Jesus First, Arrows Out Lives

We are a Jesus first, arrows out people.

Our vision is becoming the church among the unchurched — just as God came to dwell among us.

Our mission is to be a people that make space for building relationships to make Jesus first. When we live as individuals, and as a people, from that mission, we believe that every person, in every place, would experience all of Jesus – his compassion, forgiveness, power, grace, truth, love.

And from an old graffiti tag on the outside of our building, we have co-opted this rally cry: ARROWS OUT!

Let’s be a Jesus first, arrows out people! It requires that we think differently, live differently, and love greatly. As individuals and as a church.

Will you join us in living a Jesus first, arrows out life?
Where you live, work, study, and play?
Will you be for those far from God, for the poor and sick, at risk and vulnerable, for the sojourner and lonely, those bound and stuck.

God has given us each a place – where we live, work, study or play – and then he asks, "Will YOU follow ME?" To be arrows out means that every person, in YOUR every place, would experience ALL of Jesus through YOU!

Core Values

Heartland’s core values answer the big WHY question...why we do what we do in the way we do it. Our hope is that they are representative of the essence of what it means to be a part of our community.

Cultivate Honesty
with yourself, one another, and God

Practice Hospitality
to the furthest out and the closest in, wherever you are

Develop Holistically
by giving ourselves away

Have Fun
take Jesus seriously, including his joy

History

Our journey began in June of 1986, when 28 people gathered together to plant a church–one dedicated to being for people who didn't do church. Or get church. Or know what they thought about God just yet. It began small, with teaching from an ironing board in a family’s basement on Sunday mornings. Through prayer, planning, invitations–and the undeniable movement of God–the church grew steadily and branched out to larger venues to welcome people who were curious. After years in Overland Park and planting six additional churches, Heartland moved to it's new home in Olathe!

Money Stuff

Money and the church . . . two hot button issues for folks. We want to share with you what we think about money stuff, what we see God saying about it, and perhaps answer some questions about who we are and how we do things along the way.

If you are ready, CLICK HERE to Give Online. Got questions? Read on, my friend!

What does Heartland believe about generosity?

As a church for the unchurched, we get two things:

  • People arrive with their pockets guarded. And well they should.
  • As we become like Jesus, we’ll give like Jesus.

The principles below help us to thoughtfully navigate what is both a tension and an opportunity:

  • We are most alive when we give ourselves away. (Acts 20:35; Matthew 16:24-26)
  • Ultimately, God owns all things and gives to us for our provision, enjoyment, and to bless others. (Deuteronomy 10:14; Psalm 24:1)
  • Tithing is not the final goal of generosity. Rather, it is a tipping point of trust. If we can learn to trust Him with 10%, then we can learn to trust Him with everything. (Malachi 3:10; Philippians 4:17; II Corinthians 9:6-15)
  • Generosity is the fruit of a discipling life and it includes our time, talent, and treasure. (1 Timothy 6:18-19, Luke 19:12-27)
  • The church must be the most financially accountable organization in the world. (2 Corinthians 8:21)

Who gives around here?

Extraordinarily normal people like you and me. Folks who call Heartland their home. There are no corporate sponsors or rich uncles footing the bill. (But if you happen to be a rich uncle, don’t let this deter you.)

Where does all the money go?

There are three primary funds in which to give:

  • The ‘Arrows Out’ Fund–this points our many arrows out on a daily basis through our regular tithes (10%). This operating fund resources everything from Kids and Student Ministries to our adult discipling efforts. It also equips our Sunday services, Care & Counseling, our many missional expressions, special events, staff salaries, leadership training, and–yep, you guessed it–the free coffee.
  • The Jump Fund–this is a designated fund that gives us a jump in special identified projects related to facility, debt reduction, & missions. Most HCC’ers give to this fund “above and beyond” their regular tithes.
  • The Compassion Fund–this fund provides practical and timely assistance in a time of crisis to those in our community.

