July 24, 2025

July 24, 2025

July 24, 2025

5 Things to Look for in a Church (And How Church of the Heartland Measures Up)

5 Things to Look for in a Church (And How Church of the Heartland Measures Up)

5 Things to Look for in a Church (And How Church of the Heartland Measures Up)

Choosing the right church in Omaha? Discover the five essential qualities of a healthy, life-giving church, and see how Church of the Heartland in Omaha delivers on each one.

Choosing the right church in Omaha? Discover the five essential qualities of a healthy, life-giving church, and see how Church of the Heartland in Omaha delivers on each one.

Choosing the right church in Omaha? Discover the five essential qualities of a healthy, life-giving church, and see how Church of the Heartland in Omaha delivers on each one.

Pastor Danny Lee

Author

Executive Pastor, Devoted Husband, Father of Three

Pastor Danny Lee

Author

Executive Pastor, Devoted Husband, Father of Three

Pastor Danny Lee

Author

Executive Pastor, Devoted Husband, Father of Three

Thumbnail
Thumbnail
Thumbnail

Introduction: Why Choosing the Right Church Matters More Than Ever

In today’s cultural moment, choosing a church isn’t just about finding a place to attend on Sundays—it’s about choosing a family, a philosophy of ministry, and a spiritual trajectory for your future. Whether you're new to Omaha, or just craving real community and discipleship, the church you choose can shape everything.

At Church of the Heartland, we believe that belonging to a local church is about more than a building or a sermon—it's about transformation in community. Here are five non-negotiables to look for when choosing a church—and how we seek to embody each one.

1. Biblical Teaching that Engages Both the Heart and Mind

It’s easy to find churches that entertain. It’s harder to find ones that teach the Word of God with clarity, conviction, and relevance.

At Church of the Heartland, every sermon is deeply rooted in Scripture and aims to:

  • Proclaim timeless truth in a culture of confusion

  • Call people to repentance and growth

  • Apply biblical principles to real-life situations

We don’t avoid hard topics. We’re not afraid of theology. But we also believe truth should be accessible, not academic. That’s why our teaching style balances doctrinal integrity with down-to-earth language.

📖 Hebrews 4:12 reminds us: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…”



#Bible-based church Omaha, #churches that teach the Bible, #relevant sermons Omaha, #Gospel-centered teaching, #Omaha preaching church

2. A Culture of Relational Discipleship (Not Just Programs)

Discipleship doesn’t happen in a decision—it happens in a relationship. That’s not just a tagline. It’s how we operate.

At Church of the Heartland, we believe the real work of spiritual growth happens outside of rows and inside of Groups—our intentional discipleship groups.

  • Groups meet weekly across Omaha.

  • They’re focused on relationship, not curriculum.

  • They’re multigenerational and spiritually formative.

Whether you're 18 or 80, single or married, there’s a Group for you. These aren’t just Bible studies—they’re intentional communities designed to sharpen your walk with Jesus and your connection to others.

🌀 Want to go deeper? Start with our Heart & Soul Course, a 2-week dive into our values and your next steps.

Related Blog: Why Discipleship Doesn’t Happen in a Decision



#discipleship-focused church Omaha, #small groups in Omaha, #groups Church of the Heartland, #Omaha discipleship communities, #how to grow spiritually

3. A Passion for the Next Generation

If a church isn’t reaching the next generation, it’s dying. At Church of the Heartland, our investment in kids and students isn’t a side ministry—it’s core to our mission.

Heartland Kids

Our kids ministry offers safe, fun, and biblically sound programming for babies through 5th grade. Each Sunday, your kids will:

  • Experience age-appropriate Bible lessons

  • Be led by background-checked, trained volunteers

  • Make friends, laugh, and worship freely

Heartland Youth

Middle and high schoolers meet weekly in an environment where faith gets real. With dynamic teaching and leadership development, students don’t just attend—they lead.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families love that Heartland isn't just family-friendly, it's family-prioritized.



#Omaha kids ministry, #safe children’s church Omaha, #student ministry in Omaha, #churches with youth programs Nebraska, #family-friendly church

4. Opportunities to Serve and Lead

We believe everyone is called to ministry—not just pastors. In fact, Ephesians 4:12 says church leaders are meant to “equip the saints for the work of ministry.”

