Church Life
Local Church Membership
Heartland Baptist Bible College believes service in a local church is a vital part of students’ training. Therefore, every student must be a member of, regularly attend, and actively serve in a local independent fundamental Baptist church.
Students entering Heartland Baptist Bible College from outside of the immediate Oklahoma City area join Southwest Baptist Church of Oklahoma City. Students from the immediate Oklahoma City area may continue membership and service at their home churches. Beginning with the second year in school, a student may become a member in another local church, provided:
- the church is a strong independent fundamental Baptist church,
- the student has a definite ministry position, and
- approval is granted by the Administration in advance.
Students are expected to be faithful in church attendance, giving, and service. Students complete a weekly Christian Service Report, which includes documentation and accountability of:
- attendance at church services
- participation in visitation, door knocking, soul winning, or similar outreach ministry; and
- participation in a minimum of one church ministry.
Although Heartland Baptist Bible College expects students to be actively engaged in local church ministry while in Oklahoma City, the college also encourages students to maintain strong communication with their home churches, as well. The college maintains open communications with home church pastors and desires the home pastor and church be involved in the life of the student as much as possible.
Adoptive Family Program
Heartland Baptist Bible College enjoys a special relationship with Southwest Baptist Church in many ways. One special relationship is found through the Adoptive Family Program. Many families in Southwest Baptist Church “adopt” students from Heartland as they begin their first year in school.
The goal of the Adoptive Family Program is to provide encouragement and prayer support, as well as to help students feel at home while attending Heartland. Adoptive families are also greatly encouraged by the program, as students endeavor to be a blessing to their host families. The program is a great way for students to enjoy additional family support while they are away from home, and it is also an opportunity for members of Southwest Baptist Church to enjoy investment in Heartland Baptist Bible College students.