Heartland, an educational ministry of River of Life Church in Cold Spring, Minnesota, has joined North Central University as an Academic Partner. Heartland has been championing Christian higher education since 2009. Offering high-quality Christian education combined with hands-on ministry experience, Heartland connects young minds with spiritual guidance and real-world applications.
Program Director Dillon Patterson explained the origins of the program. “Heartland began as a Masters Commission program while Kirby St. John was serving as River of Life Youth Pastor, and I was the District Youth Director for the Minnesota Assemblies of God. Along with our senior pastor, Denny Curran [‘75], we had a heart to help students wanting to go into ministry to make it more affordable, but also have a rural focus on the ministry.”
Since 2009, Heartland has successfully made ministry education affordable and contextually relevant, especially for students from rural areas. Patterson is excited about now being able to connect their students with the academically excellent, Spirit-empowered courses offered through North Central.
Emphasis on rural ministry
Patterson noted that the Heartland program is not just about academic achievement; it’s about crafting principles that are both universal and specific to the rural context. It’s about training students with tools that can be applied in any setting, be it a big city, a small town in America, or around the world.
Partnership with North Central University
The partnership with North Central University brings significant educational depth to the program. As Patterson puts it, “We want to combine a very high-quality Christian education with hands-on ministry experience.”
Brynn Sauer, Academic Site Coordinator, noted that students live in housing provided by the program, participate actively in the life of the local church, and typically finish with an associate’s degree in church leadership and often pursue credentials with the Assemblies of God.
Accessibility and affordability
Heartland offers a balance of quality and affordability. Recognizing the financial challenges many students face, the program ensures that a private Christian college experience remains within reach. This approach supports aspiring missionaries and students from various backgrounds, helping them fulfill their calling without the burden of debt.
Sauer emphasized the program’s connection to the church and the broader community. With initiatives like the newly revived mentorship program, Heartland aims to forge deeper connections between students and community members.
A holistic approach
Heartland’s collaboration with North Central University and its community-driven initiatives reflect its core philosophy. Patterson believes North Central will bring quality and value to the student experience by coupling excellent education with “what we do well—helping students learn the hands-on practical ministry application.”
Adam Sikorski ’03, D.Min., Dean of North Central University’s College of Church Leadership, sees great synergy in the Academic Partnership with Heartland. “I am absolutely thrilled about the formation of the partnership with Heartland and River of Life Church,” Sikorski said. “The potential for collaboration and mutual growth has me genuinely excited. I can’t wait to see the amazing things we can achieve together.”
The Heartland team is eager to welcome their new students for the start of the fall semester.
*Kirby St. John currently serves as Minnesota Assemblies of God Director of Student Ministry.
