Zion's Hill operates under a congregational model of governance, emphasizing the active participation of its members in key decisions. The congregation votes on major church matters, ensuring that the body of Christ collectively seeks God's will in all aspects of leadership and direction.
Pastor
The pastor serves as the primary spiritual shepherd and leader, guided by Biblical principles of servant leadership (Mark 10:42-45).
Responsibilities include preaching, teaching, providing pastoral care, and equipping the congregation to grow in their faith and fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
The pastor collaborates with the leadership board to ensure the church's ministries align with Scripture and its mission.
Board of Deacons
The deacons focus on the spiritual and practical needs of the congregation (Acts 6:1-7).
Their responsibilities include assisting in administering ordinances, offering counsel to the pastor, and supporting members through prayer, visitation, and service.
Deacons are selected based on the qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
Board of Trustees
Trustees oversee the church's financial and property matters.
They ensure stewardship of resources, transparency, and accountability in alignment with Biblical principles (2 Corinthians 8:20-21).
Trustees work closely with the pastor and deacons to manage church facilities and legal obligations.
Biblical Foundation of Leadership
Leadership within this church reflects the example of Christ, emphasizing humility, service, and submission to God’s authority. Leaders are chosen for their spiritual maturity, character, and commitment to the church's mission, based on passages like 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
Role of the Congregation
The congregation is integral to the decision-making process, seeking to discern God’s will collectively. Members vote on:
Selection of the pastor, deacons, and trustees.
Approval of major financial decisions and ministry initiatives.
Affirmation of the church’s vision and mission.
Pastor
The pastor serves as the primary spiritual shepherd and leader, guided by Biblical principles of servant leadership (Mark 10:42-45).
Responsibilities include preaching, teaching, providing pastoral care, and equipping the congregation to grow in their faith and fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
The pastor collaborates with the leadership board to ensure the church's ministries align with Scripture and its mission.
Board of Deacons
The deacons focus on the spiritual and practical needs of the congregation (Acts 6:1-7).
Their responsibilities include assisting in administering ordinances, offering counsel to the pastor, and supporting members through prayer, visitation, and service.
Deacons are selected based on the qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
Board of Trustees
Trustees oversee the church's financial and property matters.
They ensure stewardship of resources, transparency, and accountability in alignment with Biblical principles (2 Corinthians 8:20-21).
Trustees work closely with the pastor and deacons to manage church facilities and legal obligations.
Biblical Foundation of Leadership
Leadership within this church reflects the example of Christ, emphasizing humility, service, and submission to God’s authority. Leaders are chosen for their spiritual maturity, character, and commitment to the church's mission, based on passages like 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
Role of the Congregation
The congregation is integral to the decision-making process, seeking to discern God’s will collectively. Members vote on:
Selection of the pastor, deacons, and trustees.
Approval of major financial decisions and ministry initiatives.
Affirmation of the church’s vision and mission.
Warner Swopes
Pastor
Pastor Warner started his journey to pastoral ministry officially in 2021. Pryor to his time as our pastor, Warner served in various ministries as a youth pastor at Morgantown Baptist Church from 2005-2010 and as an elder at Current Church in Franklin from 2016-2020. Warner graduated from Liberty University with an Bachelors of Science in Applied Ministry in 2022 and is certified in Biblical Counseling. His focus in his pastoral ministry is to be a servant leader that teaches the Word of God clearly and honestly. In his free time he enjoys playing music, painting miniatures, and crafting with his kids.
Cole Hurlbert
Worship Leader
Cole grew up at ZHBC and has played music for all of his adult life. Cole leads the worship team with creativity and innovation blending modern and traditional song selections to create an atmosphere of worship that invites all generations to participate. Cole coaches soccer in his spare time and is active in the community.