Dear Highlands Family,
We want to share an important update with you, and we do so with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for your support.
Over the past several years, we have seen a gradual decline in attendance and engagement at our Bluefield campus. For the last eleven months, we have prayerfully and intentionally sought a full-time leader who could shepherd and disciple the campus in the way we believe God desires for this next season. Despite our efforts and much prayer, the Lord has not provided the leader needed at this time.
After continued prayer, discernment, and conversation, we believe God has made the path forward clear. Without a full-time leader in place, we are not able to care for the campus in the way we believe honors both God and the people He loves. Because of this, we have made the difficult decision to close the Bluefield campus of Highlands Fellowship. December 28 was our final service together as a Highlands Fellowship campus.
Please know this decision is not financial or business-driven, nor is it the outcome we hoped for. It is a prayerful decision rooted in our responsibility to shepherd people well and to follow where we believe God is leading.
For anyone who arrives at the Bluefield University Chapel on January 4 or January 11, Steve Robinson, our Executive Pastor, along with members of the Bluefield campus staff, will be there to meet them, pray with them, and help discern God's leading for this next season.
We are incredibly grateful for the faithfulness, service, and love that have marked the Bluefield campus over the years. God has used this community in meaningful ways, and the fruit of that work will continue far beyond this moment. We trust that God—who is faithful—will continue to guide us as we move forward.
With gratitude,
Tim Brown