Does Heartland practice financial integrity?

In a phrase, painstakingly so. We are an accredited member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, a national non-profit accreditation agency with the highest standards of financial integrity and accountability. We are one of just three churches in the Kansas City area to achieve and maintain this level of accreditation. Not to bore you, but it requires an intense process that includes a HCC Audit Review Team, an annual audit by an independent firm, and the ultimate oversight of our Board of Directors.

What principles are used in setting salaries?

All salary ranges are set by our volunteer Board of Directors, who use benchmarked standards as listed by the National Association of Church Business Administrators (think the Kelly Blue Book, but for church). Specific staff salaries are then determined by the Management Team who applies those ranges to a staff member’s particular performance and experience. Management Team salaries are set by the Lead Pastor and the compensation for the Lead Pastor is proposed separately by the Advisory team. All salaries are approved by the Board of Directors.

Do you offer online giving?

YES!

Heartland does offer automated online giving (ACH) and it is the best thing ever! It’s the most convenient way to give, it maximizes your gift by reducing transaction fees, it ensures your consistent faithfulness, and it helps to bring financial stability and freedom to your church!

To get started, follow this link:

Give Online

Questions? CLICK HERE to email Patty Johnson.

Can I get a copy of the annual budget?

Of course. You are welcome to request copies of our annual budget summary or ask any further questions. CLICK HERE to email Steve Fisher, Director of Operations.

ECFA Accreditation

We are an accredited member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, a national non-profit accreditation agency with the highest standards of financial integrity and accountability. We are one of just three churches in the Kansas City area to achieve and maintain this level of accreditation.  Not to bore you, but it requires an intense process that includes an annual audit by an independent firm, the HCC Audit Review Team and ultimate oversight by our volunteer Board of Directors.

ecfa logo

Our Beliefs

Note: These essential beliefs are drawn from–and set forth in greater detail in–the Westminster Confession of Faith.

All scripture is self-attesting and being truth, requires our unreserved submission in all areas of life. The infallible word of God, the sixty-six books of the old and new testaments, is a complete and unified witness to God’s redemptive acts culminating in the incarnation of the living word, Jesus Christ. The Bible, uniquely and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit, is the supreme and final authority on all matters on which it speaks. On this sure foundation we affirm these additional essentials of our faith:

1

We believe in one God, the sovereign creator and sustainer of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. To him be all honor, glory and praise forever!

2

Jesus Christ, the living word, become flesh through his miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit and his virgin birth. He who is true God became true man united in one person forever. He died on the cross a sacrifice for our sins according to the scriptures. On the third day he arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where, at the right hand of the majesty on high, he now is our high priest and mediator.

3

The Holy Spirit has come to glorify Christ and to apply the saving work of Christ to our hearts. He convicts us of sin and draws us to the savior. Indwelling our hearts, he gives new life to us, empowers and imparts gifts to us for service. He instructs and guides us into all truth, and seals us for the day of redemption.

4

Being estranged from God and condemned by our sinfulness, our salvation is wholly dependent upon the work of God’s free grace. God credits his righteousness to those who put their faith in Christ alone for their salvation, thereby justifies them in his sight. Only such as are born of the Holy Spirit and receive Jesus Christ become children of God and heirs of eternal life.

5

The true church is composed of all persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit are united together in the body of Christ. The church finds her visible, yet imperfect, expression in local congregations where the word of God is preached in its purity and the sacraments are administered in their integrity; where scriptural discipline is practiced, and where loving fellowship is maintained. For her perfecting, she awaits the return of her Lord.

6

Jesus Christ will come again to the earth-personally, visibly, and bodily–to judge the living and the dead, and to consummate history and the eternal plan of God. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Rev. 22:20)

7

Jesus Christ commands all believers to proclaim the gospel throughout the world and to make disciples of all nations. Obedience to the great commission requires total commitment to “Him who loved us and gave Himself for us.” He calls us to a life of self-denying love and service. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10)