At Church of the Heartland, we don’t just encourage people to attend—we equip them to serve.

You can use your gifts on teams like:

  • Production (sound, lighting, visuals)

  • Worship (vocals and musicians)

  • Guest Experience

  • Kids & Youth Teams

We also believe in developing leaders through mentoring, coaching, and our internal leadership pipeline.

Related Blog: The One Day Principle: Why Today Could Be the Start of Everything



#volunteer at church Omaha, #serving at church, #spiritual gifts Omaha, #Omaha ministry opportunities, #church leadership Omaha

5. Spirit-Led Worship and Real Encounters with God

We don’t do hype. We don’t do routine. We pursue the presence of God.

Our worship services are:

  • Contemporary but not shallow

  • Spirit-filled but grounded in truth

  • Designed to draw people into a genuine encounter with Jesus

From heartfelt worship to prayer ministry to moments of stillness, we leave room for the Holy Spirit to speak and move.

🎶 We value excellence in worship but we never elevate talent above surrender.

If you’re craving worship that feels alive, not performative—you’ll feel at home here.



#Spirit-led worship Omaha, #Omaha worship services, #encounter God at church, #contemporary worship church Omaha, #Holy Spirit church Omaha

Bonus: A Church That Feels Like Home

Beyond the programs and preaching, here’s what we hear most from first-time guests:

“It just felt like home.”

There’s something about the people here—real, humble, funny, honest, generous. From the lobby to the altar, we hope you feel seen, not just served.

This isn’t a perfect church. But we are a church family—and there’s room for you.

🧭 Next Step: Plan Your Visit and come sit with us this Sunday.

Related Blog: 4 Questions Every Person Asks When Looking for a Church in Omaha

Conclusion: Don’t Settle. Find a Church That Grows You.

Choosing a church isn’t about convenience—it’s about calling. You were made to know God, grow in faith, and walk in purpose. Whether you’re new to Omaha or just ready for a fresh start, Church of the Heartland might be what you’ve been praying for.

We’re not perfect, but we’re passionate about Jesus and serious about helping you grow.

🔗 Start your journey: Join us this Sunday
📍 Location | Get Directions


how to choose a church in Omaha, gospel-centered churches Omaha, churches with kids programs Omaha, best churches to visit in Nebraska, authentic Christian community Omaha, Church of the Heartland values, discipleship in Omaha, where to worship in Omaha, Sunday services near me

Introduction: Why Choosing the Right Church Matters More Than Ever

In today’s cultural moment, choosing a church isn’t just about finding a place to attend on Sundays—it’s about choosing a family, a philosophy of ministry, and a spiritual trajectory for your future. Whether you're new to Omaha, or just craving real community and discipleship, the church you choose can shape everything.

At Church of the Heartland, we believe that belonging to a local church is about more than a building or a sermon—it's about transformation in community. Here are five non-negotiables to look for when choosing a church—and how we seek to embody each one.

1. Biblical Teaching that Engages Both the Heart and Mind

It’s easy to find churches that entertain. It’s harder to find ones that teach the Word of God with clarity, conviction, and relevance.

At Church of the Heartland, every sermon is deeply rooted in Scripture and aims to:

  • Proclaim timeless truth in a culture of confusion

  • Call people to repentance and growth

  • Apply biblical principles to real-life situations

We don’t avoid hard topics. We’re not afraid of theology. But we also believe truth should be accessible, not academic. That’s why our teaching style balances doctrinal integrity with down-to-earth language.

📖 Hebrews 4:12 reminds us: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…”



#Bible-based church Omaha, #churches that teach the Bible, #relevant sermons Omaha, #Gospel-centered teaching, #Omaha preaching church

2. A Culture of Relational Discipleship (Not Just Programs)

Discipleship doesn’t happen in a decision—it happens in a relationship. That’s not just a tagline. It’s how we operate.

At Church of the Heartland, we believe the real work of spiritual growth happens outside of rows and inside of Groups—our intentional discipleship groups.

  • Groups meet weekly across Omaha.

  • They’re focused on relationship, not curriculum.

  • They’re multigenerational and spiritually formative.

Whether you're 18 or 80, single or married, there’s a Group for you. These aren’t just Bible studies—they’re intentional communities designed to sharpen your walk with Jesus and your connection to others.

🌀 Want to go deeper? Start with our Heart & Soul Course, a 2-week dive into our values and your next steps.

