The Heartland story

Heartland Community Church was born in the heart of it’s founding, Pastor Ran Dotson.  His passion was to grow a church that helped people develop into faithful, devoted followers of Jesus Christ.  He especially wanted to help seekers, those who might be unchurched but asking questions of faith, in their journey towards connecting to God.  In July 1992, a core group of twenty people held their first service in Salas Park in Lodi (even before the church had selected its name).  During the next few months, the group met in various parks while solidifying their plans for Heartland. 

In November 1992, nearly 175 people attended Heartland’s first public service at Senior Elementary Middle School (now Lodi Middle School).  For the next several years, Heartland became known as the “Church In A Box” as they unpacked all their gear from a truck, setting up everything from a nursery to a sound system at the school each Sunday (and often on Wednesday too).

In January 1999, Heartland found a more permanent home on Cherokee Lane. By the departure of the founding Pastor in August of 2001, over 280 people called Heartland home.

In December 2002, Pastor Chris Chavez ushered in Heartland Chapter 2.  His commitment to the Purpose Driven model of ministry focused Heartland on a specific course that can be summed up in a single sentence:  “We believe a great commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission will grow a great church!”     

Presently, those who attend Heartland have embraced the idea of “doing life together” in small groups.  This has allowed Heartland to grow to nearly 400 people, while retaining that atmosphere that affirms that every person matters.  There has also been an increased emphasis on serving our community (locally, nationally, and internationally).  Finally, the people of Heartland are anticipating an exciting future for the church…one that involves new property and facilities that will allow us to better serve our world.  Stay tuned!