TRACKS

Along with high-quality education, we value hands-on training. 


That's where Heartland's tracks come in. Heartland tracks help bridge the gap between what you learn in the classroom and what you experience in real life. During your time at Heartland, you will have the opportunity to participate in kids, youth, worship, tech, and marketing tracks.


Tracks meet once or more a week and are led by River of Life church staff. Tracks offer practical hands-on experience, mentorship, field trips, and skill development. To learn more about the tracks we offer, see below.

"I really have enjoyed the hands-on experience at Heartland because you are taken out of your comfort zone. I've been able to lead a small group, have had opportunities to speak and to pour into youth students, and been able to grow closer to Jesus during that time. It has given me different perspectives on how to do ministry and life with Jesus." 

- Izaak Schultz, Youth Track

Kids track

Students in the kids track will work closely with our kids pastors Mark Eskew and Kaleb Eskew to learn the ins-and-outs of developing and running a kids ministry. Students are involved in teaching kids from birth to 5th grade. This includes:

  • learning how to plan kids lessons utilizing characters and object lessons
  • technical experience
  • creating set designs
  • leading interactive worship experiences
  • facilitating life groups


youth track

Students work closely with our youth pastors Steve and Brooke Maxwell and Caden St. John to learn how to creatively do effective youth ministry. Students will work with youth from 6th-12th grade. This includes:

  • service planning meetings
  • leadership team involvement
  • production
  • hospitality
  • media creation
  • life groups
  • set design
  • speaking opportunities

Worship track

Students will work with the River of Life Worship Pastor Derrick Benoit and gain skills in leading worship and musical development. The worship track will include:

  • leading/participating in Wednesday and Sunday worship sets
  • learning technical skills
  • developing set lists
  • growing in musical abilities
  • learning the heart of pastoring & leading others in worship

Tech track

Students will work with Tech Director Andy Norris to gain skills in the technical production side of ministry. This includes:

  • Audio
  • Lights
  • Sound
  • ProPresenter
  • Preparing/assisting on Wednesdays, Sundays, and major events


Marketing

Students will work with River of Life's Media & Marketing Director Hannah Eilers to learn about church marketing. Things students may work on include:

  • Social Media
  • Design
  • Website
  • Branding
  • Photography