The Highlands church began in June of 1978 with 12 families who had a vision to establish a congregation in the south of Lakeland. At its beginning the church met in Scott Lake Elementary School and in just two short years, was able to construct the original building on our current site. The church facility was rebuilt in 1982 following a fire that destroyed the original structure.
Although mainly in citrus groves at the time of the church plant, this area of Lakeland has now proven to see the most prolific residential growth in the region. Now the congregation sits in the midst of five elementary schools and too many housing developments to count providing us with unlimited opportunities for outreach.
The Highlands church has had from its inception a view of ministry not limited to our own community. Through the years the church has joined efforts around the globe in an effort to fulfill our charge to serve Jesus through serving others. Works like Central Florida Bible Camp, Mt. Dora Christian Home and Bible School, the Spiritual Growth Workshop, SonQuest Youth Rally, Churches of Christ Disaster Relief, Eastern European Missions, F.H. Gate's ministry in Brazil, mission efforts in the Bahamas, campus ministry liked the Christian Student Center at Troy University, and more have been a continuing part of life at Highlands.