and greater confidence to stand together in prayer.
God bless and protect Pastor Che’ and Harvest Rock Church. He is a great spiritual father and Harvest Rock is a wonderful church! We were members there for three years and I can tell you that they have a passion for their community and they have a passion for Jesus! Standing with you in Florida!
I am from Oklahoma where we can still meet but I am praying for y’all and so appreciate your courage to stand up. You are doing it for us all. God is the God of justice and if He be for you, who can stand against you.
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I applaud and commend the courageous stand of Pastor Che Ahn and your church. I am praying for your ministry and witness and that “no weapon formed against you will prosper.” This tyrannical directive from Governor Newsom must not stand. I pray that your suit will prevail. I am prayerfully contributing to Harvest Rock Church and will tell all I know of your stand. Maranatha! Keep up the good work of the Kingdom, and occupy until He comes.
Dear Father God,
Please give us courage and strength to stand against the powers of darkness. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen!