Our Story

Pastor Chris Hodges of Church of the Highlands founded Highlands College (HC) in 2011. HC offers a 4-semester program for students 18-24 years old, leading to an Associate of Arts in Ministry Leadership. HC also offers an Evening program created to give adults an opportunity to transition into full-time ministry and for leaders of all ages to be trained in their calling.

In 2015, the Highlands College Board of Directors decided to pursue accreditation with the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). While HC is continuing the process of seeking accreditation, HC students can earn an accredited Associate of Arts in Christian Ministries degree from Southeastern University.

Since its beginnings, HC has seen much change and improvement. Yet, it holds steadily to its enduring mission of being a biblical higher education institution that exists to supply the Church with leaders of competence, character, and spiritual maturity, holistically trained to lead lives of eternal impact by fulfilling the Great Commission.

Statement of Faith

Holy Bible

The Holy Bible, and only the Bible, is the authoritative Word of God. It alone is the final authority in determining all doctrinal truths. In its original writing, it is inspired, infallible and inerrant. (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21; Proverbs 30:5; Romans 16:25-26)

Trinity

There is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and coeternal. (I John 5:7; Genesis 1:26; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 9:6; Hebrews 3:7-11)

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is God the Son, the second person of the Trinity. On earth, Jesus was 100% God and 100% man. He is the only man ever to have lived a sinless life. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, died on the cross for mankind and thus, atoned for our sins through the shedding of His blood. He rose from the dead on the third day according to the Scriptures, ascended to the right hand of the Father, and will return again in power and glory. (John 1:1,14, 20:28; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 2:5-6; I Timothy 2:5).

Virgin Birth

Jesus Christ was conceived by God the Father, through the Holy Spirit (the third person of the Trinity) in the virgin Mary’s womb; therefore, He is the Son of God. (Matthew 1:18, 25; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:27-35)

Redemption

Man was created good and upright, but by voluntary transgression he fell; his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Gen. 1:26-31, 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-21)

Regeneration

For anyone to know God, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential. (John 6:44, 65; Matthew 19:28; Titus 3:5)

Salvation

We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ: His death, burial, and resurrection. Salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our good works or of any human efforts. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 2:16, 3:8; Titus 3:5; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 16:31; Hebrews 9:22)

Repentance

Repentance is the commitment to turn away from sin in every area of our lives and to follow Christ, which allows us to receive His redemption and to be regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Thus, through repentance we receive forgiveness of sins and appropriate salvation. (Acts 2:21, 3:19; I John 1:9)

Sanctification

Sanctification is the ongoing process of yielding to God’s Word and His Spirit in order to complete the development of Christ’s character in us. It is through the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God that the Christian is enabled to live a Godly life. (I Thessalonians 4:3, 5:23; II Corinthians 3:18, 6:14-18, II Thessalonians 2:1-3, Romans 8:29, 12:1-2, Hebrews 2:11)

Jesus’ Blood

The Blood that Jesus Christ shed on the Cross of Calvary was sinless and is 100% sufficient to cleanse mankind of all sin. Jesus allowed Himself to be punished for both our sinfulness and our sins, enabling all those who believe to be free from the penalty of sin, which is death. (I John 1:7; Revelation 1:5, 5:9; Colossians 1:20; Romans 3:10-12, 23, 5:9; John 1:29)

Jesus Christ Indwells All Believers

Christians are people who have invited the Lord Jesus Christ to come and live inside them by His Holy Spirit. They relinquish the authority of their lives over to him thus making Jesus the Lord of their life as well as Savior. They put their trust in what Jesus accomplished for them when He died, was buried, and rose again from the dead. (John 1:12; John 14:17, 23; John 15:4; Romans 8:11; Revelation 3:20)

Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Given at Pentecost, it is the promise of the Father, sent by Jesus after His Ascension, to empower the Church to preach the Gospel throughout the whole earth, one of the signs being speaking in other tongues along with other gifts. (Joel 2:28-29; Matthew 3:11; Mark 16:17; Acts 1:5,8, 2:1-4, 17, 38-39, 8:14-17, 10:38, 44-47, 11:15-17, 19:1-6)

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is manifested through a variety of spiritual gifts to build and sanctify the church, demonstrate the validity of the resurrection, and confirm the power of the Gospel. The Bible’s lists of these gifts are not necessarily exhaustive, and the gifts may occur in various combinations. All believers are commanded to earnestly desire the manifestation of the gifts in their lives. These gifts always operate in harmony with the Scriptures and should never be used in violation of Biblical parameters. (Hebrews 2:4; Romans 1:11, 12 :4-8; Ephesians 4:16; I Timothy 4:14; II Timothy 1:6-7; I Corinthians 12:1-31, 14:1-40; I Peter 4:10)

The Church

The church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of Jesus’ Great Commission. Every person who is born of the Spirit is an integral part of the church as a member of the body of believers. There is a spiritual unity of all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:22, 2:19-22; Hebrews 12:23; John 17:11, 20-23)

Sacrament of Water Baptism

Following faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the new convert is commanded by the Word of God to be baptized in water in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and by full immersion. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12, 36-38; 10:47-48)

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

A unique time of communion in the presence of God when the elements of bread and grape juice (the symbols of Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ) are taken in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross. (Matthew 26:26-29; I Corinthians 10:16, 11:23-25)

Sacrament of Marriage

We believe that because God our Creator established marriage as a sacred institution between one man and one woman, marriage is a covenant only between one man and one woman, as clearly conveyed in God’s inerrant Scriptures, including for example in Matthew 19:4-6 where in speaking about marriage Jesus referred to the fact that ‚Äúhe which made them at the beginning made them male and female.‚Äù (Genesis 1:27, 5:2)

Sexuality

We believe sexuality and the divinely prescribed boundaries for its expression are covered clearly in the Holy Scriptures, which limit sexual expression to the marital relationship of one man with one woman. Homosexual acts, adultery, bestiality, and all forms of fornication are categorically condemned in the Holy Scriptures. We believe that sexuality is assigned by God at conception, male or female, whatever that may be, and the Holy Scriptures does not permit an individual to alter their sexual identity physically or otherwise. (Deuteronomy 23:1, 1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Romans. 1:26-27; Proverbs. 5:3-5, 8-13; 7:21-27; Galatians. 5:19; Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18; Matthew 5:27; 19:18; Luke 18:20; Romans 13:9; James 2:11; Leviticus 20:10-21; 1 Corinthians 10:8, 6:18; Jude 7)

