Earn more than a college degree through immersive, active-learning experiences and programs. Develop the intellect, ministry skillsets, character, and spiritual foundations required to lead the local church and fulfill the Great Commission.
Our Partnerships
Highlands College has three unique partnerships that play an integral role in developing our students. Through these partnerships, we connect students with unprecedented opportunities to gain real-world experience and launch their careers in ministry.
Church of the Highlands
Church of the Highlands, led by Pastor Mark Pettus, exists to help people Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, and Make a Difference.
Association of Related Churches
The Association of Related Churches (ARC) works with church planters and church leaders to provide support, guidance, and resources to launch life-giving churches.
GrowLeader
GrowLeader exists to grow leaders, who grow churches, by helping them reach their full potential.
Our Partnership with Church of the Highlands
In 2001, Church of the Highlands launched 24/7, an internship program designed to develop young leaders. As the church grew rapidly, leaders recognized the need for something beyond an internship—something that could equip and train students for full-time ministry. This vision led to the establishment of Highlands College.
Today, Church of the Highlands serves as a dynamic training ground for our students. What begins in the classroom is immediately reinforced through hands-on ministry experience across 20+ church campuses. This immersive learning approach ensures that students don’t just gain knowledge—they develop real-world skills, leadership, and confidence to step into their calling.
Our Partnership with ARC
The very first church ever to be planted by ARC (Association of Related Churches) was Church of the Highlands. Since its launch, Highlands has reinvested into ARC, which has grown to plant over 1,000 churches worldwide. Today, some of ARC’s church plants have become the largest and fastest-growing churches in America. Thousands of people make a decision to follow Christ and are baptized in ARC church plants every year. In addition, ARC’s global impact is growing rapidly through a growing list of hubs like ARC Ireland, ARC Australia, ARC Canada, ARC South Africa, ARC Netherlands, ARC Italy, ARC Asia, and ARC Brazil.
Because of its rapid growth, the global Church has never been more in need of strong, dynamic leaders than now. Highland College’s partnership with ARC allows our students to make direct connections with hundreds of growing churches and ministry positions all across the globe. This partnership, coupled with the hands-on training they receive through America’s Ministry Leadership University, sets our students up for an impactful ministry career.
Our Partnership with GrowLeader
GrowLeader exists to grow leaders, who grow churches, by helping them reach their full potential. From their leadership podcast and monthly mentoring calls to their annual conference and personal coaching, GrowLeader shares essential resources and practical advice to foster both personal and professional growth.
The heart behind Highlands College’s partnership with GrowLeader is our collective commitment to developing leaders and fulfilling the Great Commission. Together, we are equipping today’s leaders and empowering tomorrow’s.