Our Story
Pastor Hal and Pastor Sondra at the Next-Gen Space Groundbreaking Ceremony.
Hal Hardy is the Founding and Senior pastor of Highlands Church. His ministry focuses on building the local church, reaching people with the gospel, and developing leaders to be passionate followers of Christ. His fervent, practical, and often humorous presentation touches believers and impacts the unchurched.
Pastor Hal is a no-nonsense voice in the cultural issues of our day. Straight-forward and truthful, grace-filled and compassionate, Hal provides biblical clarity in a world of confusion.
In April of 2006, Hal and Sondra moved to Cumming, Georgia with a love for the people of the North Georgia region, a passion for the Great Commission, and a desire to share with the world that “God is not mad at you, He’s mad about you, and He has a great purpose for your life!” Today, that dream has become a reality, and Highlands Church is the place where people can connect with God and friends for a life-changing and life-giving experience.
Hal and Sondra have been married since 1993. They enjoy spending time with their two beautiful daughters, Mia and Shayla.
Our Vision
Highlands Church exists to lead people to experience a God-first life. This vision statement is derived from the verse...
"Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)
We’re here to help people Know God, Find Freedom, Discover their Purpose, and Make a Difference.
Whether you’re new to church, have been a Christian for many years, or are looking for a fresh start, you’re welcome here. Our hope is to give you a place where you experience a fresh, enjoyable connection to God and a community of people.
We keep our focus simple so we can have the biggest impact possible. Everything we do as a church is filtered through our focus on helping every person live the full life for which God created all of us.
KNOW GOD
Weekend Services: Whether you’re new to faith, have questions, or have been a Christ follower for a long time, our weekend services are a safe place to learn more about what it means to know God and grow closer to Him.
FIND FREEDOM
Small Groups: One of the ways God designed for us to live in freedom is to have people in our life to help us on the journey. Connecting with others in Highlands Small Groups is a practical and enjoyable way to find life-changing community.
DISCOVER PURPOSE
Next Steps: We’re all an important part of God’s plan, and our life will never make sense until we discover our purpose. Next Steps is designed to help us take steps in the important process of discovering our purpose.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Dream Team: Through the Highlands Dream Team, we hope to connect every person to an opportunity to live out their calling by using their gifts and talents to serve others in the church and the community. This is God’s ultimate plan for our life—to make a difference in the lives of others.
We are protected by Trustees.
The Trustees are three members of the congregation who oversee the finances and direct the provision of the facilities needed by the church. They provide counsel to the Senior Pastor and Leadership team regarding the major financial commitments of the church. The Trustees serve as Non-staff Elders.
HIGHLANDS CHURCH TRUSTEES:
Tony Gerena
John Plesher
Chris Stovall
We are strengthened by Overseers.
The Overseers are leaders of nationally respected congregations and ministries who love Highlands Church and are willing to provide spiritual protection to the church. They may be called in to help in accountability matters relating to the Senior Pastor if requested by the Pastors or Trustees. The Overseers serve as Apostolic Elders.
HIGHLANDS CHURCH OVERSEERS:
Pastor Alan Clayton - The Ark Family Church, Texas
Pastor Chad Stafford - Coastal Church, Alabama
Pastor Craig Wendel - Southpoint Church, Mississippi
The Association of Related Churches is an organization of pastors and churches that focuses on building strong relationships between pastors and ministry leaders, available to encourage, provide guidance, and ministry development for pastors across the U.S. Our goal at the ARC is to develop and share human and ministry resources to assist in church planting and growth, and to provide wisdom and guidance at no cost to the member churches.