Leadership

FHBC emphasises a “priesthood of believers” model of ministry, seeing each believer within the church as integral to the whole - each providing encouragement, accountability, admonishment, and support to one another.   From within this context, a group of appointed, qualified, and gifted elders oversee and lead the vision and spiritual needs of the church body.  To accompany the elders, a board of deacons and 

deaconesses assist by leading, addressing needs, and supporting the function of the church ministry.  Hired staff also serve the needs of the ministry (some function within the role of elder/pastor and some do not).  All FHBC members are encouraged to volunteer their time, talents, resources, and energy to support the needs of the church family. FHBC believes that as each one serves, they also grow!

Since 2018, Chester (Steven) has served as a full-time pastor at FHBC.  He attended Cedarville University (engineering), Grand Rapids Theological Seminary (MDiv), and served on staff at the Holland Rescue Mission.  Chester and his wife, Jenelle have lived in the west Michigan area since 2002 where they have been blessed with 3 wonderful children.

Andrew has attended the chapel for most of his life. In 2023, he graduated from Cedarville University with a bachelors in IT Management and a minor in Bible. He has had the pleasure of serving at UPBC on summer staff, program staff and as a counselor. In addition, he was given the opportunity to become a youth leader at FHBC in 2023. He currently works at Behler-Young as an Application Support Specialist. Andrew is excited to help foster community in the Chapel with the kickoff of their young adult ministries.

Emily has grown up attending FHBC and has been thankful for the opportunity to be involved in the chapel by serving as the Communications Coordinator for the past 5 years. Emily graduated with her Bachelor of Science from Cornerstone University in 2021 and from Grand Valley State University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2024. 

Beth has had experience with different cultures as she grew up in Argentina in a missionary family. She has had the opportunity to facilitate different children's programs with her family there and also in Mexico. Now she lives in Grand Rapids with her husband and five children. Her two eldest are out of the home, and she and her husband Paul are helping the remaining three navigate high school. She continues to help in various children and youth ministries at FHBC. Beth is excited about her new role as Ministry Assistant. She loves helping behind the scenes and is happy for this new opportunity to serve others in the church.

Chad Furness has served as an elder at Forest Hills Bible Chapel since 2017 where he and his wife Meredith have attended since 2005. He is blessed to be a homeschooling father to five wonderful kids where his roles include being a science teacher and a basketball coach. After 20 years of private practice, he now works as a medical physician at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services.

Bruce has been married to his wife, Anna, since 2004 and have three children. After getting his degree from Michigan State, Bruce was commended to full time ministry by Carriage Hill Bible Chapel and worked in Detroit for 12 years, serving in evangelism, discipleship, preaching and teaching. After receiving his MDiv from Moody Theological Seminary and his PhD from Trinity College - Bristol, he taught at Emmaus University and Theological Seminary. Bruce enjoys anything related to Greek, reading, and playing board games with his kids.

Dean and his wife Annette are the parents of four and grandparents of six - enjoying stewardship and investment in future generations. He serves a number of individuals, couples and organizations through teaching, discipleship, mentoring and advising. He enjoys spending time in the outdoor beauty of Northern Michigan.

Roger is married to Patty and has two adult children and one granddaughter. He graduated from Hope College  and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary (MDiv). He works as a web and mobile app developer. Roger and Patty have been attending and serving at Forest Hills Bible Chapel for the last 10+ years and they appreciate the chapel family for walking with them through every mountain and valley.