HILLCREST LEADERSHIP
STEVEN GOMPERS
Senior Pastor / Elder
Steven Gompers returned to his native Coulwood/Mountain Island Lake area home after attending Calvary Chapel Bible College in California. A graduate of West Mecklenburg High School, he loves that he now serves as Pastor of the church he passed each day as a teenager on his way to hist first job at the local grocery store. He is passionately committed to seeing his hometown be transformed by the Gospel and by Hillcrest's presence in this community.
Pastor Steven loves teaching the Bible verse by verse, reading with his kids, working on his truck, and woodworking.
Steven and his wife Leslie (who is also a MIL native) are the parents of Ava Grace, Lilia, Pate, Jake, and Luke. A thankful rescue dog named Emme, two cats named Piper & Ivy, and a myriad of other creatures have been adopted by the Gompers family.
STAN FOSTER
Lay Elder
Stan Foster and his wife Susan live in Belmont but have family roots in the Coulwood community. They have both served in numerous volunteer roles at Hillcrest throughout their time as members. As an Elder, Stan works diligently to see future goals set and current projects implemented.
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Stan retired from State Farm Insurance after many years of service and now fills his time remodeling houses and traveling between Nashville and Asheville to visit his two children and their families, including his four grandchildren. Fun Fact... Stan's son Ryan served as a Worship Leader Intern at Hillcrest while in college, which was many years before Stan and Susan joined the community.
DOUG McCLURE
Lay Elder
Doug McClure and his wife Joy have lived in the Coulwood area for over 30 years and both desire to see this community thrive. They have been members of Hillcrest for several years, and prior to being ordained to the eldership, Doug served as a Deacon. He and his wife Joy have also faithfully taught our elementary Sunday School class and are well loved by their students.
Doug retired from Dystar LP Corporation after 36 years of service and he now spends his time enjoying his two grown children, their spouses, and his five grandchildren. He also enjoys golf and working on home projects in his spare time.
DON SMITH
Associate Pastor / Elder
Don Smith and his wife Jacque have been a part of the Hillcrest family for many decades (they were married here!). While moves and family life took them to other church communities for a season, they returned to Hillcrest in 2016 and have faithfully served in many ways since that time. As an Elder, Don's quiet leadership and investment in the men of the church is invaluable.
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Don's interests include tennis, his wife, his three grown children and their spouses, and his nine grandchildren. But not necessarily in that order!
JEFF VONCANNON
Lay Elder
Jeff grew up in the Charlotte area and joined the Hillcrest ministry in 2017. He recently chaired the Deacon team and has a passion for the choir and the impact that small groups studies help to grow current and new arriving members.
Jeff retired from the Charlotte Fire Department and moved into the management role in several local construction companies. He and his wife Shellie have two adult children in Tennessee and Seattle and spare time involves home remodeling and enjoying the great outdoors.
Deacons
Johnny Cook
Tom Penninger
Lorve Joinville
Gary Lambert
Nowell Midthun
Ryan Peters
Dave Vanek
Jordan Wilson