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.

Scott Kowalski serves as our Business Manager and also oversees Encore Upscale Resale, a ministry of Southfield Christian School. Scott’s a native of metro Detroit and is an alumni of SCS class of 97’, where he met his wife Jena, also class of 97'. The Kowalski’s have three children, Tyler, Andrew and Madison, all who attend SCS. Scott has a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Oakland University along with a combined 15+ years of lending, finance and non-profit experience. Scott enjoys serving at HPBC, because it’s a church that focuses on Christ, His Word and serving others. Scott loves spending time with his family and friends along with playing golf and baseball.

Elijah Morrow serves as our Middle School Director and is passionate about building relationship 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. He enjoys Alabama football, music, and spending time with friends and family.

Tim Parsons serves as our Associate Director of Worship and has a desire to lead worship in a way that magnifies God’s greatness, lifts high the name of Jesus and motivates the church to grow together in the knowledge and presence of God, and to go declare His Gospel to our neighbors and to the nations. Tim grew up as a missionary kid in the countries of Ukraine and Kazakhstan. His time and experiences there have greatly affected him as a person, and as a worship leader. Seeing the beauty and diversity in the different worship and music styles of cultures around the world has allowed him to appreciate and incorporate a variety of styles, instruments and sounds into his training as a musician. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Music Composition from Cedarville University, Tim joined the worship staff in 2019. During that time, he also completed his Master’s in Music Composition from Bowling Green State University. Tim enjoys composing music and songs both for worship and for various other genres and styles. Tim also enjoys collecting and learning new instruments from around the world.

Andy Rist serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Highland Park Baptist Church. He desires, by the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit, to “present every man complete in Christ.” (Col 1:28-29) Andy is a native of Michigan, where he completed his undergraduate degree in Business at Wayne State University. Then, the Lord moved him to Texas to study at Dallas Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master of Theology degree. Prior to Andy’s call to HPBC, Andy and his wife, Holly, with their three children, served as missionaries in Ukraine for 20 years, where Andy discipled and trained church leaders at Kyiv Theological Seminary. Andy enjoys spending time with his family, the study of church history, being outdoors, any chance to travel, and every opportunity to try a new cultural meal.

Lake Slabach serves as our Family Ministry Pastor and is passionate about seeing parents embrace their role as the primary disciplers of their children. He also enjoys seeing leaders grow and take ownership of ministries within the church. Before joining our staff in 2021, Lake served at a church in North Carolina. He holds a Bachelor Degree in History from High Point University, and a MA in Christian Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Elly have one daughter, Davie. Lake loves spending time with his family, exploring new places and restaurants, playing golf, and keeping up with various sports interests.

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.