PRESENTS
Leadership & Teaching Pastor
Heartland Community Church
Olathe, KS
https://www.heartlandchurch.org/
It's like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade. Mark 4:30-32
THE 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. They had a vision of that tiny mustard seed described in the Bible. They longed to reach out to all those who had never felt the love of God--those who looked at the church as a place to avoid, not a place of peace.
It began small, with teaching from an ironing board in a family’s basement on Sunday mornings. Craig McElvain (known to most as 'Mac') was at the leadership at the helm of this organic gathering for nearly 20 years. 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.
Within two years of its start, Heartland founder's planted their first church. After years in Overland Park and planting six additional churches, and two nonprofits, Mission Adelante & The Hope Center, Heartland moved to it's home in Olathe! After praying, planning, construction, and remodeling, Heartland opened its doors in 2009. This new venue was designed with a 25-year plan to ensure the church could continue to grow.
Dan Deeble followed Mac's succession in January of 2005 and continued to carry on strength through his teaching until officially stepping down in January of 2020. The seeds planted by Heartland's founders have resulted in thousands of baptisms over the years.
THE NUMBERS
At HCC's largest in 2011, the average annual weekly adult attendance was 3,191 people. For the entirety of 2020, the online worshipping community was 755 and the in-person community (of all ages) was 848. Over the last 5 weeks of August (most current numbers captured), there have been 307 in-person worshipping and 695 people in the online community.
With a budget of roughly $3,500,000, COVID has had its impact, as it has for many churches. For 2020 as a whole, giving has been down roughly 20%. Staffing has shifted, some by choice, some by necessity. Our staff is the heartbeat of Heartland Community Church. They are 'all in,' committed to the future that God has called forth, and are ready to receive a leader worthy of following!
VISION, MISSION, VALUES & GENEROSITY
Simply put, we are a Jesus first people, driven by a passion for building relationships, who are constantly pointing our lives out like arrows, and making a generational impact one life, one relationship, and one community at a time. That’s who we are, and who God made us to be!
Our Vision
Becoming a church among the unchurched.
Our Mission
We make space for building relationships to make Jesus first.
Our Core Values
Heartland’s core values answer the big WHY question...why we do what we do in the ways that 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 - wherever you are
- Develop Holistically - by giving ourselves away
- Have Fun - take Jesus seriously, including his joy
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.
Our Generosity
- People arrive with their pockets guarded. And well they should.
- As we become like Jesus, we’ll give like Jesus.
- 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)
LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. - Isaiah 43:18-19
Heartland has most recently been led by the Lead Pastor, Dan Deeble, who grew in popularity and credibility for 15 years. Dan resigned in January of 2020, which transitioned senior leaders (who were also on the HCC teaching team) to share the 'Main Stage' in teaching. After prayerful consideration, a Leadership Task Force was created to shepherd and evaluate the leadership structure process, which ultimately led to a decision to move forward with strength in a 'Lead Team.'
Lead Team
This team is comprised of an equal member of a three pastor 'Lead Team.' Those three areas are:
- Leadership & Teaching (the role for which we are hiring)
- Communities & Discipleship
- Organization & Development
Responsibilities of this team include developing ministries and establishing churchwide priorities that contribute to the big picture vision and establishing systems and policies that allow the church to function most effectively to accomplish its mission.
Board of Directors Elder Team
Under the authority of Jesus Christ and the word of God, Heartland is led by a body, the Board of Directors Elder Team. This team is specialized in function and role according to the gifts and passions of the team members.
This team is comprised of volunteer members of strong Heartland leaders who have marketplace expertise in legal affairs, financial management, each of the three Lead Team members, and one non-voting Pastoral Elder. Their focus is on Heartland’s finances. They ensure that Heartland’s financial affairs are handled with responsibility and integrity in accordance with ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) standards. They must approve the Heartland budgets proposed by the Management Team, and they authorize buying/selling of real estate, securing real estate leases or borrowing of money. (Additionally, an Audit Review Team selects the auditors for the yearly audit and works with Heartland Operations Team to review both the yearly audit results and Heartland’s internal control structure).
Additionally, their focus is on the global vision for Heartland and on the performance of the Leadership Teaching Pastor. This team, in partnership with the Lead Team, establishes and oversees annual churchwide goals and priorities. Additionally, this team is responsible for providing wise leadership counsel to the Leadership Teaching Pastor, evaluating the Leadership Teaching Pastor’s job performance, and (when necessary) calling a new Leadership Teaching Pastor.
Pastoral Elders
This team is comprised of volunteer members of Heartland with a passion for building disciples and a genuine community. Their focus is on spiritual growth and care/counseling. Their responsibilities include modeling and promoting spiritual growth and genuine community among the staff and membership of Heartland, administering the sacraments, overseeing the benevolence fund, and extending care to the church.