Healing of the Sick

Healing of the sick is illustrated in the life and ministry of Jesus and included in the commission of Jesus to His disciples. It is given as a sign, which is to follow believers. It is also a part of Jesus’ work on the Cross and one of the gifts of the Spirit. (Psalm 103:2-3; Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 16:17-18; Acts 8:6-7; James 5:14-16; I Corinthians 12:9, 28; Romans 11:29)

God’s Will for Provision

It is the Father’s will for believers to become whole, healthy, and successful in all areas of life. But because of the fall, many may not receive the full benefits of God’s will while on earth. That fact, though, should never prevent all believers from seeking the full benefits of Christ’s provision in order to better serve others.

• Spiritual (John 3:3-11; II Corinthians 5:17-21; Romans 10:9-10)
• Mental and Emotional (II Timothy 1:7, 2:11; Philippians 4:7-8; Romans 12:2; Isaiah 26:3)
• Physical (Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:17; I Peter 2:24)
• Financial (Joshua 1:8; Malachi 3:10-11; Luke 6:38; II Corinthians 9:6-10; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Psalm 34:10, 84:11; Philippians 4:19)

Resurrection

Jesus Christ was physically resurrected from the dead in a glorified body three days after His death on the cross. In addition, both the saved and the lost will be resurrected; they that are saved to the resurrection of life and they that are lost to the resurrection of eternal damnation. (Luke 24:16, 36, 39; John 2:19-21, 20:26-28, 21:4; Acts 24:15; I Corinthians 15:42, 44; Philippians 1:21-23, 3:21)

Heaven

Heaven is the eternal dwelling place for all believers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All of God’s children will reign forever in a new heaven and a new earth. (Matthew 5:3, 12, 20, 6:20, 19:21, 25:34; John 17:24; II Corinthians 5:1; Hebrews 11:16; I Peter 1:4; Revelation 21:1-5)

Hell

After living one life on earth, the unbelievers will be judged by God and sent to Hell where they will be eternally tormented with the Devil and the Fallen Angels. (Matthew 25:41; Mark 9:43-48; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 14:9-11, 20:12-15, 21:8)

Second Coming

Jesus Christ will physically and visibly return to earth for the second time to establish His Kingdom. This will occur at a date undisclosed by the Scriptures. (Matthew 24:30, 26:63-64; Acts 1:9-11; I Thessalonians 4:15-17; II Thessalonians 1:7-8; Revelation 1:7)

ACADEMICS

Associate of Arts in Ministry Leadership

The Highlands College Traditional Program offers active learning and hands-on practicums in a dynamic, student-focused environment. Students become life-long learners across a variety of subjects, focusing on foundational, biblical, and theological studies and learning to view and interact with the world through the lens of God’s word. Students also attend leadership classes focused on ministry, receive extensive hands-on ministry training in one of eight specific practicums, and participate in actual ministry experience through the Church of the Highlands. Students complete 64 credit hours to earn the Associate of Arts in Ministry Leadership (AA) Degree.

Example Course Completion Plan

Tuesday Classes

6:00 – 7:15 p.m.Ministry Leadership Classes

7:45 – 8:45 p.m.Ministry Training Labs

Sunday Experience

Students engage in the life of the local church by attending a service and by serving on the Dream Team of Church of the Highlands every week. Students are able to choose their preferred campus and Dream Team in order to fulfill this requirement.

Directed Study

Each Core Plus student will be assigned to a ‚Äúgeneral‚Äù Directed Studies for their first two (2) semesters. At or near the beginning of a student’s third semester, Evening Staff will provide information about Directed Studies and about how to apply for a ‚Äúspecific‚Äù Directed Study. Evening Staff will notify the student of approval for entry in the third semester Directed Study. Students must complete two sequential semesters of a ‚Äúspecific‚Äù Directed Study before they can graduate.

If the student does not receive approval for entry in the Directed Study the student may:

• Apply for a different Directed Study or
• Change enrollment from the Core Plus Program to the Core Program, which has no Directed Study requirement

Students must complete four sequential semesters in Directed Study through the Ministry Training Labs and Ministry Training Experiences courses to meet the requirements for graduation. Working under the direction of the Evening Team Leadership, students record their experience in the Directed Study by completing assigned benchmarks and participating in the Ministry Training Labs and Ministry Training Experience.

Ministry Training Experience

It is important for every student to be connected to the local church and be a part of what God is doing through weekend services, and the Ministry Training Experience course is designed to help facilitate that.

All students will complete the Church of the Highlands Growth Track within the first eight weeks of their first semester, it they have not already done so. The Growth Track will teach students the history and beliefs of the church, help them discover their unique gifting, and train them to be ready
to serve the church.

It is crucial that students make it a priority to “worship one, serve one” each Sunday. Serving on Sundays is a significant portion of the discipleship process at HC. If a student is sick or has a family emergency and will miss their scheduled time to serve, they must contact the leader of their team immediately, so the leader can find a replacement. Students are required to complete 12 of 16 experience opportunities to pass the Sunday Experience portion of the Directed Study. Any experience opportunity outside of the normal Sunday Experience parameters must be approved by the Evening Team Leadership to count towards the Sunday Experience requirement.

Additional Activities

• Self-scheduled personal fitness time (at least three 30-minute workouts per week)
• Completion of the Highlands College 10K race
• Small Groups
• Mission Trip

Certificate of Ministry

The Core Program provides leadership training for the adult learner, aged 23 and older, who does not plan on pursuing vocational ministry. Graduates of the Core Program may not participate in the College’s Internship Program.

Students may enroll in the Core Program at the following campuses: Auburn East, Fultondale, Gadsden, Grandview, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Oxford, Riverchase, Shoals, and Tuscaloosa.

