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?

Mike Neely
Senior Pastor

Mike Neely is our Senior Pastor, responsible for Sunday morning worship and preaching, oversight of ministry vision and planning, and leadership development. He and his wife Mickee have three children, Micole, Micah and Morgan. Mike's favorite Scripture passage is John 13:1-5.
Drop Pastor Mike an email!

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.
Drop Pastor Bill an email!

Travis Purkerson
Pastor of Worship Ministries

Travis is the newest member of our staff team, joining us in April 2004. He is responsible for shepherding, developing and leading our worship ministries and team. Travis and his wife Ruth have 4 children.
Drop Pastor Travis an email!

Ken Taylor
Pastor of Discipleship Ministries

A long time member and active ministry leader at Highland Park, Ken officially joined our staff in March 2000. He serves the HP body by helping new Christians become connected to the church body and rooted in the word of God. He and his wife, Judy, have two children, Brant (our youth pastor) and Dana. Ken's favorite Scripture passages are 2 Peter 1:3-8 and Romans 5:1-2.
Drop Pastor Ken an email!

Brant Taylor
Pastor of Youth Ministries

Youth Pastor Brant Taylor has been at Highland Park since 1991, initially serving as a volunteer and youth coordinator before being called as Youth Pastor in 1994. Brant is responsible for all areas of HP's youth ministry, including regular weekly activities, discipleship, special outreach events, and recruiting and training volunteer youth staff. He and his wife, Susanne, have two young children. Brant's favorite Scripture passage is 2 Peter 1:3-8.
Drop Pastor Brant an email!

Kevin Bennett
Administrator

Kevin helps to increase the effectiveness of Highland Park's growing ministry and is responsible for administration, facility, financial and overall church operation. He serves as a conduit between various church ministries and the pastoral staff. Kevin has been part of the HP church family for 25 years. Before joining the Highland Park staff team in 2000 Kevin worked 20 plus years as an advertising publisher. Kevin and his wife Joan have four children, two of whom are still at home and four grandchildren. Kevin's favorite Scripture passage is 1 Chronicles 29:11-12.
Drop Kevin an email!

Cindy Eaton
Office Operations

Cindy 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 of the Highlight; the church"s weekly E-magazine. Cindy has two children at home and three grandchildren. Cindy's favorite Scripture passage is Romans 8:28
Drop Cindy an email!