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 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.

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. 

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.

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 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. 

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.

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.