Academics

The foundation of the Core Program is eight core courses designed to address the essential organizational, ministry theology, and leadership skills necessary for a ministry environment. A student who completes the Core program earns the Certificate of Ministry (CM).

Course Completion Plan

Tuesday Classes

6:00 – 7:15 p.m.Ministry Leadership Classes.

TRADITIONAL COURSES

Foundational Studies Courses

COLL 101: Success in College (1 credit hour)

This course is an introduction to college with a focus on factors that underlie learning, success, and personal development in higher education. Topics include interacting with professors, critical thinking, goal setting, self-assessment, study strategies, time management, and applying these topics within a ministry school context.

ENGL 101: English Composition I (3 credit hours)

This course is an introduction to reading and writing with an emphasis placed on the Christian’s responsibility to use language logically, effectively, and ethically. Students will gain the ability to communicate clearly and effectively using a variety of written and spoken methods.

ENGL 102: English Composition II (3 credit hours)

This course will strengthen research skills and the synthesizing of information from many types of scholarly resources. New writing concepts will be introduced using different rhetorical strategies. These skills will allow the student to write and speak professionally and with authority in ministry.
Prerequisite: ENGL 101

COMM 102: Public Speaking (3 credit hours)

In this introductory public speaking course, students will both examine the established principles and cultivate the practices of effective verbal and nonverbal oral communication.

MATH 201: Mathematics (3 credit hours)

In this course, students will come to appreciate how mathematics displays the order, symmetry, and beauty of God’s creation. They will explore critical thinking, problem-solving, and will understand and effectively use of personal financial skills, budgeting, basic statistics, and growth models to implement mathematics principles into their personal and professional lives.

HIST 201: Church History (3 credit hours)

This course examines significant periods, key figures, and practices from the history of the church. Students will gain historical research skills and apply the lessons of Christian history to contemporary issues in Christian ministry

SOCI 202: Sociology (3 credit hours)

In this course, students will explore the foundations of sociological theory, come to understand the importance of possessing a sociological imagination, and look at how culture shapes people and people shape culture.

Biblical Studies Courses

BIBL 103: Biblical Introduction (3 credit hours)

This course is a detailed study of the doctrine of Scripture. Topics include revelation, Jesus Christ, divine-human authorship, inspiration, inerrancy, canonicity, interpretation, and authority. Special attention is given to the sufficiency, clarity, and necessity of the Bible. Students will discover and articulate the message, meaning, and supremacy of Scripture.

BIBL 105: Old Testament (3 credit hours)

This course is an examination of the redemptive story of the Bible from Genesis to Malachi, emphasizing how that story shapes the Christian’s worldview and informs life decisions. Students will study the Old Testament as the story of God; His calling of people into a relationship with Him, as well as with each other into a community. Prerequisite: BIBL 103

BIBL 106: New Testament (3 credit hours)

This course is an examination of the redemptive story of the Bible from Matthew to Revelation, emphasizing how that story shapes the Christian’s worldview and informs life decisions. Students will study the New Testament as the story of God; His calling of people into a relationship with Him, as
well as with each other into a community. Prerequisite: BIBL 103

BIBL 108: Biblical Interpretation (3 credit hours)

This course is an introduction to the authority of Scripture, the formation and transmission of the Bible, and reliable methods for integrating its truth. Students will gain the tools necessary for studying, interpreting, and communicating the truth of the Bible. Prerequisite: BIBL 103

Theological Studies Courses

THEO 201: Missiology (3 credit hours)

This course is an exploration of the theological foundations for the story of God through his people. Students will gain an understanding of God’s mission and the vital role of the local church in advancing the Great Commission.

THEO 202: Christian Theology (3 credit hours)

This course is an introduction to key theological themes, contextualizing them within the Bible, and includes contributions from major theologians. Students will gain an understanding of the following doctrines: God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Faith, Creation, Salvation, Atonement, and Heaven. Students will
learn key terms, relevant biblical passages, and contributions from Church History

THEO 204: Christian Worldview (3 credit hours)

This course is a practical examination of what it means to hold a Christian worldview and the biblical basis for the Christian worldview, including a discussion of other worldviews encountered in American culture and society, and the importance of Christian worldview to effective gospel ministry

Ministry Leadership Courses

MINL 131: Intro to Ministry Leadership (1 credit hour)

This course examines the major elements of success at Highlands College. Also, this course examines the components of a biblical worldview as a necessary component of functioning as a Christian professional. The objective of this class is to help students integrate seamlessly into HC culture and to expand their worldview through a biblical lens.

MINL 133: Personal Leadership (1 credit hour)

This course examines major elements of personal or self-leadership in the pursuit of a Christcentered life. Special attention is given to grasping God’s order and design for our personal lives. Students will explore the self as spirit, soul, and body. The learning outcome of this class is for students to discover how to lead themselves in pursuit of a Christ-centered life: spirit, soul, and body.

MINL 136: Leadership Purpose (1 credit hour)

This course examines the major elements of leadership theology contained within Scripture as well as how to apply that understanding personally and to leadership within the modern-day church. Special attention is given to leadership word studies, roles, and qualities and to emotional intelligence.

MINL 138: Organizational Leadership (1 credit hour)

This course examines major elements of how to lead others, teamwork, and the creative process. Special attention is given to understanding ministry leadership practices, developing leaders, and successfully leading teams in a ministry setting. In addition, students will understand how to solve problems creatively. The objective of this class is to help the student progress in the development of leadership and vocational skills as well as developing their own creativity.

MINL 231: Ministry Philosophy (1 credit hour)

This course examines the major elements of ecclesiology and the philosophy of evangelism, discipleship, assimilation, and volunteer ministry. Special attention will be given to church history and church practices through the lens of historical theology. The objective of this class is to give students a global and historical perspective of the church and its practices.

MINL 233: Ministry Practices I (1 credit hour)

This course examines the major elements of ministry practices. Special attention is given to understanding effective ministry principles, discovering life-giving culture, and grasping the biblical vision for the ministry purpose of the local church and practical systems that result in healthy ministry philosophy. Through these areas, a strong discussion will be focused on utilizing ministry philosophy to activate needed organizational change within a church, business, and organizations.