Heartland Community Church Bylaws
Heartland Community Church is seeking a Leadership Teaching Pastor who will champion and add value to a collaborative leadership model of ministry, so as not to place too much responsibility or burden on one person. HCC is seeking a quarterback for this gifted and highly motivated staff and church body!
BECOMING THE CHURCH
WORSHIP
Heartland's Worship provides opportunities for people to experience the grace of Jesus in refreshing ways. This is done predominantly through highlighting creative arts, technical arts, and worshiping through song. Our worship would be described as fully modern or contemporary, regularly leading songs written by Hillsong, Elevation, Bethel, etc. and affords people access to see Jesus in a new way, whether in person or online. Though a smaller team than it once was, we are fortunate to have incredible talent on our worship team.
MISSIONS
Heartland is called to care for the physically and spiritually impoverished in our city and our world by advocating for the at-risk and vulnerable and addressing needs together in community. We are committed to provide training opportunities and on-ramps for people at Heartland to join in God’s mission. Currently we partner with local ministries, communities, schools and churches. These organizations have a similar heart for our city and our world. By partnering together we accomplish more than we could on our own, both within our community and internationally. You can test drive a serving experience that interests you to determine your passion and readiness. We call this an exposure opportunity. Join an existing community (group) that is already serving arrows out. We call this an engagement opportunity.
VIEW HEARTLAND MISSION PARTNERS
Gifts from the Heart
Gifts from Heart is our Christmas outreach that has been a part of Heartland for over 20 years. Our community needs us more than ever to share God's love and build relationships during this season. We serve the Olathe schools, ‘Gracious Promise’ and ‘Anchor Her’ prison ministries, our foster care families and our own community, by sharing God's love through a simple gift.
COMMUNITIES
Across our city, we meet as Communities, groups of 15-30 people who are working out what it means to make space for building relationships to make Jesus first. Our communities meet around different areas of interest. Like a cause, where we serve together. Or a life stage, passion, neighborhood where we gather together. We eat, pray, share our lives, befriend, care, listen, and much more. God is changing lives in incredible ways. We love to see transformation happen in our own lives and in others as we connect and do life around Kansas City.
Discipleship and Mission Influences
- 3DM Learning Communities
- 24/7 Prayer Movement
- Alpha Course
KIDS & STUDENTS
Our family ministries serve infants through high school students, leading our next generation into a personal relationship with Jesus. We prepare to help remind them of their identity in Jesus through their middle school years and develop a faith of their own in high school as they prepare to launch into the world.
Infant-PreK
Our mission it to cultivate Christ-followers and want to link arms with parents to love and lead the next generation. Our staff and volunteers are committed to making the Bible real to kids through creative storytelling, music, crafts and games. We design our services so each child experiences fun, belonging and Jesus. Our goal is when kids go to Kindergarten they understand that God made me, God loves me and Jesus wants to be my forever friend.
K-4
For our younger generation (K-4th), everything we teach in Heartland Kids is based on one of the basic, but powerful truths (wisdom, faith, friendship) modeled by Jesus in Luke 2:52. Our curriculum is designed to provoke discovery and invite kids into a new understanding of how to grow in a relationship with Jesus. We would like to help families continue teaching these truths at home with the help of “Parent Cue.” This provides a cohesive, calculated, and purposeful experience for kids and students year over year.
Middle School (MOVE)
Move (grades 5-8) meets every Sunday at both the 9 and 11 am services. Move provides middle school students with a place to belong in community, to grow in their knowledge, understanding, and relationship with God, and a safe place to practice living their Jesus-first lives. Move is structured to provide leadership and discipleship opportunities to high school students who show maturity in their faith, and a desire to disciple Move students as they journey through the ups and downs of middle school. With the help of adult leaders, Freshman in high school begin leading a group of 5th grade Move students. The goal is that high school coaches and middle school Move students would stay together for four years and develop in their relationships and discipleship. Move has an awesome team of committed adult leaders that are energized by seeing middle school students connect and grow in their faith. Come to any Move gathering, and you will see an emphasis on fun, encountering Jesus, and relationships!
High School (MVMT)
MVMT is the high school ministry of Heartland. We're a highly relational ministry lead by an incredible team of 20 young adult leaders. Our students are engaged and many serve in the middle school and kids ministry. This last summer we offered an 8-week internship for 24 student interns, 8 of which got baptized! In the face of a global pandemic, our high school ministry has thrived! We quickly created a COVID response with a website, live stream, and Zoom small groups. Our attendance year to date is up over last year, and at our Fall Retreat a couple of weeks back we saw a significant moment of the Holy Spirit, with many students experiencing God for the first time or the first time in a long time. God is on the move!
