Leadership Structure
We’re convinced that our church is healthier and stronger when its leadership is done together. So, under the authority of Jesus Christ and his word, Heartland is led by a body of “elders.” This body is divided into three different teams—each unique in role and function. However, together these teams provide spiritual and organizational leadership that enables us to pursue God’s mission for our church in the healthiest and most effective ways possible. These three elder teams are the Lead Pastor Team, the Board of Directors and the Pastoral Elders.
In 2021, Heartland embraced a shift away from having one “Lead Pastor” to having one “Lead Team” of three pastors to lead the staff and ministries of the church. Why is Heartland led this way? We believe that relationship and community are essential both to who God is and to the ways in which His church is led. On a practical level, a Lead Team invites more collaboration, health and humility, which we believe make our leaders—and our church—stronger.
How does this work? Each of Heartland’s Lead Team Pastors focuses on a different, but equally important aspect of the church’s mission in accordance with the gifts and passions of the team member. They collaborate on the church’s vision, mission and key decisions, and then lead their areas on behalf of the whole. This balances the leadership responsibilities and enables the different ministries of the church to be more closely integrated with our one mission. Heartland’s Lead Team consists of a Communities and Discipleship Pastor, a Leadership and Teaching Pastor, and an Operations and Development Pastor.
Brad Herndon – Communities and Discipleship Pastor
Craig Cheney – Organizational and Development Pastor
Dan Jacobsen – Leadership and Teaching Pastor
Heartland’s Board of Directors are focused on the long-term organizational and financial health of the church. These individuals leverage their legal and financial expertise to ensure Heartland’s financial affairs are handled with responsibility and integrity. They approve the budgets proposed by the Lead Team and authorize any real estate transactions or borrowing of money. They also give accountability and insight to our Lead Pastor Team to help them lead the church well and make the best decisions possible.
Current Directors are Abby Doyle, Mark Chrislip, Eric George, Brad Herndon, Brooke Hodnefield, Mike Sears, Caroll Sinclair.
The Pastoral Elders work alongside the Lead Team and Board of directors as shepherds of the mission and community God of Heartland. Their work is deeply rooted in relationships and prayer, helping to discern God’s leading as we follow him. Like Heartland’s other elder teams, Pastoral Elders have exhibited godly character as well as a commitment to spiritual and relational maturity. These qualities—as well as their shepherding and leadership gifts—allow the Pastoral Elders to provide guidance, care and protection to the people of Heartland.
Current Pastoral Elders: John Auld, Tasha Cook, Brad Gregory, Brad Herndon, David Irwin, Karen Koller, Brian McBride, Kathy Plant, Darrin Plant