MINL 236: Ministry Practices II (1 credit hour)

This course examines the major elements of ministry practices in the local church. Special attention is given to ministry practices concerning pastoral care for attendees and members. The learning outcome of this class is for students to have the right knowledge and skill to provide pastoral care for attendees and members.

MINL 238: Leadership Comprehensive (1 credit hour)

This course examines the comprehension of each student in regard to their grasp of the principles and practices of the program goals of Highlands College. Special attention is given to weekly essays where the student integrates their learning and is able to reflect upon their experiences while in HC. The learning outcome of this class is for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills acquired in ministry leadership through completing each component of the final project.

Practical Ministry Courses

PRM 131: Introduction to Practical Ministry (1 credit hour)

Introduction to Practical Ministry is designed to give all incoming students basic skills in areas essential to success at Highlands College and Church of the Highlands. Students will be exposed to an overview of culture, pastoral care, personal development, and ministry communication.

PRM 131L: Introduction to Practical Ministry Lab (1 credit hour)

This course is the hands-on laboratory to accompany the PPRM course. It is designed as an opportunity for the student to experience interactive hands-on training in introductory ministry areas.

PCRE 133-238: Creative Instruction (4 credit hours)

These courses are designed to equip each student with practical knowledge, ministry exposure, and hands on experience to prepare them to be a creative in any ministry environment. Students will receive extensive and basic training in these areas: social media, graphic design, video, and motion
graphics.

PCRE 133L-238L: Creative Lab (4 credit hours)

These courses are the hands-on laboratory to accompany all PCRE courses. They are designed as an opportunity for the student to experience hands-on training in the student’s area of ministry

PCON 133-238: Conference and Events Instruction (4 credit hours)

These courses will provide students with the opportunity to participate in Church-wide events, special events, Highlands Conferences, and National Conferences. Students will have opportunities to plan, execute, and serve various elements of each event with a detailed-focus team that places a
high priority on valuing people and serving with excellence through planning and organization. Students will receive training in these areas: event planning, budget planning, time management, communication, Leadership, team building, problem solving skills, project management, and innovative ministry.

PCON 133L-238L: Conference and Events Lab (4 credit hours)

These courses are the hands-on laboratories to accompany PCON Instruction courses. They are designed as an opportunity for the student to experience interactive hands-on training in the student’s area of ministry.

PFAM 133-238: Family Ministry Instruction (4 credit hours)

These courses seek to develop biblically educated ministry leaders and equip them to lead in the local church by reaching children with truth and empowering parents. They will teach students how to invest in the lives of families through worship, videos, skits, small groups, greeting, games, and more. Students will receive training in the following areas: creating safe and fun environments, communication, team leadership, creative development, and small groups.

PFAM 133L-238: Family Ministry Lab (4 credit hours)

These courses are the hands-on laboratories to accompany PFAM Instruction courses. They are designed as an opportunity for the student to experience interactive hands-on training in the student’s area of ministry.

POTR 133-238: Outreach Instruction (4 credit hours)

These courses will allow students to experience the heart and vision of Church of the Highlands local outreach. They will have the opportunity to plan and lead in local outreach events, study strategy and theory of local missions, as well as be on the ground floor of meeting needs and sharing the
gospel. Students will receive training in these areas: community engagement, outreach events, pastoral care, evangelism, team development, administration, and practical ministry application.

POTR 133L-238L: Outreach Lab (4 credit hours)

These courses are the hands-on laboratories to accompany POTR Instruction courses. They are designed as an opportunity for the student to experience interactive hands-on training in the student’s area of ministry.

PPAS 133-138: Pastoral Leadership Instruction (4 credit hours)

These courses will help to develop and equip students to lead in the local church. Students will be educated holistically to successfully train, grow, support, and pastor the local church. Students will receive training in leading in an evangelistic gathering, creating environments for people to build authentic relationships to inspire life change, creating opportunities for people to discover their Godgiven gifts and abilities, and identifying, recruiting, and coaching people on how to use their Godgiven gifts.

PPAS 133L-138L: Pastoral Leadership Lab (4 credit hours)

These courses are the hands-on laboratories to accompany PPAS Instruction courses. They are designed as an opportunity for the student to experience interactive hands-on training in the student’s area of ministry.

PSTU 133-138: Students Instruction (4 credit hours)

These courses help prepare students to be spiritually rounded as student pastors and leaders, ready and enabled to lead students and develop teams. Students will receive training in these areas: building teams, communicating, event and conference planning, small groups, and organizational leadership.

PSTU 133L-138L: Students Lab (4 credit hours)

These courses are the hands-on laboratories to accompany PSTU Instruction courses. They are designed as an opportunity for the student to experience interactive hands-on training in the student’s area of ministry.

PTEC 133-138: Technical Arts Instruction (4 credit hours)

These courses are designed to equip each student with practical knowledge, ministry exposure, and hands-on experience to prepare them for success in any live production environment. Students will receive training in these areas: learning and operating professional grade audio, video, and lighting equipment and technology, utilizing technology to produce a live event, and face to face training with industry professionals.

PTEC 133L-138L: Technical Arts Lab (4 credit hours)

These courses are the hands-on laboratories to accompany PTEC Instruction courses. They are designed as an opportunity for the student to experience interactive hands-on training in the student’s area of ministry.

PWOR 133-138: Worship Leadership Instruction (4 credit hours)

These courses exist to help prepare students to be spiritually and musically rounded as a worship leader, ready and enabled to lead congregations and develop teams. Students will receive training in these areas: building teams, developing musicians, creating worship environments, and pastoring people.

PWOR 133L-138L: Worship Leadership Lab (4 credit hours)

These courses are the hands-on laboratories to accompany PWOR Instruction courses. They are designed as an opportunity for the student to experience interactive hands-on training in the student’s area of ministry.

EVENING COURSES

Core Plus Courses

EVATH: Athletics & Personal Workouts

This course assists students in developing their physical health by requiring a weekly workout plan and completion of a 10K.

