What to Expect

At Heartland, we feel that it’s OUR responsibility to “clear the way” for you to come to church. We want you to be able to experience the great music, encouraging messages, friendly people and enjoyable atmosphere that are a part of Heartland. And we know that your first time at a church, any church, brings up some questions.

Q.  What should I wear?

A.  We want you to dress comfortable.

Q.  What’s available for my kids?

A.  We know that as a parent you need be sure that your children are in a SAFE learning environment. And we know that your children are looking for a FUN place to learn. We’ve invested a lot to make sure that both of these goals are reached. You’ll see that in the volunteers who work with your kids. To get more information for your kids click on the following words: Children, Students.

Q.  What should I expect in church?

A.  You'll enjoy upbeat music and practical messages that help you deal with real life issues. We’ll even give you a helpful outline for your personal growth. What you learn on the weekend, you’ll be able to use during the week. We want to help you connect with the personal hope and practical help that God can give us.

What Does Heartland have for my family?

Our family would love to welcome your family to church next weekend. We have opportunities for each member of your household to enjoy themselves as they encounter God through the Bible and other people just like you. As you look at the links on this page, you'll see helpful information for your children and youth. We hope this helps you to get a personal and friendly first look at Heartland, but we realize that this is just a web site. The best way to find out all that’s here for you and your family is to visit us this weekend.

Click to view Children's Ministries
Click to view Youth Ministries

Heartland Cares: How Can We Help You?

Care is best demonstrated in community.  And, Heartland offers a number of small community groups where people can do life together. We also have Celebrate Recovery, which is designed for those dealing with Hurts, Habits and Hang-Ups.  And, our Mothers of Preschooler’s Ministry offers support and encouragement to moms!  Select from the links below to read more about these opportunities.  Finally, Heartland has a team of people who are committed to praying for you!  If you have a concern that you would like them to pray about, please select the Prayer link.

Small Group Life

Celebrate Recovery
(Christian 12-Step Ministry)

MOPS
(Mothers of Preschoolers)

Prayer

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!

click here to read what we believe