Mount Harvest Church of God focused on growing

MILAN — An area pentecostal church continues to flourish roughly 70 years after its inception. Mount Harvest Church of God was founded in the 1940s in Norwalk before moving to Milan, where its current facility was built in 1988. For about 35 years, Carl Woodyard has been the church's senior pastor. His son, Joe, has worked alongside his father for 12 years as a pastor and is poised to take over."It's been great," Carl said about working with his son. "He has a heart for ministry and it's worked out good." Mount Harvest Church of God at 150 Ohio 113 W in Milan on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019.The father and son duo take turns leading worship services at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. Services are available at 7 p.m. Wednesdays for middle and high school students and adults. At 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, a group meets to pray for anyone in need, which anyone can attend. Programs from men and women are also available."We're a family-style congregation," Joe said. "We also have a high-energy, spirit-filled worship experience. We have lots of talent in our music department and have contemporary music."The sanctuary at Mount Harvest Church of God in Milan on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019Most who attend Mount Harvest Church of God range from children to middle-aged adults. About 80 to 100 people go to the church. "We're not as old as we once were," Joe said.Each year, the church schedules a food drive to collect food for local food banks. Members also work with Teen Challenge of the Firelands, a faith-based program assisting young people in recovery from addiction.Mount Harvest Church of God at 150 Ohio 113 W in Milan on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019.Mount Harvest Church of God also supports missionaries and is planning a trip to Honduras this summer, taking 8-10 people to serve in the Central American country.Now, the church wants to grow its population. To do that, they invite people to attend upcoming events and post videos of their worship services via Facebook."Our main focus is reaching people ages 10-18," Joe said. "It's a very loving church and we're trying to grow."The fellowship hall at Mount Harvest Church of God in Milan on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019.Get to know Mt. Harvest Church of GodAddress: 150 Ohio 113 W., MilanPhone: 419-499-4800Facebook: Mt. Harvest Church of GodReach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhoodCarl Woodyard and his son, Joe, stand together for a photo inside Mount Harvest Church of God in Milan on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019.