EVHCGP: Highlands College Groups

In this course, students participate in or lead a small group each semester of their HC journey. Students come together, build lifelong relationships, experience freedom, and learn how to build and strengthen godly character.

EVSE: Sunday Experience

This course fulfills the requirement that each student becomes a member of the Church of the Highlands Dream Team serving one Sunday service each week with their respective team.

MTE 100-400: Ministry Training Experience

These courses provides hands-on Ministry Training in the local church environment through their Church of the Highlands campus, and provides assignments focused on their Directed Study. The course fulfills the following requirements: that each student becomes a member of the Church of the Highlands Dream Team, serving one Sunday service each week with their respective team; that students participate in or lead a small group each semester of their HC journey where they build lifelong relationships, experience freedom, and learn how to build and strengthen Godly character; that students receive training in their Directed Study.

MTL 100-400: Ministry Training Lab

These courses helps students gain an understanding of all major components of local church ministry with in-class content, and through Directed Study focused assignments outside of class.

General Directed Study

The General Directed Study is designed to give first and second semester students exposure to a variety of ministry areas before selecting a ministry focus for the remainder of their training in the Core Plus program. Students will get hands-on experience in each of the areas in addition to a guided reflection on the area of their calling.

Outreach Directed Study

This Directed Study allows students to experience the heart and hub of Church of the Highlands local outreach. Students will plan and lead local outreach events, and receive holistic hands-on and study experience with guided reflections in Outreach.

Conference and Events Directed Study

This Directed Study provides students with the opportunity to participate in serving Church of the Highlands conferences and church-wide events. Students will receive conference and event training, and will receive holistic hands-on and study experiences with guided reflection.

Family Ministry Directed Study

This Directed Study teaches students how to invest in the lives of families through worship, videos, skits, small groups, greeting, games and more. In the Family Ministry Practicum, students will receive holistic hands-on training and study experiences, with guided reflections, in addition to training in creating safe and fun environments, communication, team leadership, creative development, and small groups.

Pastoral Leadership Directed Study

This Directed Study trains students on how to build and lead teams, communicate effectively, and lead an organization or department within the church. In the Pastoral Leadership Directed Study, students will receive holistic hands-on training and study experiences, with guided reflections, in addition to training in pastoral care and team development.

Students Directed Study

This Directed Study trains and equips leaders to be successful in leading youth. Students will receive training in building teams, communicating, event/conference planning, small groups, team and organizational leadership, with holistic hands-on training, study experiences, and guided reflections.

Worship Leadership Directed Study

This Directed Study prepares students for spiritual and musical development as a worship leader ready to lead congregations and develop teams. Students receive training in leading worship teams, creating worship sets, team and organizational leadership, with holistic hands-on training, study experiences, and guided reflections.

 

 

POLICIES

Student Privacy and Communication

Populi allows students to control the visibility of personal information, i.e., email address, phone number, etc. to other enrolled students. Students can find out how to control the visibility of personal information in Populi Help or can contact the Registrar for additional assistance.

HC will assign all enrolled students an official HC email address. This email address will be on Populi and is the official means of communication from HC. Students should also include an active phone number on Populi through which HC can communicate urgent matters to the student. Students are responsible for all communication sent through Populi and, thus, should not turn off notifications in Populi.

Attendance

As an institution of higher learning, Highlands College places a premium on class attendance. A student’s attendance is vital to ensure that the student can learn from instruction presented by the instructor, feedback and questions offered by classmates, and the opportunities presented within the face-to-face experience. Students are expected to maximize their attendance in each course and scheduled event, in order to honor both God and those in authority by being on time.

Students who exceed the maximum number of absences allowed for a class earn a Failure due to Non-Attendance grade of “FN.” Details of the attendance policy for each course is in the course syllabus. All absences, including excused absences, count as absences. Each student is responsible for monitoring his/her attendance and compliance with the required attendance for each course.

Students must monitor their own class attendance because Populi does not provide notifications when a student’s absences are approaching, or have exceeded, the maximum allowed. Populi shows the student’s earned numeric course average until the end of the term/semester. If the student exceeds the number of allowable absences, Populi changes the course grade to ‚ÄúFN‚Äù only at the END of the semester.

A summary of allowable absences for many course types appears below. Students are responsible for monitoring their attendance record in each class.

Classification of Absences

At Highlands College, each absence is classified as either “unexcused” or “excused.” Three instances of tardiness in any course equals one absence. An unexcused absence is one in which the student does not attend a class and has not promptly communicated to the instructor a valid reason to excuse the absence. Students earn an ‚ÄúF‚Äù for work missed due to an unexcused absence. Examples of unexcused absences include alarm clock failure, traffic, inoperative vehicle, forgetfulness, and oversleeping.

All mission trips are unexcused absences. Students should not schedule mission trips during class sessions. Any absence, even those for a reason that would otherwise be excused, is considered unexcused if the student does not communicate with the instructor within a week of the absence.

An excused absence is one in which the student is unable to attend a class due to a personal illness or injury or family emergency. The student should notify the instructor as soon as possible of the reason for the absence. Students with excused absences may be permitted to submit work missed because of the absence.

Students should inform instructors of planned absences. Students who see a medical practitioner should obtain a “return to work/school” form from the practitioner.

 

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is essential to the vision and mission of Highlands College to develop world-class leaders who possess intellect and virtue, and who love the truth according to a biblical worldview. In cases of alleged academic dishonesty, appropriate designated authorities within the College will inquire into, and if necessary, review such cases according to the principles, policies, and procedures outlined in the Student Handbook and Catalog.

