Welcome to Heartland Student Ministry!
Heartland Students is for students in grades 6-12. Our groups meet on Sunday or Wednesday nights.
MIDWEEK – for Middle School students; meets on Wednesday nights from 6:00 pm until 7:45 pm.
THE GATHERING – for High School students; meets on Sunday nights from 6:00 pm until 7:45 pm.
Both services include live worship, relevant teaching for students, and a small group time divided by age and gender. Small group leaders are committed to their students and serve the same group each week. A snack bar with pizza, candy, and drinks is available at all student services.
Our small group leaders are the heart of our student ministry, meeting with their students on a weekly basis at the end of our large group time. During small groups, students engage in conversation with their leader and peers about applying the message to their lives, pray, and build community with one another.
Heartland Students provides many activities through the year for the large group and small groups.
Student Ministry Staff & Leaders
Robby Gross, Student Pastor
Robby Gross joined the Heartland family, starting in June 2023.
Robby and his wife Amelia, a native Floridian, were married in 2016, and have two young daughters, Micah and Malia, as well as their dog Ivey. Robby was born and raised in East Tennessee and is a graduate of the University of Tennessee. He was ordained into the ministry in 2016 and completed his master’s degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary that same year. He has a great desire to see the hearts and minds of students to be transformed by the Gospel.
During the fall, Robby will be heard whistling Rocky Top while watching the Tennessee Volunteers play on Saturdays. He also enjoys playing music, cycling, and cooking. Robby’s life verse is Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men.”