statement of faith
The Heartland Statement of Faith summarizes our beliefs as a church. We hold to the central tenets of the Christian faith passed down through the centuries as expressed in the Nicene Creed. Heartland is not part of any denomination, but the theology of Heartland is not innovative. We believe these statements fall in the center of historic biblical theology. Heartland’s core beliefs are centered on Christ and his message.
GOD
We believe in the one true, holy God, creator and sustainer of all things, eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit—each of whom possesses all the attributes of deity and the characteristics of personality.
GOD THE FATHER
We believe in God the Father, Lord of the universe, who rules in majesty, power, perfect holiness and love. He is full of mercy and compassion, a protector of the vulnerable, demonstrating a unique concern for those in need. In love, he sent his Son Jesus Christ to provide salvation for all who put their trust in him.
JESUS CHRIST
We believe Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith. He is God’s only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, fully God and fully man. He lived a life of perfect obedience to the Father and voluntarily took upon himself the penalty of our sin by dying in our place. He was resurrected from the dead, demonstrating his power over sin and death, and then ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. He is the fullest and clearest revelation of what God is like. He shall come again to earth, personally and visibly, to establish his Kingdom forever.
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to draw people to Jesus Christ; to indwell and transform believers into the image of Christ, and to distribute gifts to the Church for ministry. Jesus introduced this new relationship with the Holy Spirit when, just prior to his death and resurrection, he promised his disciples that he would not leave them as orphans, but would do something even better - he would ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit to be with them and in them. The active ministry of the Holy Spirit continues today producing life-changing results.
SALVATION
We believe that God created all people in his image, to live in relationship with God and each other in holiness and love, with value and dignity. However, we became alienated from God through sinful disobedience. God provided for our atonement by his grace through the blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross for all. Salvation is a free gift received by faith in Jesus Christ. The love of God as demonstrated on the cross means that people are not to be defined by their sinfulness but by their belovedness.
THE CHURCH
We believe the Church is the fellowship of all believers worldwide across time, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in community with one another and to make disciples of all nations. Jesus Christ is the head of the Church, which represents his body here on earth. Followers of Jesus are to be known by the way we demonstrate His selfless love to all, as we become conformed to the image of Christ.
THE BIBLE
We believe in the divine inspiration, entire trustworthiness, uniqueness, and authority of the Bible in matters of faith and practice.
Beyond these statements. There are many other important beliefs beyond those listed here, and a full understanding of our amazing God is beyond human comprehension. At Heartland we welcome sincere questions, and we are open to diversity of thought on spiritual matters beyond this Statement of Faith - it makes us better! We understand that unity does not come from uniformity, but from submitting to Jesus and to one another in love by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Living out these truths - it’s not just about beliefs. Jesus and the religious power brokers of his day may have been similar in doctrine and spiritual disciplines, but the way they lived out these truths stood in stark contrast. The scribes and Pharisees represented those who took a posture of superiority and self-righteousness, judging and looking down on others. In contrast, Jesus came full of grace and truth, humbling himself and taking on the form of a servant. He especially sought out and ministered to the poor, the sick, the oppressed - those who were marginalized. His message was and is good news to all who recognize their need. Heartland’s Mission, Vision and Values focus on how we are called to live out his message in our world.
GOD
We believe in the one true, holy God, creator and sustainer of all things, eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit—each of whom possesses all the attributes of deity and the characteristics of personality.
GOD THE FATHER
We believe in God the Father, Lord of the universe, who rules in majesty, power, perfect holiness and love. He is full of mercy and compassion, a protector of the vulnerable, demonstrating a unique concern for those in need. In love, he sent his Son Jesus Christ to provide salvation for all who put their trust in him.
JESUS CHRIST
We believe Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith. He is God’s only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, fully God and fully man. He lived a life of perfect obedience to the Father and voluntarily took upon himself the penalty of our sin by dying in our place. He was resurrected from the dead, demonstrating his power over sin and death, and then ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. He is the fullest and clearest revelation of what God is like. He shall come again to earth, personally and visibly, to establish his Kingdom forever.
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to draw people to Jesus Christ; to indwell and transform believers into the image of Christ, and to distribute gifts to the Church for ministry. Jesus introduced this new relationship with the Holy Spirit when, just prior to his death and resurrection, he promised his disciples that he would not leave them as orphans, but would do something even better - he would ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit to be with them and in them. The active ministry of the Holy Spirit continues today producing life-changing results.
SALVATION
We believe that God created all people in his image, to live in relationship with God and each other in holiness and love, with value and dignity. However, we became alienated from God through sinful disobedience. God provided for our atonement by his grace through the blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross for all. Salvation is a free gift received by faith in Jesus Christ. The love of God as demonstrated on the cross means that people are not to be defined by their sinfulness but by their belovedness.
THE CHURCH
We believe the Church is the fellowship of all believers worldwide across time, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in community with one another and to make disciples of all nations. Jesus Christ is the head of the Church, which represents his body here on earth. Followers of Jesus are to be known by the way we demonstrate His selfless love to all, as we become conformed to the image of Christ.
THE BIBLE
We believe in the divine inspiration, entire trustworthiness, uniqueness, and authority of the Bible in matters of faith and practice.
Beyond these statements. There are many other important beliefs beyond those listed here, and a full understanding of our amazing God is beyond human comprehension. At Heartland we welcome sincere questions, and we are open to diversity of thought on spiritual matters beyond this Statement of Faith - it makes us better! We understand that unity does not come from uniformity, but from submitting to Jesus and to one another in love by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Living out these truths - it’s not just about beliefs. Jesus and the religious power brokers of his day may have been similar in doctrine and spiritual disciplines, but the way they lived out these truths stood in stark contrast. The scribes and Pharisees represented those who took a posture of superiority and self-righteousness, judging and looking down on others. In contrast, Jesus came full of grace and truth, humbling himself and taking on the form of a servant. He especially sought out and ministered to the poor, the sick, the oppressed - those who were marginalized. His message was and is good news to all who recognize their need. Heartland’s Mission, Vision and Values focus on how we are called to live out his message in our world.