Academic dishonesty occurs when a student or students engage in any of the following behaviors:

• Plagiarism: Any attempt to represent the published or unpublished words or ideas of another as one’s own
• Cheating: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, study aids, or people for personal assistance in academic work or examinations, including, but not limited to, the following actions:
  • Looking at an examination paper or answer sheet of another student
  • Obtaining, before the administration of a test, unauthorized information regarding the test
  • Possessing or distributing an exam or exam questions
  • Using any unauthorized materials or equipment during an examination
  • Cooperating or aiding in any of the above
• Fabrication: Altering, contriving or inventing information that would be deceptive in any academic exercise, written or otherwise. Misrepresentation of attendance or absence
• Misrepresentation of Academic Records: Altering of any portion of Student Records
• Facilitating Academic Dishonesty: Aiding another to violate the Academic Integrity Policy of this Institution
• Unfair Advantage: Using improper means to attempt to gain a more favorable advantage on an academic assignment or exercise
• Multiple submissions: Using the same work to fulfill requirements for more than one assignment or course without prior approval from all instructors involved
• Sabotage: Deliberately acting to obstruct, destroy, damage, or inhibit the use of materials or equipment
• Substitution: Using a proxy or acting as a proxy in an academic assignment or exercise
• Tolerating Academic Dishonesty: Failing to address, promptly, academic dishonesty

Penalties for Violations of Academic Integrity

The appropriate authority may impose one or more of the following penalties for a confirmed instance of academic integrity, or dishonesty, including previous infractions:

• A failing grade on the assignment in question
• A failing grade in the course
• Suspension from the College for a determined period
• Dismissal from the College

Right to Appeal

The student has the right to appeal the Academic Integrity penalty. The appeal must come within two weeks of the receipt of the decision. To appeal the penalty, the student should follow this procedure.

The student submits a letter with supporting documentation to the Executive Vice President of Academics and Ministry Training. The EVP may:

• Reverse the finding and dismiss the penalty; or
• Confirm the finding and impose the penalty; or
• Confirm the finding and modify the penalty.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism constitutes a serious violation of the Highlands College Academic Integrity Policy. Should plagiarism occur, the offense will be sorted into one of the categories below and result in the prescribed actions and consequences.

Low Level Plagiarism

• Improper citation or footnotes
• Citation of information not actually utilized in the submission (a.k.a. ‚Äúpadding reference list‚Äù)
• Failure to cite resource due to inexperience with proper citation of resourced information (single submission instance)
• Inserting verbatim phrases of 2-3 distinctive words or inserting small parts of media or other materials without proper attribution
• Substituting synonyms into an author’s original sentence rather than rewriting the complete sentence, while not giving proper attribution
• Reordering the clauses of a sentence while not giving proper attribution
• Imitating the sentence, paragraph, organizational structure, or writing style of a source, or using a source’s line of logic, thesis, or ideas, without proper attribution
• Repeated Low Level Plagiarism will be subject to Medium Level Plagiarism consequences

Low Level Consequences

Should it be determined that a student has committed Low Level Plagiarism, the course professor shall conduct a corrective conference with the student to address areas where the student has limited understanding of plagiarism. The course professor will deliver any, or any combination, of the following consequences in an effort to deter further acts of the same. Any Low Level Plagiarism occurrence will be documented, along with details of the consequences applied.

• Assignment score reduction (Severity of the reduction is left to the discretion of the course professor, depending upon severity of plagiarism up to the total grade value of the assignment.)
• The student resubmits the work originally plagiarized by the student, including proper attributions for a reduced grade

NOTE: Three (3) submissions with Low Level Plagiarism by any one student throughout their HC career results in Medium Level or High Level consequences and a referral to the Plagiarism Faculty Committee.

Medium Level Plagiarism

• Engaging in Low Level Plagiarism three times in one or more courses
• Combining paraphrasing with verbatim sentences to create a paragraph or more of the text (a.k.a. ‚Äúmosaic plagiarism‚Äù)
• Direct plagiarism of phrases, but not entire paragraphs or works, that lack proper attribution and presented as student’s own work
• Failure to cite in-text (parenthetical or footnotes) resources, multiple times, in a single submission that are listed on the reference list
• Failure to cite any references, either in-text or in a reference list, when references were used to construct the assignment
• Paraphrase of another’s work without proper attribution

Medium Level Consequences

Should it be determined that a student has committed Medium Level Plagiarism, the student will be referred to the Plagiarism Faculty Committee who will deliver any, or any combination, of the following consequences in an effort to deter further acts of the same. Any Medium Level Plagiarism occurrence will be documented, along with details of the consequences applied.

• Assignment submission will receive a score of zero
• Assignment of the Plagiarism Module and Quiz to be completed and passed by the student
• The Plagiarism Faculty Committee may choose to fail the student for the course

NOTE: Should a student submit a second assignment containing Medium Level Plagiarism, they will be subject to High Level Consequences and a referral to the Plagiarism Faculty Committee.

High Level Plagiarism

• Engaging in Medium Level Plagiarism more than once in one or more courses
• Copying and pasting (both direct and mosaic plagiarism) of entire paragraphs or works that are presented as the student’s own work
• Turning in partial or total work that student has used in previous or current course, without permission from professor (a.k.a. self plagiarism)
• Submitting another person’s work as one’s own

High Level Consequences

Should it be determined that a student has committed High Level Plagiarism, the student will be referred to the appropriate authority (Academic Dean or MINL Director) who will deliver any, or any combination, of the following consequences in an effort to deter further acts of the same. Any High Level Plagiarism occurrence will be documented in the student record, along with details of the consequences applied.

• Failure of the course
• Academic Probation
• Subject to expulsion from Highlands College
• High Level Plagiarism notation attached to transcript

Academic Freedom

The Bible is the authoritative, infallible Word of God and is the foundational guide for study and reason. An individual’s right to study and reason is a fundamental, protected freedom. However, there are limitations on such freedom. Limits arise when values and mores of society are in opposition to the beliefs and values of the institution. Academic freedom does not restrain an individual’s right to question but instead encourages intellectual debate without fear of censorship and retaliation.

Grading

At the end of the term/semester, instructors assign a grade for every course, Directed Study, Practicum, and scheduled leadership activity that carries academic credit. HC calculates grade point average (GPA) on the conventional 4-point scale.

Failure Due to Non-Attendance

Students earn a grade of “FN” when absences in a course exceed the required minimum attendance for the course. Details of the attendance policy for each course are in the course syllabus. All absences, including excused absences, count as absences. Each student is responsible for monitoring his/her attendance and compliance with the required attendance for each course.