Through the Roof
The purpose of TTR ministry is to help all families with kids with special needs experience hospitality, acceptance, and support to participate in services at HCC. For families whose kids require a more direct one-on-one approach, or who have sensory issues that make a larger setting overwhelming, we have a sensory-friendly room available during the 11 AM service.
In our sensory-friendly TTR room, kids are welcomed by a team of compassionate volunteers. While families enjoy an opportunity for worry-free worship, TTR kids are able to experience the love of Jesus through the respect and kindness of our volunteers. A team of Heartland Kids' musicians provide a time of music, during which our TTR kids are able to freely worship.
It is the hope of TTR ministry that HCC families with special needs will be able to form connections with each other and build relationships as we walk our unique paths with our kids.
OUR BELIEFS
Statement 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)
Note: These essential beliefs are drawn from–and set forth in greater detail in–the Westminster Confession of Faith
KANSAS CITY
Olathe (o lay' tha) is the Shawnee Indian word for "beautiful"
Located twenty miles southwest of downtown Kansas City, along the historic Oregon-California and Santa Fe Trails. Olathe is a suburb of Kansas City with a population of roughly 142,000. Olathe is in Johnson County and is one of the more desirable places to live in Kansas. Living in Olathe offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many families and young professionals live in Olathe and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Olathe are highly rated. Parks and trails are numerous, with local lakes and camping nearby. Housing is relatively affordable, with the average price of a home at $290,000.
Being centered in the Bible belt, there is a large protestant Christian influence. The politics are as diverse as the people. While there is a strong influence from the church, there is also growing inclusivity of the LGBTQ community, other religious practices, and races.
The city is composed of several neighborhoods, including the River Market District in the north, the 18th and Vine District in the east, and the Country Club Plaza in the south. Brookside, Waldo, North Kansas City, and other Kansas City-metro area pockets have their own culture, food, and unique nuances that create a vast variety of experiences and people. Celebrated cultural traditions include Kansas City jazz, the most recent Super Bowl champs, the Chiefs and Royals sports franchises, as well as famous cuisine based on Kansas City-style barbecue, steak and craft breweries.
THE CHALLENGE &
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Challenge
To lead following a loved and dynamic, former lead pastor, Dan Deeble. How does the church advance beyond that season of leadership, honor the past, while pulling forward the good that foundationally exists within the DNA of Heartland.
To increase confidence in the effectiveness of Sunday teaching and overall leadership. To provide compelling and creative communication in which evokes a high sense of grace and accessibility, while also inviting challenge and ownership in its people; engaging with both the furthest out and the mature Christian through one message. There is a deep desire to return to our strength of Biblical teaching.
To implement the vision of the church strategically and stay focused. To separate the good, from the God opportunities. To provide consistency in clear and effective ways to continue to both cast vision and offer simple steps forward.
To boldly embrace calculated risk and provide stability for a church that has seen 'the flavor of the week' and has grown fatigued. To lead with decisiveness in making thoughtful decisions in a timely manner; committing and moving forward in confidence while bringing others along.
While it is evident that HCC loves people and highly values community, we have struggled to BUILD Christ-centered communities that advance the kingdom of God. While being relational is a core value, it is not the chief end, but a means to an end and a greater commission. People have struggled to find 'their people' through ever-changing programs and focuses.
To continue growing in reflecting the community. This has never been more important than it is today. We envision HCC reflecting the growing diversity of our community racially, socio-economically, generationally and culturally so that our congregation will be a welcoming home for people of all ages, races, and ethnicities.
The Opportunity
Community; it is in our name. - Ian, Heartland Staffer
The Heartland team believes that the best years are still to come and there is a compelling vision that was just refined and landed upon in 2020. By the Spirit’s power, Heartland will continue to move towards it's five year vision “becoming the church, among the unchurched.” Moving from the high-level 5 year vision to the 6 months vision, those listed below are already in motion.
- Align to vision & mission
- Training for communities
- Communicate clearly
- Everyone encounter God through prayer
The actionable steps for all Heartlanders are:
- Show Up...for service weekly. Worship, serve, bring a friend.
- Step In...to a community 2x/month. 75 pioneers-many partners.
- Move Out...with a few regularly. Engage with the Journey reading plan, discussing with friends/family.
Our heart is for the furthest out. We have a solid mission that people have always gotten behind, that feels authentic to who HCC is, and who HCC’s people are. We are gracious hosts to unabashedly offer acceptance. You can show up broken, raw, defeated and vulnerable. Come as you are. We are authentic people.
We have the gift of welcoming and inviting. We make new guests feel comfortable and find a safe place to land, no questions asked. You can sense the hospitable atmosphere as soon as you get through the doors. We love Jesus and we love people...and it is evident! There is a deep value of hospitality that emanates from Heartlanders.
