How it all started...
High Places Community Church was officially formed in March 1990 with a vision for ministries that were fundamentally "principle-centered" and free. Purposefully low key, the church has slowly grown in a steady and deliberate way.
High Places people come from many places and backgrounds. As a non-denominational church we are not directly affiliated with any particular denomination, though we are free and open to associate with any and all who wish to do so.
After beginning in a home setting the church has since met in a variety of places, including the Oak Ridge Civic Center, British Woods' clubhouse, the YWCA, and a former shopping center on Ogden Lane. In 2004 The Old Grove Theater was purchased by the church for the purpose of meeting both church and community space needs.
With a history that is rooted in community-oriented youth ministry, we are highly committed to both youth and children's ministries and we invest heavily in both. Our adult ministries are formed around a commitment to encourage healthy adults and families. We are also blessed to have those who in their golden years are young at heart and bring much wisdom and balance to the church.
High Places people come from many places and backgrounds. As a non-denominational church we are not directly affiliated with any particular denomination, though we are free and open to associate with any and all who wish to do so.
After beginning in a home setting the church has since met in a variety of places, including the Oak Ridge Civic Center, British Woods' clubhouse, the YWCA, and a former shopping center on Ogden Lane. In 2004 The Old Grove Theater was purchased by the church for the purpose of meeting both church and community space needs.
With a history that is rooted in community-oriented youth ministry, we are highly committed to both youth and children's ministries and we invest heavily in both. Our adult ministries are formed around a commitment to encourage healthy adults and families. We are also blessed to have those who in their golden years are young at heart and bring much wisdom and balance to the church.
For this is what the lofty one says, He who lives forever and whose name is Holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
— Isaiah 57:15
Our Four Paradigm Principles...
Our paradigm is the “lens through which we view ministry”. The High Places lens consists of four basic principles. These are:
1. A “Mission/Vision” which clarifies where the church has been and where we are headed.
2. A simple “Profile” statement clarifying a few basic qualities we believe Christ wants to build into His church (individual and collective).
3. An “Environment” that encourages forward progress on our spiritual journeys regardless of our starting point.
4. A common sense approach to “inviting/challenging” individuals to personal involvement/growth that provides clarity without insulting intelligence, spirituality or personal commitment.
Operating by these principles keep the primary focus where it should be which is on people rather than programs and buildings, which are simply tools for ministry (as opposed to sacred cows).
1. A “Mission/Vision” which clarifies where the church has been and where we are headed.
2. A simple “Profile” statement clarifying a few basic qualities we believe Christ wants to build into His church (individual and collective).
3. An “Environment” that encourages forward progress on our spiritual journeys regardless of our starting point.
4. A common sense approach to “inviting/challenging” individuals to personal involvement/growth that provides clarity without insulting intelligence, spirituality or personal commitment.
Operating by these principles keep the primary focus where it should be which is on people rather than programs and buildings, which are simply tools for ministry (as opposed to sacred cows).
Where we are headed...
Statistics reveal that our nation is becoming increasingly unchurched, especially in this post-Covid era. Church attendance had been declining before Covid, but for many, the pandemic created easy off ramps from regular church attendance. While still loving Jesus, many are missing out on the opportunities for direct love and service through corporate worship, while others are still on a journey to find Jesus.
Our aim is to increasingly be the hands of feet of Jesus in our community, nation, and world. This means reflecting the truths of the Gospel without compromise in a culture that truly hungers for authentic spiritual connection, and yet still remains awash in materialism, self-focus, and distraction. Only the love of God can heal us and restore us to ourselves, each other, and our eternal purposes. High Places aims to spend the next decade growing the church and extending the reach of our ministries as we faithfully live out His calling on our lives. This includes investing heavily in the next generation of Christians and church leaders, so our emphasis will steadily be placed on children, youth, and young adults while also ministring to the needs of seasoned believers and those in their golden years as we serve, teach, and disciple new believers.
Our aim is to increasingly be the hands of feet of Jesus in our community, nation, and world. This means reflecting the truths of the Gospel without compromise in a culture that truly hungers for authentic spiritual connection, and yet still remains awash in materialism, self-focus, and distraction. Only the love of God can heal us and restore us to ourselves, each other, and our eternal purposes. High Places aims to spend the next decade growing the church and extending the reach of our ministries as we faithfully live out His calling on our lives. This includes investing heavily in the next generation of Christians and church leaders, so our emphasis will steadily be placed on children, youth, and young adults while also ministring to the needs of seasoned believers and those in their golden years as we serve, teach, and disciple new believers.