Students must monitor attendance because a grade of ‚ÄúFN‚Äù does not appear when the student violates the required minimum attendance for the course. Populi shows the student’s earned numeric course average until the end of the term/semester. If the student exceeds the number of allowable absences, Populi changes the course grade to ‚ÄúFN‚Äù only at the END of the semester. The grade ‚ÄúFN‚Äù is recorded regardless of the student’s average grade in the course at the time the student violates the relevant absence standard.

A course in which the student earns a grade of ‚ÄúFN‚Äù counts toward the hours attempted by the student, adversely affects the student’s GPA, and carries the same weight as if the student had earned a grade of ‚ÄúF.‚Äù

Incomplete

Students earn a grade of ‚ÄúI‚Äù when the student does not submit or complete all required coursework by the end of the term/semester. Instructors do not have to grant additional time for students to complete the work. Students who cannot complete or submit work on time should immediately notify and receive guidance from their instructor. A grade of ‚ÄúI‚Äù is temporary and appears until the instructor posts the permanent grade. A grade of ‚ÄúI‚Äù will not appear on a student’s record for more than 60 days after the end of the term.

Course In Progress

A grade of “IP” indicates that the course is still in progress or the Registrar has not finalized the course. Students who have questions regarding a grade of “IP” should contact the Registrar.

Pass/Fail Courses

Some courses are graded on a ‚Äòpass/fail’ basis. A student earns a grade of ‚ÄúP‚Äù based on evidence of completed assignments, regular attendance, and participation in activities as evaluated by the instructor. A grade of ‚ÄúP‚Äù affects the student’s grade point average and carries the same weight as if the student had earned a grade of ‚ÄúA.‚Äù Failure to earn a grade of ‚ÄúP‚Äù in a pass/fail course results in a grade of ‚ÄúF.‚Äù

Withdrawn from a Course

A grade of ‚ÄúW‚Äù indicates a student was enrolled in a course but formally dropped the course during the drop/add period or under medical, or other emergency circumstances. A grade of ‚ÄúW‚Äù does not affect the student’s GPA.

A grade of ‚ÄúWP‚Äù indicates that a student unenrolled from the class, with a passing average, after the drop/add deadline. There is no refund of tuition for a course in which a student earns a ‚ÄúWP.‚Äù Since the student was maintaining a passing average before unenrolling from the class, there are no adverse effects on the student’s GPA.

A grade of “WF” indicates that a student unenrolled from the class, with a failing average, after the drop/add deadline. There is no refund of tuition for a course in which a student earns a “WF.” A course in which a student earns a grade of “WF” counts toward the hours attempted by the student and the same weight as if the student had earned a grade of “F.” Exceptions may be granted under medical or other emergency circumstances.

Grade Reports

Students can view grade reports under the Student Tab in Populi after the instructor posts all grades, and the Registrar finalizes the course. Completed courses that the Registrar has not finalized show grades of ‚ÄúIP,‚Äù In Process. The grade report will list the student’s semester GPA and the student’s cumulative GPA (CGPA). SEU grades appear on the HC grade report after SEU officially notifies HC of course completion. Transfer Credits appear in the ‚ÄúTransfer Credits‚Äù section under the ‚ÄúStudent‚Äù tab.

Grade Appeal

If a student disagrees with a course assignment grade before the end of the course, the student should follow this procedure:

• Meet with the course instructor to discuss the disagreement before the end of the course
• f the student does not receive a satisfactory explanation or resolution of the grade in question, the student may then submit a written request for review to the appropriate authority before the end of the course
• For Academic courses, the student submits the request to the Academic Dean
• For Ministry Training courses, the student submits the request to the Executive Director of Ministry Training
• If the appropriate authority is also the course instructor, then the student submits the request to the Executive Vice President of Academics and Ministry Training

The Academic Dean, Executive Director of Ministry Training, or EVP may then choose to meet with the instructor, meet with the student, or meet with both before making a decision. The decision is final and is not subject to appeal.

Grade Dispute

If a student identifies an error in a course assignment grade or wishes to dispute a course grade after the end of the course, the following procedures and time limits apply.

For documented evidence of a data entry error, the student should present supporting evidence to the appropriate authority no later than two weeks after the last day of the term. If the appropriate authority verifies a data entry error in Populi, the error will be corrected.

The student may make a written request for a course grade review to the appropriate authority no later than two weeks after the last day of the term. The student’s request should identify the rationale for the requested review, and an explanation of why he/she did not raise the issue during the course.

• For Academic courses, the student submits the request to the Academic Dean.
• For Ministry Training courses, the student submits the request to the Executive Director of Ministry Training
• For Student Life courses, the student submits the request to the Executive Director of Student Life.
• If the appropriate authority is also the course instructor, then the student submits the request to the Executive Vice President of Academics and Ministry Training.

The Academic Dean, Executive Director of Ministry Training, or EVP may then choose to meet with the instructor, meet with the student, or meet with both before making a decision. The decision is final and is not subject to appeal.

Course Retake

Students in good standing earning a final grade of ‚ÄúF‚Äù, ‚ÄúFN‚Äù, or ‚ÄúWF‚Äù, or who do not attain the minimum required grade in any course, may retake that course without advance authorization. Both instances of the course will appear on the student’s transcript, and the student’s grade point average calculation will include the original grade earned in that course. Students must pay applicable tuition and fees for all courses repeated. Course repeats will likely result in a longer enrollment timeframe to complete the Degree or Certificate Program.

Academic Probation

If a student’s cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is below 2.0 after any semes

Consequences

Academic Probation status automatically disqualifies the student from graduation until the student returns to good academic standing. Academic Probation status with either SEU or HC automatically disqualifies the student from Highlands College or Church of the Highlands stage opportunities such
as Chapel services, Saturate, Church of the Highlands (COTH) Sunday/Monday Services, Saturday Morning Prayer/21 Days of Prayer, etc. Students may participate in stage opportunities within their Hands-On Lab as those are training experiences.

Academic Probation status with either SEU or HC may additionally disqualify the student from participating in certain College activities. Activity organizers will specify if an event requires the student to be in good standing status for participation.

