Leadership

Our Leadership Structure

For even the Son of Man came ... to serve. Matthew 20:28

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!

Meet our Staff.

Rick Larman

Director of Pastoral Care | Elder
Rick has served in this role for over 36 years. He is also the Executive Director of Covenant Ability Network of Michigan, on the board of Rest Haven Homes, and is an emeritus board member at Bair Lake Bible Camp. Rick and his wife of 47 years, Cheryl, have four children and 11 grandchildren. When he is not spending time with his family, Rick enjoys watching football and reading.

Tammy Leavitt

Children's Min. Assist. & Facilities
I grew up on the west coast in Canada where I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English language. Aside from the fact that I speak English every day, this is not helpful in my role as custodian, but it does help me in the homeschool classes I teach. I have lived here in Grand Rapids since 2005 and have enjoyed hiking in the area, seeing some of the popular travel destinations with my family, and hanging out in local bookstores. My family has attended FHBC since our arrival in Grand Rapids, with a brief stay in Pennsylvania, and the church body has reached out to become an extended family for us. I am glad that this position as custodian is another way for me to model service to my two boys.

Chester Wakefield

Director of Ministries | Elder
Since 2018, Chester (Steven) has served as full-time staff pastor, "Director of Ministries" 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.

Sarah Cooper

Children's Ministry Assistant
I grew up at Forest Hills Bible Chapel, a child of deeply involved parents. My desire to care for others led me to earn a Bachelor of Social Work degree from MSU. My love for a guy from FHBC, Brian, led me to marry him after school. Our family of six loves to read, camp, bike, sled, and play board games. I’m the oddball that loves to organize, check off to-do lists, and create excel spreadsheets: a good fit for my role at the Chapel! It is a privilege to be a part of a team that works together to love your children well and faithfully teach them about the truth of God’s word and the love of Christ.

Emily Rogers

Communication Coordinator
Emily has attended FHBC her whole life and is thankful for the opportunity to be involved in the chapel by serving as the Communications Coordinator. Emily graduated from Cornerstone University in 2021. Currently, Emily is attending grad school and working towards her doctor of physical therapy degree. 

Anna Henning

Ministry Coordinator
Anna and her family recently relocated to the area and have been blessed by the warm welcome of the FHBC family.  After twelve years of full-time ministry in her hometown Detroit and a few years at Emmaus Bible College, her husband joined the Grand Rapids Theological Seminary faculty in 2022.  Over the years she has used her BA in English and MA in Teaching & Curriculum to teach in high school, college, camp and church settings. She loves cross-cultural bridge building, real-world learning and opportunities to bring people closer to Jesus.  In her spare time you can find her thrifting, gardening, reading to her three kids, drinking coffee with a friend, or finding an excuse to throw a party.  She is thankful for the opportunity to grow and serve at FHBC.
We'd love to hear from you! Visit our contact page using the button above to get in touch with our staff or elders.

Meet our Elders.

Dean Ferris

Elder Chair
Dean Ferris and his wife Annette are the parents of four children and grandparents of three - enjoying the stewardship and investment in future generations.  He serves a number of individuals, couples and organizations through teaching, discipleship, mentoring and advising.  He is also serving as the Director of Business Development for The Cason Group and enjoys spending time in the outdoor beauty of Northern Michigan.

Paul Brinkerhoff

Elder
Paul Brinkerhoff is an editor and publishing consultant for Grace and Truth Communications. Born in New Jersey, he and his family moved to Michigan where he grew up at Forest Hills Bible Chapel. He attended Michigan State University (BA) and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary (MDiv). Paul enjoys working with children and interacting with adults. He and his wife, Beth, and their five children live in Grand Rapids. 

Chad Furness

Elder Vice-Chair
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.

Jason Larman

Elder
Jason literally grew up at FHBC having lived next door from age three to twenty. Through opportunities and relationships at the Chapel he learned to serve, lead, and teach; and he met his wife! Jason's current Chapel involvements include missions, youth and men's ministry, occasional preaching, and he is honored to serve as an elder. He and his wife Sarah have 5 living children and live in Grand Rapids. 

Tom Felten

Elder
Tom and his wife Lynn have three sons, two daughters-in-law, and two Chinese “sons” who have been part of his family for many years. When not serving at Our Daily Bread Ministries as the executive editor, you might find Tom spending time with his family, serving with people and music at FHBC, serving at Upper Peninsula Bible Camp in Michigan’s beautiful north, or enjoying the great outdoors.

Roger Roelofs

Elder - Secretary
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.