About Heritage Church

Who We Are

Heritage Church is a congregation of believers that meets in the heart of downtown Shawnee and is characterized by our commitment to the preaching and teaching of the Word, preserving the warm multi-generational fellowship that stems from our unity in Christ, and encouraging and equipping one another to make the salvation of our Savior known to the ends of the earth.

What We Believe

Heritage Church’s formal statement of faith is the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. Our beliefs are consistent with the Nicene and Chalcedonian creeds.

A young family with a child being warmly greeted by a woman handing out bulletins at the entrance of a church building, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Two women from different generations sharing a heartfelt conversation while enjoying coffee on a comfortable leather couch in a welcoming community space.

A young girl in a pink dress happily sliding down a playground slide, with other children playing in the background on a sunny day.

A group of individuals enjoying coffee and conversation in a warm, rustic community space with exposed brick walls and wooden accents.

A young girl deeply engaged in reading a book while seated on a small wooden ladder in a cozy, well-lit corner of a bookstore.

Our Mission

The distinct mission of our local church may be recognized by our 5 core values:

Coffee beans used to make the coffee at Heritage Church.

Several books displayed on the bookshelves of the Heritage bookstore.

An image of one of the historic stained glass windows at Heritage Church.

An image of an old Bible on a black table framed with vines.

Historic black and white panoramic photograph framed on a wall above an open Bible and candle in a serene room.

Our Story

Who We Are Today

Today, Heritage Church represents a living illustration of Ephesians 4:4-6: “There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope that belongs to your call – one Lord, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” We are a unified body of believers committed to fostering a sense of belonging, community, and spiritual growth rooted in the love of Jesus Christ. We believe that the love of Jesus transforms lives and communities, offering hope, peace, and purpose. Through our actions, words, and service, we strive to reflect His unconditional love and grace. We continue to build on the strong foundations of our past while striving to be a living testament to His love and inspiring others to experience His transformative power.

Shared History

Heritage Church, as it stands today, embodies over 200 years of church history in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Heritage Church and First Baptist Church united as one in November 2022 after eight months of collaboration to formulate a vision for merging both congregations through a replant. The two congregations shared historical context was a critical factor in the successful union. First Baptist Church was founded before Oklahoma accomplished statehood, with the official deed reading “First Baptist Church of Shawnee, Indian Territory.” For over 125 years, they have been at the heart of downtown Shawnee, at the site of our current campus. Heritage Church also traces its origins to downtown Shawnee, when, in 1934, it started as a rescue mission called Oklahoma Avenue Baptist Church. They later relocated to Bryan Road and changed the name to Heritage Church.

The Replant

In November 2022, Heritage Church and First Baptist Church officially united as one congregation. The motivations for our churches were different, though we shared common goals. Neither church on its own could boast a representation of all generations. Neither church was satisfied with how their spaces were being utilized. The vision document that guided our union used the illustration of the “Family Table” to represent our varied motivations for achieving our shared goals:

"Through this replant, the people of our city will be afforded something that neither church can offer on its own: a seat at the family table. For Heritage, we will be able to offer a seat at the family table. Heritage will be able to welcome new members to a seat at a healthy church committed to discipleship, theological education, and the sound preaching of the Word. For First Baptist, we will be able to offer a seat at the family table. More than providing sound doctrine, our replant will provide a healthy church family comprising all generations, one which is able to disciple and encourage members from all walks of life."

The greatest product of the replant is the unity that is demonstrated among God’s churches, particularly for our city and our association. Both churches have chosen to turn our focus away from individual interests and preferences and toward the shared vision of providing expository preaching, theological education, excellence in music, discipleship, and an evangelistic and healing presence in our community. We have chosen to keep our attention on the future ministry and on the spiritual realities that unify us as Christians. Join us at the Family Table.

You have a standing invitation to worship with us downtown at 227 N. Union.