Start here.
We're so glad you're here. However you found us, this page has everything you need to take a first step — get to know our story, plan a visit, and see what we believe.
Our History
The church now known as Stratford Heights Church of God began in 1915 as a simple prayer meeting in a home on Auburn Street in Middletown. As attendance grew, the need for a dedicated gathering space led to the construction of the first church building in 1917. Just a few years later, in 1920, the congregation officially joined the Church of God denomination.
The Clayton Street Church of God continued to grow steadily, adding multiple expansions to accommodate its increasing congregation. By 1973, the church had once again outgrown its space and moved to a larger facility — formerly Grace Baptist Church — renaming it Harlan Park Church of God.
In 1965, the church purchased the property where Stratford Heights stands today, though groundbreaking for the new building did not occur until March 1991. The first phase was completed on January 26, 1992, and included a 1,000-seat sanctuary, offices, and classrooms. The second phase — featuring a gymnasium, commercial kitchen, and additional classrooms — was completed in May 1994.
In 2015, Stratford Heights celebrated its 100th anniversary and continued its legacy of growth by breaking ground on a new youth and children’s facility on July 12, 2015.
Pastor Ray Phillips
After eighteen years in youth ministry, Pastor Ray was elected Lead Pastor on May 6, 2007, following Pastor Watkins’ retirement. Today, he continues to lead Stratford Heights with a heart for people and a passion for God’s mission.
Plan Your Visit
Thinking about joining us? Come as you are — casual dress is welcome. Arrive a few minutes early and someone will be glad to help you find your way and get your kids settled.
For the whole family
From the nursery to high school, we have a place where your kids will be known, cared for, and pointed to Jesus every week.
Bright Beginnings Nursery
A safe, loving space where our youngest are cared for so parents can worship with peace of mind.
Rock Island Kids
High-energy, age-appropriate worship and Bible teaching that helps kids know and love Jesus.
Oasis Youth
Our student ministry, gathering Tuesday nights for worship, real community, and growing in faith together.
Weekly Schedule
- Sunday Service — 9:00 & 11:00 AM
- Illuminate – Young Adult Service — 2nd & 4th · 6:00 PM
- Celebrate Recovery — 7:00 PM
- Oasis Youth — 6:30 PM
- Mid-Week Bible Study, Life Groups & Kids Church — 7:00 PM
- Español Service — 7:00 PM
What We Believe
Our church is part of the Church of God denomination, headquartered in Cleveland, Tennessee. The Church of God believes the whole Bible to be completely and equally inspired, and that it is the written Word of God. The following Declaration of Faith is our standard and official expression of doctrine.
We believe…
In the verbal inspiration of the Bible.
In one God eternally existing in three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
That Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of the Father, conceived of the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary; that He was crucified, buried, and raised from the dead; that He ascended to heaven and is today at the right hand of the Father as the Intercessor.
That all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, and that repentance is commanded of God for all and necessary for forgiveness of sins.
That justification, regeneration, and the new birth are wrought by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ.
In sanctification subsequent to the new birth, through faith in the blood of Christ, through the Word, and by the Holy Ghost.
Holiness to be God’s standard of living for His people.
In the baptism with the Holy Ghost subsequent to a clean heart.
In speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance, and that it is the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
In water baptism by immersion, and that all who repent should be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
That divine healing is provided for all in the atonement.
In the Lord’s Supper and the washing of the saints’ feet.
In the premillennial second coming of Jesus — first to resurrect the righteous dead and catch away the living saints to Him in the air, and second to reign on the earth a thousand years; in the bodily resurrection; eternal life for the righteous, and eternal punishment for the wicked.
Have questions? We’d love to help.
Reach out and a member of our team will be glad to answer anything before you visit.