HeavenEarth Church: Redefining Church for the Marginalized and Disenchanted | Ep.002

HeavenEarth Church Ep.002 Show Notes

In this episode of the HeavenEarth Church Podcast, Brad Miller sits down with Pastor Ross Stackhouse to explore the origins and transformative journey of HeavenEarth Church. Through an engaging discussion, Pastor Ross shares his path from an academic pursuit to church planting, the challenges and breakthroughs along the way, and the church's unique approach to building a faith-based community.

Summary of Episode

Dr. Brad Miller begins by introducing Ross Stackhouse, the visionary behind HeavenEarth Church. Initially set on becoming a college professor, Ross faced obstacles that shifted his trajectory towards church planting. Encouraged by a mentor, Ross enrolled in a church planting class as part of his ordination requirements. This led him to draft a proposal for a church in Johnson County, focusing on areas like Bargersville and Whiteland. His vision was to create an inclusive community for those who felt alienated by traditional churches.

Ross explains that in 2018, he acted on his calling, submitting his proposal to the United Methodist Church. By July 18, 2018, he was officially appointed to start the church. What sets HeavenEarth Church apart is its community-centered, missional approach. Rather than aiming for high attendance numbers from the get-go, Ross focused on building genuine relationships within the community. His initial efforts involved meeting people in informal settings like restaurants, grocery stores, and hair salons, gradually forming a launch team.

Dr. Brad Miller shares a contrasting experience from the mid-nineties where his church plant began with 260 attendees but quickly stabilized at about 100, emphasizing the challenges of traditional planting methods. Ross's narrative comes full circle with the story of the church's name, HeavenEarth Church, which emerged from community interactions. The name encapsulates the church's mission to manifest Jesus' teachings—bringing heaven to earth in tangible, everyday ways.

Three Key Takeaways

1. Missional and Relational Approach to Church Planting:

• Ross Stackhouse's strategy focuses on integrating the church into the fabric of the community rather than utilizing traditional church planting methods. By being present in everyday settings and forming genuine relationships, Ross successfully built a launch team that shared his vision. This missional approach aims to meet people where they are, making faith relevant to their daily lives.

1. Inclusive and Authentically Relational Community:

• HeavenEarth Church stands out for its inclusive practices, making everyone feel welcome, regardless of their past experiences with religion. Ross recounts heartwarming stories like that of a blended family from Mexico who became integral members of the church, highlighting their bilingual baptism. The church also engages in creative partnerships, like collaborating with Upstream Prevention to address housing issues, thus broadening its impact beyond the congregation.

1. Vision-Driven and Community-Centered Development:

• HeavenEarth Church operates under a wider mission of creating a "neighborhood of friends" who effect positive change. Their services are conversational, prioritizing hospitality and genuine connections over traditional sermons. Initiatives like Heaven Earth Spaces Inc., a nonprofit focusing on transitional and affordable housing, demonstrate the church's commitment to addressing pressing community challenges. The vision is to make faith practical and accessible, meeting people's basic needs and fostering a supportive community.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Dr. Brad Miller and Ross Stackhouse reflect on the inspiring stories emerging from HeavenEarth Church. From its unique beginnings to its ongoing mission, the church embodies warmth, authenticity, and the teachings of Christ in a non-intimidating manner. Stackhouse's focus remains on the future, eager to witness the continued impact and growth of the church.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how HeavenEarth Church is redefining community, faith, and inclusivity for a new generation. Stay connected with us for more stories of transformation and hope!