Highlands College — Attraction in Birmingham

Incredible atmosphere and facility! Cannot say enough good things about this church and pastor Chris Hodges. Non-denominational. Doctrine is similar to Baptist, with more emphasis on relationship (NOT a fire and brimstone message). Multi-cultural. Contemporary music (though traditional hymns are doing at the Grants Mill chapel location in Birmingham).This is not a prosperity Gospel church always asking for money. They have plenty of offerings and pay cash for everything because they are the real deal, with scripture-based sermons taught in a relevant way to help you apply Biblical lessons to your own life. I love that the church is constantly involved in community outreach and support. For example, in 2020, Highlands converted its facilities to covid testing centers during the week. They continue to provide free medical care at the Dream Center in Birmingham. They regularly send financial aid and teams of volunteers after natural disasters all over the country. They provide millions of free meals and sponsor hundreds of local families to ufo them provide Christmas gifts to their kids. They can afford to support both local and non-local communities because expenses from staff are minimal-- most of the usual staff jobs are handled by volunteers instead ("the Dream Team"). Volunteers don't just serve because they feel obligated to; instead, new members learn how to identify their strengths, gifts, and talents, and are encouraged to serve however they feel led to (in any role from the parking team, to children's check-in, music, leading a small group, etc). Of course, some extra safety checks are involved for those wanting to volunteer with children. I have ALWAYS felt like my kids were safe there (over last 10 years, from toddlers to teens). They have an incredible children's church experience for kids up to around age 12, with systems in place to ensure only designated adults can pick up your child, and even a cool way to communicate with parents in the worship service in the rare event that a parent needs to come check on their child during the service (e.g., if child is upset, sick, hurt, etc.). God is doing something incredible. It's not a person or a location, but a church family of many others just like you who are learning to know God more, learning to find freedom, and discovering...

I’ve been going to Church of the Highlands for a little over 6 years now. I was a high school students at the time, and I didn’t fully know what I going to do when I graduated or what even my passions entailed. Pastor Chris started talking about Highlands College and walking into full time ministry. Ministry can be in a workplace, at a church; with your family. I began to realize I was most passionate about God’s hand over every area of my life, and I wanted more to give the more for people to see more of God. I graduate this year, and I’m ecstatic to see where the Lord leads me. Each semester has taught me practical and spiritual steps of becoming the leader God called me to be, and who God is to me. Thank you Pastor Chris for dreaming big, and thank you Highlands College for helping me dream bigger than...

We just got home from the best experience at Discovery Day. I highly recommend checking them out! The Presence of God was so strong from the moment we stepped on campus. The Ambassadors did an incredible job welcoming and the entire experience was absolutely incredible. Top notch chapel service! They made us feel like a face and not a number. Every part of the day was well thought out and executed with excellence. From a momma, what a great feeling to know this is where my daughter wants to attend college. From a follower of Jesus, I just know He is so pleased with all that is happening here. Well done HC! We are super grateful for the...