|
Pastoral Staff
Rusty, Nicole, Jackson, Amelia, & Jude Thomas |
Pastor Rusty Thomas is originally from Huntersville, NC and is a graduate of Pensacola Christian College (B.A., 2000) and Pensacola Theological Seminary (M.Div., 2003). In 2003, God burdened Pastor Rusty, through contacts in Blue Ridge, to begin a local, Baptist church in the Blue Ridge area. Following graduation, he moved to Blue Ridge and, with the help of many others, founded Highland Baptist Tabernacle on September 7, 2003. Pastor Rusty and Nicole were married in August of 2000, after meeting in college, and God blessed them with their first child, Jackson, in February of 2005. Amelia Grace, their second child was born in March of 06. Pastor Rusty is a biblical, expository preacher believing that it is the Word of God and the Spirit of God that have the power to change men's hearts and encourage the Christians. |
Mark and Susan Dressler have been at Highland for the last three years working with the youth and children of the church and with the music for the church. Mark grew up in Indiana, near Chicago, and has been a part of Atlanta Christian College and numerous youth and children's ministries including Christian camps. Susan is a native of Blairsville, GA which is just north of Blue Ridge. She grew up in a Pastor's home, her dad being the late Jim Brock, pastor of Faith Baptist of Blairsville. Mark and Susan married in 2003 and had their first child, Alysse, in 2005.
Both Mark and Susan's Christian backgrounds have given them great insight in working with teens and children, and we thank the Lord for His gift to Highland of our Youth Pastor and wife. |
Mark, Susan, Alysse Dressler |
Tommy and Sandra Hardeman |
Tommy Hardeman, a native of the Atlanta, GA area, serves as an Assistant Pastor for HBT. Pastor Tommy brings a very needful dimension of experiential wisdom to the pastoral staff. He has pastored four other churches in the Atlanta and North Georgia Areas throughout his years of ministry. Pastor Tommy and his wife Sandra, were very influential in helping Highland to get started, and since then have been heavily involved in the ministry of the church. Pastor Tommy's primary roles are teaching in Sunday morning classes, preaching in some of the worship services, and serving as an advisor to Pastor Rusty and the church. Sandra has served as the Financial Secretary for the church over the last four years. |
631 Industrial Blvd | Blue Ridge | GA | 30513
(706) 632 - 5440