Related Blog: Why Discipleship Doesn’t Happen in a Decision



#discipleship-focused church Omaha, #small groups in Omaha, #groups Church of the Heartland, #Omaha discipleship communities, #how to grow spiritually

3. A Passion for the Next Generation

If a church isn’t reaching the next generation, it’s dying. At Church of the Heartland, our investment in kids and students isn’t a side ministry—it’s core to our mission.

Heartland Kids

Our kids ministry offers safe, fun, and biblically sound programming for babies through 5th grade. Each Sunday, your kids will:

  • Experience age-appropriate Bible lessons

  • Be led by background-checked, trained volunteers

  • Make friends, laugh, and worship freely

Heartland Youth

Middle and high schoolers meet weekly in an environment where faith gets real. With dynamic teaching and leadership development, students don’t just attend—they lead.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families love that Heartland isn't just family-friendly, it's family-prioritized.



#Omaha kids ministry, #safe children’s church Omaha, #student ministry in Omaha, #churches with youth programs Nebraska, #family-friendly church

4. Opportunities to Serve and Lead

We believe everyone is called to ministry—not just pastors. In fact, Ephesians 4:12 says church leaders are meant to “equip the saints for the work of ministry.”

At Church of the Heartland, we don’t just encourage people to attend—we equip them to serve.

You can use your gifts on teams like:

  • Production (sound, lighting, visuals)

  • Worship (vocals and musicians)

  • Guest Experience

  • Kids & Youth Teams

We also believe in developing leaders through mentoring, coaching, and our internal leadership pipeline.

Related Blog: The One Day Principle: Why Today Could Be the Start of Everything



#volunteer at church Omaha, #serving at church, #spiritual gifts Omaha, #Omaha ministry opportunities, #church leadership Omaha

5. Spirit-Led Worship and Real Encounters with God

We don’t do hype. We don’t do routine. We pursue the presence of God.

Our worship services are:

  • Contemporary but not shallow

  • Spirit-filled but grounded in truth

  • Designed to draw people into a genuine encounter with Jesus

From heartfelt worship to prayer ministry to moments of stillness, we leave room for the Holy Spirit to speak and move.

🎶 We value excellence in worship but we never elevate talent above surrender.

If you’re craving worship that feels alive, not performative—you’ll feel at home here.



#Spirit-led worship Omaha, #Omaha worship services, #encounter God at church, #contemporary worship church Omaha, #Holy Spirit church Omaha

Bonus: A Church That Feels Like Home

Beyond the programs and preaching, here’s what we hear most from first-time guests:

“It just felt like home.”

There’s something about the people here—real, humble, funny, honest, generous. From the lobby to the altar, we hope you feel seen, not just served.

This isn’t a perfect church. But we are a church family—and there’s room for you.

🧭 Next Step: Plan Your Visit and come sit with us this Sunday.

Related Blog: 4 Questions Every Person Asks When Looking for a Church in Omaha

Conclusion: Don’t Settle. Find a Church That Grows You.

Choosing a church isn’t about convenience—it’s about calling. You were made to know God, grow in faith, and walk in purpose. Whether you’re new to Omaha or just ready for a fresh start, Church of the Heartland might be what you’ve been praying for.

We’re not perfect, but we’re passionate about Jesus and serious about helping you grow.

🔗 Start your journey: Join us this Sunday
📍 Location | Get Directions


how to choose a church in Omaha, gospel-centered churches Omaha, churches with kids programs Omaha, best churches to visit in Nebraska, authentic Christian community Omaha, Church of the Heartland values, discipleship in Omaha, where to worship in Omaha, Sunday services near me

Recent news & advice

From expert tips to church news, explore our latest articles

Plan Your Visit to Church of the Heartland in Omaha

We’d love to meet you this Sunday! Click below to let us know you’re coming — we’ll be ready with a warm welcome and everything you need for an amazing first visit.

Plan Your Visit to Church of the Heartland in Omaha

We’d love to meet you this Sunday! Click below to let us know you’re coming — we’ll be ready with a warm welcome and everything you need for an amazing first visit.

Plan Your Visit to Church of the Heartland in Omaha

We’d love to meet you this Sunday! Click below to let us know you’re coming — we’ll be ready with a warm welcome and everything you need for an amazing first visit.