Restoration

Students on Academic Probation with HC have one semester in which to raise their CGPA to the minimum of 2.0. Students may attempt to improve their CGPA by retaking any course wherein they did not attain the required minimum grad and/or were awarded a grade of “F”, “FN”, or “WF”, by completing new coursework, or any combination of the above. Such students should seek the counsel of the Registrar or their academic advisor to plan their schedule to maximize the opportunity to return to good standing status.

Stage Probation

Students who do not earn the minimum passing grade of “C” in any Ministry Training course such as a Practicum Training, Practicum Lab, Ministry Training Lab, Directed Study, or MINL course may not participate in College or Church of the Highlands stage opportunities such as Chapel services,
Saturate, COTH Sunday/Monday Services, Saturday Morning Prayer/21 Days of Prayer, etc. Students may participate in stage opportunities within their Hands-On Lab as those are training experiences.

Restoration

Students who earn the passing grade of “C” in the next term of the failed Ministry Training course may have the privilege of accepting stage opportunities through Highlands College or Church of the Highlands unless the student is on Academic Probation.

Leave of Absence

Students who need to interrupt their studies temporarily for medical, personal, or employment reasons may apply for a Leave of Absence. A Leave of Absence permits the student to cease attendance for a specified time and not to have to apply for readmission. However, when the Leave of Absence ends and the student resumes classes, the student must still meet all admission requirements.

A Leave of Absence may be granted for one or two semesters. The semesters do not need to be consecutive. A student who requires an absence of more than two semesters must withdraw from the College and apply for readmission when the student seeks to resume their studies.

Students may apply for a Leave of Absence at any time. If a student receives a Leave of Absence mid-semester, it is considered a Leave of Absence for an entire semester. Students approved to take a Leave of Absence mid-semester that are on Academic Probation will remain on Academic Probation once they resume attendance. Students approved for a Leave of Absence after the semester’s drop/add date will receive grades of ‚ÄúW‚Äù (Withdrawn), ‚ÄúWP‚Äù (Withdrawn, passing), or ‚ÄúWF‚Äù (Withdrawn, failing) based upon their class average at the time the request is submitted.

Students approved for a Leave of Absence must pay a $250 leave of absence fee within seven days of approval. The fee is applied toward the tuition of students who resume their program when indicated and who remain enrolled beyond the semester’s drop/add date. Students who do not return to active enrolled status when indicated forfeit their fee. Students who do not pay the fee within the time frame specified are immediately withdrawn from enrollment unless the leave of absence request has been rescinded within seven days of approval. If withdrawn, students must apply for readmission to the College in order to resume their program of study.

Approval of Leave of Absence requests is not automatic. The Executive Vice President of Academics and Ministry Training is the final approval authority for Leave of Absence requests. Decisions are final and are not subject to appeal. A student who does not receive approval for a Leave of Absence
Request will be withdrawn from the College and must apply for readmission when the student seeks to resume their studies. If the student does not wish to be withdrawn from the College, then he or she must notify the registrar’s office within seven days of the request’s denial.

Leave of Absence Request forms are available in the Shared Files section in Populi, from the registrar’s office, or by email request sent to registrar@highlandscollege.com.

Returning after a Break in Enrollment

Students may apply to return to HC after a break in enrollment. If a student is re-admitted to HC, the Registrar will review the student’s prior coursework and determine program completion based on the following guidelines:

• HC courses will not be recognized for program completion if taken before Fall of 2016.
• HC courses taken during or after Fall of 2016 will be recognized for program completion if they meet both of the following criteria:
  • The syllabi for each course are identical and
  • The student earned a grade of C or better in the course.

Dismissal

Students on Academic Probation have one semester in which to bring their cumulative grade point average (CGPA) to a minimum of 2.0. Students who are unsuccessful in earning a minimum CGPA of 2.0 after their probationary semester are subject to Academic Dismissal.

Students subject to academic dismissal will have their record reviewed by an Academic Review Committee. Students can submit a written statement for the Academic Review Committee’s consideration but are not required to do so.

The Academic Review Committee will convene and decide the student’s status, even if the student voluntarily withdraws from the College. The decision of the Academic Review Committee is final and is not subject to appeal. The Academic Review Committee will decide one of two possible
outcomes.

The Academic Review Committee may dismiss a student. The student’s transcript will reflect the dismissal. Academic dismissal does not absolve the student of their financial obligation to the College, including rent due for any months remaining on a student housing agreement. Dismissed students may apply for readmission to the College following a minimum of one year from the date of dismissal.

The Committee may give a student the opportunity to continue on academic probation. These students have a second semester to earn a CGPA of at least 2.0. If a student does not earn a CGPA of at least 2.0 by the end of the second semester of academic probation, the student will immediately be subject to academic dismissal without further review.

Students who voluntarily withdraw from the College before being permitted to continue on academic probation are eligible to apply for readmission to the College at any time. If accepted for readmission, however, the student will automatically be returned to academic probation status. If the readmitted student does not earn a CGPA of at least 2.0 by the end of the first semester, the student will immediately be subject to academic dismissal without further review.

Students may not use voluntary withdrawal to evade dismissal. Students who voluntarily withdraw from the College prior to the Academic Review Committee ruling for dismissal will have their dismissed status reflected in their academic record and will not be eligible to apply for readmission until one year after the dismissal.

Students may also be subject to dismissal for reasons other than academic. The Standards of Conduct section of the Student Handbook details policies for non-academic dismissals.

Students expelled from Southeastern University for Academic Integrity or Non-Academic violations may not continue enrollment with Highlands College.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Tuition

                    Fall 2022/Spring 2023 Incoming Students

Program	Semester	Date
Traditional	$3,950	One week before the first day of class

Program	Semester	Date
Traditional	$3,300	One week before the first day of class

FACILITIES

Highlands College seeks to provide an environment as safe as practicable during day-to-day operations and natural and other disasters. All students should familiarize themselves with the Public Safety section of the Highlands College Student Handbook for the safety plans and procedures designed for student protection.

Traditional Program Locations

• Highlands College Campus
• 3660 Grandview Parkway Birmingham,
• Alabama 35243