We have a special context...location and space. We don't necessarily look like a church. We have a beautiful, non-typical open floorplan facility including awesome indoor and outdoor spaces, a casual open atmosphere, and a clean, minimalistic feel. We even have a lightbox! We are a regional church, with easy access off the highway. We have blue-collar, highly educated, transient people and everything in between that darken our doorways because of our physical location.
We work hard to connect with the next generation. We are attractive to families, as our littlest ones through high school are well-served through strong programs and curriculum. It is interactive, age-relevant Biblical teaching with a high value placed on consistency in volunteers and leaders.
We are talented and fun! We take Jesus seriously, but not ourselves. Our worship is big, filled with creativity, innovation, and talent. We write and teach our people new music. It's not uncommon to find a video clip or flashback picture embedded in a Sunday message, candy thrown from upfront, or staff riding through the atrium on scooters. This may have lessened during the tougher months behind us, but there is no question it is true to who we are.
The Next Leader
As iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another. -Proverbs 27:17
As we pray for who God is calling to our Heartland family, we have discerned that this future leader will have attributes, natural gifting and experience that closely aligns in the following ways:
Surrendered - Spirit-filled and spirit-led, an overflow and extension of their own life, completely dependent on the spirit of God and His word.
Biblically-grounded Teacher - with depth to connect with, and ignite the community, regardless of their faith-maturity. A strong, engaging, creative & compelling communicator.
Elevate those they lead - empowering and developing others. Passionate about both high challenge and high encouragement, with accountability to cultivate growth in those they lead. They can demonstrate, with several provable anecdotes, about their ability to lead others.
Strong leader with even stronger convictions - Being proactive, quickly addressing conflict in an emotionally healthy way. They promote real efforts, outreach, and a lifestyle that embraces diversity and won't shy away from hard conversations and current topics that could be challenging to navigate.
Clear - A focused leader with a clear, simple, accessible, and consistent vision that promotes growth and movement in the body while offering a path to get there. Makes timely & confident decisions; taking calculated risks when needed.
Relational - Balancing a self-aware EQ, a keen level of ability to understand other people, what motivates them, and how to work cooperatively with them, but caring for their heart and deepening relationship along the way.
This leader is passionate about bringing grace, truth, AND challenge to our church. - HCC Board Member
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Leadership & Teaching Pastor Position Description
Reports to: Board of Directors Elder Team
Serves with: Lead Team & Staff
PURPOSE
To have a heart that is captured by Jesus, energized by our mission and vision, and loves serving as part of a mutual leadership team
Advance the mission of God through the effective communication of the Gospel – God’s unchanging truths, in relevant ways
Inspire our people to live out the discipling mission of Jesus in their lives and in the world
To develop teachers and leaders
To lead, serve and partner with staff
To function as an equal member of a 3-pastor Lead Team – this specific role is focused on Leadership & Teaching. For context, the second role is focused on Communities & Discipleship and the third role is focused on Organizational Development.
CHARACTER
- Passion for Jesus
- Person of prayer
- Grounded in the Ways of Jesus
- Strong sense of humility
- Self-aware / high emotional & relational intelligence
- Servant leader, develops & elevates others
- Exudes life & joy
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Will lead the Sunday service experience (including digital/streaming) in a way that provides the opportunity for individuals to encounter Jesus through relevance and excellence
- As primary communicator, to deliver sermons which are vision driven, spiritually challenging and theologically accurate. Approx. 36-40 Sunday’s during the first year
- Lend appropriate leadership and support to staff and their ministries
- Creatively teaches, trains and help's lead Heartland’s generosity development efforts
- Continuously pursue a life of healthy spiritual growth through active personal spiritual practices, devotion and prayer
- Actively develops teachers and leaders
- Kingdom Orientation – builds relationships and partnerships with other leaders in our city and beyond
QUALIFICATIONS
- Baptized believer
- Degree from an accredited college or university
- Ordained Christian minister
- Minimum of five years of experience in full-time pastoral ministry and church leadership
- Satisfies the Biblical qualifications of 1 Peter 5:1-4; Titus 1:5-9, Timothy 3: 1-7
- Committed to the statement of faith, mission and vision of Heartland Community Church
- Theological training from an accredited seminary, M.Div preferred
- Leads with humility, and possesses a servant’s heart
- Energized by being part of a mutual leadership structure
- Ability to passionately preach, teach and communicate God’s Word with equal conviction and authority
- A demonstrated multiplier of leaders
- High leadership, high partnership
CONTACT
To find out more about Heartland Community Church, please review their website at https://www.heartlandchurch.org/ to learn more about their beliefs, vision, and values and the many other ministries of the church.
If, after a thorough look at these documents, you sense that this would be a good fit for you, please contact:
Brooke Hodnefield - [email protected] or APPLY HERE.