Freqently Asked Questions
Charting the waters at a new church can be a difficult. In an effort to help check out our FAQ's.
1. What makes this church unique?
We believe that a real relationship with God is available for you. The truth is simple: God loves you. No matter who you are. No matter what you've done. No strings attached. In fact, God likes you too! That in itself is pretty unique. Thus, we're striving to be a community that authentically communicates that good news to people
2. Is this a Christian Church or something else?
Yes, we are a Christian church. The Highlands is a United Methodist Church. To find out more about the United Methodist Church check out www.umc.org or www.ngumc.org. Though somewhat non-traditional in style, The Highlands is deeply committed to the classic Christian faith as handed down through history.
3. Will I have to say anything, sign anything, or be singled out in any way?
You can rest assured that you will never be put on the spot, singled out, or embarrassed. You can register your attendance if you'd like, but it's optional and No...we won't ask you to stand and be recognized as a guest.
Feel free to "kick the tires" and "take us for a test drive" at your own pace. Our goal is to build bridges to you, not to push you across them. The only area of our church environment where you will be asked to sign your name and provide other information is in our children's ministry. This is to provide your children with the safest and most secure area possible. In fact, all people who are working in the children's ministry must undergo a criminal background check.
4. What's your history?
How much time do you have? With the support and backing of the United Methodist Church, Pastor Jeff Coleman with his wife Gay, and their children Abigail and Andrew, moved to Gainesville in June of 2002 to lead the planting of this new church. Our first public worship service was held on February 9th, 2003. In August of 2005 we took a bold step of faith by moving to Saturday nights and met at Autumn Hill Assembly of God. In March of this year we finally completed our new facility and moved back to Sunday morning worship.
7. What about my children?
The Highlands has committed itself to making children a high priority. Our nursery - Pre-K is staffed with both paid staff and volunteers who provide excellent care for our youngest children, while Kindergarten through 5th grade will engage in creative activities, arts & crafts, Bible lessons, and age appropriate worship.
8. What about teenagers?
The Highlands Student Ministry (The Change) is led by Connie Henderson and other energetic adult leaders. Student Ministry meetings are life-impacting times for middle school and high school students. No boring meetings or long lectures. It's cool events, exciting trips, and relevant discussions with a biblical foundation about issues facing students today.
9. What is your worship like?
We are very down to earth. Our worship includes a contagious time of entering God's presence through singing, prayer for ourselves and the world, cutting edge multimedia, a sense of mystery, occasional drama, and a biblically based message which will be relevant to everyday life. We celebrate Holy Communion on the first and third Sunday of each month.
10. How long does your worship last?
Worships starts at 11:00 AM and lasts roughly one hour and 10 minutes.
11. What should I wear?
We prefer clothes. Seriously, we encourage you to wear whatever you feel comfortable wearing. For some that might be a dress shirt, slacks, or a dress. For others it will be jeans, a golf shirt, or khakis. Still others will come worship in sandals and shorts. We don't care. We believe God isn't hung up on clothing style so our focus isn't on what we wear but Who we worship.
12. Do you have Sunday School?
No. The Highlands believes people best experience Jesus, develop as leaders, and grow spiritually in a small group of people. A small group is gathering of six to twelve people that meet in area homes for the purpose of learning, laughing, and doing life together. Put it this way, we study scripture, pray for each other, tackle the tough questions of faith and life, serve others, care for one another, and notice when you don't show up!!
13. What if I wanted to "join" the church?
After having worshipped with The Highlands for a while, you may choose to investigate what membership is like by participating in what we call "Discovery Dessert." This hour-and-a-half course is taught by our pastor. You'll find answers to your questions concerning our vision & mission, our history, plus, a few other distinctive qualities that make this congregation unique. While we value church membership we value disicipleship even more. Jesus didn't say, "Go into all the world and make church members." Instead, he said, "Go into all the world and make disciples", which means learners. Your decision to join The Highlands should be made prayerfully and entered into with confidence and peace of mind.