Heaven Bent Podcast Season 5
Heaven Bent Podcast Season 5 Dives into the Controversial Legacy of Art Lucier and Kitimat Harvest Church
Kelowna, BC – March 12, 2025
The highly anticipated fifth season of The Heaven Bent Podcast, hosted by Tara Jean Stevens, has launched with a gripping exploration of Art Lucier, the self-proclaimed “Apostolic Overseer” of Harvest Ministries International, and the enigmatic former Kitimat Harvest Church in British Columbia’s remote Pacific Northwest. Premiering on October 28, 2024, this season promises to unravel the complex story of a charismatic leader and a congregation that left an indelible mark on its members—both inspiring and unsettling in equal measure.
Stevens, a seasoned broadcaster known for her investigative storytelling, kicked off Season 5 with an episode titled “Kitimat Harvest Church,”. The episode introduces listeners to Lucier’s journey, beginning in 2003 when he founded the church in Kitimat, a small industrial town nestled in British Columbia’s rugged coastal region. Far from a typical pastor, Lucier is portrayed as a commanding figure whose influence extended beyond the pulpit, shaping the lives of his followers in profound and, at times, controversial ways.
The premiere episode features an intimate interview with Lucier’s son-in-law, who offers a firsthand account of his time within the Harvest community. He recounts a transformative faith journey intertwined with a love story that captivated the congregation, setting the stage for a deeper dive into Lucier’s ministry. “Art is no ordinary pastor, and the Harvest is no ordinary church,” Stevens remarks early in the episode, a sentiment echoed by former members whose stories unfold across the season.
Subsequent episodes, such as “The Eagles’ Nest,” shift focus to Kelowna, British Columbia, where Lucier relocated Harvest Ministries International in May 2018. Kelowna, long a hub of Charismatic Christian activity, became a new frontier for Lucier’s vision of revival, apostolic leadership, and prophetic impartation. The podcast examines how Lucier’s arrival altered the local religious landscape, blending faith, prophecy, and even U.S. political influences into the fabric of Kelowna Harvest Church.
However, Season 5 doesn’t shy away from the darker shadows of Lucier’s legacy. Stevens interviews former members like “Sarah,” who was excommunicated from Kitimat Harvest Church and told “God’s hand was no longer on her,” and Ruth, who feared divine retribution when she left the fold. These personal narratives paint a picture of a ministry marked by intense devotion but also by allegations of control and spiritual manipulation. “Former Harvesters are telling sordid stories about Art Lucier & Harvest Ministries International,” Stevens notes in a later episode, posing the question: “But what, if anything, should be done about it?”
Lucier, often hailed as “one of the most prophetic voices in Canada,” built a reputation that drew followers seeking spiritual awakening. Yet, as Heaven Bent reveals, his methods and the culture of Harvest Ministries have sparked debate among listeners and critics alike. The podcast critically examines the tension between Lucier’s charismatic appeal and the experiences of those who felt shaken—or even broken—by their time under his leadership.
Now in its fifth season, Heaven Bent continues to captivate audiences with its nuanced exploration of Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity. Stevens, who grew up in a similar faith tradition, brings a personal lens to the series, blending empathy with skepticism. Available on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Acast, the season offers early access and ad-free episodes for subscribers via Patreon.com/HeavenBent.
As of today, March 12, 2025, Season 5 is well underway, with Stevens promising more revelations about Lucier’s ministry and its lasting impact. For those intrigued by the intersection of faith, power, and human experience, The Heaven Bent Podcast remains a must-listen, shining a light on a story that is as compelling as it is divisive.
The former members of Harvest Church in Kitimat have shared their stories via a Facebook page. "Stories Of The Survivors Of The Harvest. A link to the page can be found below.
