Jason directs the adult discipleship ministries of the church as well as oversees guest ministries, which strive to assimilate and serve HPBC guests, attendees, members. He desires to see all who come to HPBC to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). He graduated from Washington State University in the pre-med program (a degree in Zoology) before a career in professional sports. He has a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary. He and his wife Kathleen have three adult children and have attended HPBC for over 20 years. He enjoys music, sports, and the outdoors.

Andrea Hockenbrocht serves as our Women’s Ministry Director. Her desire is for women to know how Jesus Christ meets the needs in every area in our lives, for women to grow in their knowledge of God’s Word, and for the body of Christ to walk in love as we care for one another. Over the past 33 years, Andrea has served in various ministries at HPBC; teaching in the elementary children’s department, participating in and leading women’s bible studies, mentoring young women, and belonging to a Grow group and care groups. Andrea was a part of the Southfield Christian School staff from 2000 - 2017 as a classroom teacher. Andrea and her husband, Doug, have two married children who live in New York City and Texas. They welcomed their first grandchild to their family in 2019. In addition, they love to golf, bicycle, work on house projects, and get together with friends.

Gar Hoover serves as our Director of Young Adults and Local Outreach. He has a passion for teaching and discipling young adults to create lifelong relationships with the Lord. Gar attended Highland Park and Southfield Christian School from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Gar graduated from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Leadership and shortly after married his wife Susie who is also a Michigan Native. Gar is currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity from Denver Seminary online. He enjoys skiing, hiking, and cooking fun meals with his wife.

Pastor John is passionate about Shepherding; being eager to connect people into relationships and opportunities that allow them to flourish in their relationship with Jesus Christ. John frequently is engaged in teaching, counseling and leadership development. Growing up in Michigan, John did undergraduate studies at Cornerstone University, followed by a Master’s at Dallas Theological Seminary and Doctorate from Fuller Graduate School. John and his wife Carol enjoy spending time with family, going on walks, exploring new pathways and bicycling whenever they can.

Rebekah serves as our Associate Student Director. She has a passion for the next generation to know God through His Word, and in turn, for them to embrace His love and share the good news of the Gospel. She grew up in Florida then moved to Chicago where she attended Moody Bible Institute and received her bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies. She then served at Black Forest Academy in Germany, doing life-on-life ministry with students for two years before joining HPBC. She is engaged to Michael, a native of the metro-Detroit area. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, reading, and running.

Elijah Morrow serves as our Students Director and is passionate about building relationships with students. He is also passionate about teaching students how to apply the truth of the Bible in their lives. Elijah is currently attending Southeastern University and pursuing a degree in Christian Ministry. Born and raised in little Muscle Shoals, Alabama, he enjoys Alabama football (Roll Tide!), coaching football and softball, music, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Brent Slater serves as the Senior Pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church. He was raised in Africa as the son of medical missionaries. After studying at Hope College and Denver Seminary, he was sent by HPBC to serve the Lord in Uganda. He planted churches and developed leaders in Uganda for 22 years along with his wife, Inell, and their three sons. During those years he completed a Ph.D. in Edinburgh, Scotland. In 2005, the elders asked Brent to come serve at HPBC. Brent's desire is to glorify God by faithfully teaching and obeying His Word, serving His people, and reaching the lost both here and around the world. He has a passion for the King whose kingdom crosses borders and cultures, making disciples of all people.

Inell serves as the Prayer Director at HPBC. God's vision for the church is to be a House of Prayer, worshiping and glorifying Him in everything we do corporately and individually. Inell’s hope is that she serves God by providing vision, encouragement, and many venues for prayer to the body of Christ. She has served the Lord in various roles in churches and as a missionary overseas in Africa for many years with her husband and children. She graduated from William Tyndale College with a major in religious education and a minor in cross cultural studies. While Inell loves outdoor adventure and fun, her longest standing adventure in life has been to learn to pray individually and corporately.

Jimmy Smith serves as our Executive Pastor and possesses a strong desire to see members of the body of Christ growing deeper in their personal walk with the Lord. He also enjoys spending time developing current and upcoming leaders within the church for the ministry of service. Before joining our staff in 2011, Jimmy served at a church in North Carolina as well as worked in the motorsports industry. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Western Carolina University, and a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Amber, have two children, Jack and Addie. Jimmy loves spending time with his family, along with running, camping and playing softball.