Senior Pastor

Joseph has served as Senior Pastor at Highlands since May of 2005. Originally from Quincy, Florida, he completed a Bachelor’s degree at Auburn University and a Master of Divinity degree at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. Joseph and his wife, Gina planted Trinity Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1991. He served from 1998 until 2005 as Senior Pastor at Village Seven Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Joseph and Gina love the relational warmth and deep commitment to worship and the Word of God at Highlands, as well as growing together with the congregation as disciples of Jesus.

Senior Associate Pastor

Brad is a graduate of the University of Texas, Reformed Theological Seminary, and the University of Wales, UK, where he wrote his dissertation on C.S. Lewis. He is a contributor to the recently published book, “Views from Wake Forest: Essays on C.S.Lewis”. Brad has served as a Director at Pine Cove Christian Conference Center in Tyler, Texas, where his ministry focus was strategic planning for facilities and program ministry; creating and overseeing budgets; and teaching, mentoring, and training staff and guests. He has also served as a pastor at Tyler Presbyterian Church and Fifth Street Presbyterian Church, both in Tyler. He was on the Executive Staff at First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, for eight years. His ministry emphasis there was teaching, discipling, and leading. Most recently, he was the Senior Pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greenwood, MS. Brad and his wife, Cindy, have two children, Hannah and Harrison. Hannah, who is married to Scott Archer, and their sons Ethan, Levi, and Luke, and daughter Rosemary, live in Brandon, MS. Harrison and his wife, Carissa, live in North Carolina with their sons, Tyler and Ian.

Director of Music

Born and raised in Nashville, TN, Mike met his wife, Allie, at Belmont University where he received a Bachelor of Music (Commercial Composition & Arranging). After building music programs at two private Christian schools in Nashville, Mike was called into church ministry as the Music Director at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa, AL, in 2010. A few years later, he transitioned into the role of Assistant Director of Music and Arts at First Presbyterian Church in Augusta, GA. In 2018, the Lord led the Murphy clan to Highlands. Mike and Allie have four children: Jesse, Molly, Ivy and Luna.

Jr. High Ministry Coordinator

Joel has a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education & Ministry from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. He has served as Director of Middle School Ministries at Naperville Presbyterian Church in Naperville, IL since 2017. Joel loves ministering to and mentoring students, families, and volunteers. He also enjoys planning and implementing events and trips. And he is a Disc Golf fanatic! He is married to Anna, and they have an infant daughter, Joanna.

Young Adults Ministry Coordinator

Wesley Rule grew up in Jackson and graduated from Ole Miss with a degree in public policy. He is currently finishing his MDiv degree at Reformed Theological Seminary, and was previously an intern at First Presbyterian Church Jackson, MS. Wesley is passionate about reading, cooking, and following Ole Miss football. He, along with his wife Catherine, reside in Ridgeland and enjoy being actively involved at Highlands Presbyterian Church.

Children’s Ministry Director & Women’s Ministry Coordinator

Laurie Nordan serves in both our Children’s and Women’s Ministries. Laurie grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, and graduated from Ole Miss with a B.A. in Home Economics. She and her husband, John, served in many churches throughout the Southeast until making their home in Madison in 2003. She has served as Children’s Ministry Director at Highlands since 2004 and Women’s Ministry Coordinator since 2014. Her desire is to see women and children grow into a real relationship with Jesus as their Lord and Savior. She and John have four children: Trey, Natalie, Shelby, and Oliver. They also have two sons-in-law, Matthew Clark and Tyler Daniels, one daughter-in-law, Emelia, and four grandchildren, Ginny-Pearl, Charlotte-Anne, and Jack Nordan and Madeline Clark.

Nursery & HMMO Coordinator

Julie is a charter member of Highlands since its beginning in 1994. She is originally from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She has been working with nursery at Highlands from the beginning. Her husband, Dr. Craig Crosland, is a Ruling Elder at Highlands. They have two children, Pearce and Claire.

Director of Administration

Bio for Director of Administration Larnie Shinnick will go here.

Ministry Support

Becky, along with her husband, Tom, has been a member of Highlands since the year after its particularization. She served as Worship Music Director for 16 years and now serves as Ministry Support for the staff and congregation. She and Tom share two daughters, two grandchildren, two horses, and a dog.

Administrative Assistant / Receptionist

Bio for Receptionist Marsha Areundo will go here.

Housekeeping

Facility Maintenance