Our Origin

In 2009, Highlands Church was founded upon the belief that when God created the world, and human beings in particular, God said, “This is good.” Our origin story is one of goodness. We believe this goodness applies to all of humanity, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, abled or differently-abled bodies. As Father Richard Rohr says, “We cannot create our union with God. It is objectively already given. There’s nothing we can do or not do to increase or decrease God’s love for us.”  
We believe God’s welcome into love is extravagant, and for all. Extending this welcome is the desired outcome for the mission to which we are called: to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. We believe that when we embody this mission, we will be an extension of God’s welcome in the world. 

what makes us different

Our Guiding Principles

The Apostles creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died, and was buried.

The third day He arose again from the dead.He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,and He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.

* universal

Our Ethos

Our Ethos describes the community we strive to be:

Married, divorced and single here,
it’s one family that mingles here.

Conservative and liberal here,
we’ve all gotta give a little here.

Big and small here, 
there’s room for us all here.

Doubt and believe here,
we all can receive here.

LGBTQ and straight here,
there’s no hate here

Non-binary, woman and man here,
everyone can here.

Whatever your race here,
for all of us grace here.

In imitation of the ridiculous love Almighty God has for each of us and all of us,
let us live and love without labels!

™ Mark Tidd, Highlands Church Denver. May be used with permission.

Our Community Covenant

We believe how we do what we do is as important as what we do. Our Community Covenant guides us in our relationships with each other, and is the way we develop relational health. 

GROW IN SELF-AWARENESS

  • Be present
  • Speak your truth with love
  • Be aware of your social location
  • Lean into discomfort to promote growth
  • Name your part in conflict

CULTIVATE TRUST

  • Believe the best in each other
  • Meet people where they are
  • Give grace abundantly
  • Address conflict soon – don’t let grievances build up

RESPECT EACH OTHER

  • Follow through with commitments and acknowledge limitations
  • Share in decision-making; collaborate
  • Recognize everyone processes at their own pace
  • Own your impact on others
  • Honor healthy boundaries
  • Honor each other in disagreement (unless the disagreement is rooted in one’s oppression)

HOLD SPACE FOR ALL

  • Listen with curiosity to understand
  • Everyone’s perspective is needed
  • Be proactive to ensure diversity of voices are present
  • Stay attuned to how much space you are taking up

SEEK GOD TOGETHER

  • Through gratitude and curiosity
  • In caring for others
  • In worship and contemplation
  • By listening for guidance/wisdom
  • In prayer for communities near and far

We strengthen the health of our church through shared leadership and dependence on God our Creator, Jesus Christ our Redeemer,  the Holy Spirit our Sustainer, and on each other. 

Ephesians 4:11-16; Ephesians 4:25-5:2; Romans 12:9-12; Romans 13:8-10; Luke 5:15-16; Philippians 2:1-11