Southwest Baptist Church
Students entering Heartland (both first year students and transfer students attending for the first time) from out of the immediate area are required to join and be faithful members at Southwest Baptist Church of Oklahoma City. Second year students and above may become members in another local independent Baptist church provided (1) the church agrees with Heartland’s doctrinal and philosophical stand, (2) the student has a definite ministry position, and (3) approval is granted by the Administration in advance. Area students may remain in their home church provided it is an approved Baptist church. An area student is any person who can faithfully attend and serve in their home church on a weekly basis. Students are expected to be faithful in their local church in their attendance, giving, and service. Attendance at all church services is mandatory for all Heartland students. Exceptions may be granted by the college Administration to miss midweek services because of work.
Practical Christian Service
Heartland believes regular Christian service in a local, independent Baptist church to be a vital part of every student’s training. Therefore, all students are required to be a member of and actively serving in and regularly attending a local church. Christian Service will involve three areas: (1) attendance at regular church services, (2) participation in visitation, door knocking, soul winning, or similar outreach ministry, and (3) participation in a minimum of one church ministry. Students are required to complete a Christian Service Report on a weekly basis.
Students are expected to maintain ties with their home church while they are at college; and if they return home between sessions, they are expected to attend and serve faithfully in the home church. The college maintains open communications with the home church pastor and desires the home pastor and church be involved in the life of the student as much as possible.
