Meet Our Staff
We believe the Word of God teaches that the ministry belongs to the people of God, and not to the 'professionals'. With that philosophy in mind, the staff of HPEFC strives to build up the body of Christ to equip and enable individual believers to become serving disciples.
How can we help you in your spiritual journey with Christ?
Justin Erickson
Senior Pastor
Justin Erickson joined Highland Park as Senior Pastor in August of 2009. Justin's ministry priorities include expository preaching, authentic community, leadership development and church multiplication. They are not only his priorities, they are his passions. Justin received his Masters of Divinty and pursued his Masters in Biblical Counseling at Master's College and Master's Seminary at Santa Clarita, California. Justin and his wife Jana have four children.
Travis Purkerson
Pastor of Worship Ministries
Travis Purkerson joined the Highland Park pastoral staff in 2004 as the Pastor of Worship Ministries. Travis shepherds and develops the Highland Park worship ministry, leading our congregation every Sunday morning into an attitude and heart for worship. Under his direction, several of his team leaders have partnered in a writers group with an end of composing music for the local church and the broader body of Christ. Travis attended Prairie Bible College in Three Hills Alberta, Canada graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Pastoral Ministry. Travis and his wife Ruth have six children.
Bill Menke
Pastor of Leadership Development
Bill Menke joined our staff in July 2001 in his role as Pastor of Leadership Development. Bill's passion is teaching God's word to God's people so that they are able to obey His commands. He helps to develop leaders in our congregation by overseeing adult education in Sunday Bible Studies and by leading Biblical Leadership training, a program for discipling and mentoring future leaders. Bill and his wife, Luann, have one daughter, Rachel. Bill's favorite Scripture passage is Psalm 19.
Kevin Bennett
Pastor of Administration & Assimilation
Kevin Bennett joined the Highland Park staff in 2000. In his pastoral role Kevin helps to increase the effectiveness of Highland Park's growing ministry and is responsible for administration, facility and the church finances. He oversees assimilation ministries with the goal of helping folks better connect with the local church. Kevin came to saving faith in Jesus Christ through the Highland Park ministry nearly 30 years ago and is truly blessed to be part of the HP church family. Kevin received his Bachelors of Science degree in Biblical Studies and Christian Ministry from Grace University. Before joining the Highland Park pastoral staff Kevin worked 20 plus years in publishing. Kevin and his wife Joan have four children and four grandchildren. Kevin's favorite verse is 1 Chronicles 29:11,12
Mike Escen
Pastor of Student Ministries
Mike Escen joined the staff of Highland Park in June of 2010. His passion is to minister to students so that they come to know the Lord and are growing in their love and devotion to Him. Mike's ministry focuses on the preaching and teaching of God's Word specifically to students, discipleship, and providing opportunities to aid families in the shepherding of students. Mike received his Masters of Divinity at The Master's Seminary in Sun Valley, California. Mike and his wife, Joy, have two children. Mike's favorite verse is Micah 7:18-20.
Rachel Menke
Director of Children's Ministries
Rachel joined the Highland Park staff in April 2011. Rachel has a passion for teaching children to have a BIG view of God and encouraging them to live lives that glorify Him. She also has a strong desire to equip and encourage parents in the discipleship of their children. Rachel's ministry involves creating vision for and administrating learning and worship experiences for children (birth-6th grade); and training, equipping, and encouraging volunteers who serve in these ministries; and supporting and coming alongside parents in the discipleship of their children . Rachel knows a lot about being a kid at Highland Park because she once was one, and she loves being able to serve in the same church in which she grew up. Rachel has a degree in Christian Education with an emphasis in Children's Ministry from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, and also holds an M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. Rachel's favorite Bible passage is Colossians 1:28-29.
Cindy Eaton
Director of Office Ministries
Cindy Eaton heads up the Highland Park office ministry and is the point person serving the staff, ministry leaders and church family. She oversees the membership information systems, printing and publishing the church's weekly E-magazine. Cindy is responsible for accounts payable and payroll for the church ministry. Cindy has two children at home and five grandchildren. Cindy's favorite Scripture passage is Romans 8:28
Tammie Awtry
Administrative Assistant
Tammie Awtry joined the staff in February 2010 as a part-time office assistant. She compiles information from the weekly communication cards, prepares giving information and various other projects as the needed. She also assists the Awana Commanders throughout the club year. She is married to Phil and they have 3 children. Her favorite Bible passage is Romans 8:28
