Who We Are

Forest Hill Church is committed to connecting everyone in the area of Greater Charlotte to dynamic life in Christ. We hope that each person who comes in contact with any part of this church would find that God is at work connecting us to Himself and us to one another. 

Our New Mission: Building Bridges that connect Everyone to Dynamic Life in Christ.

We do this through modern worship, sound Biblical teaching, LifeGroups, serving locally and around the world and by partnering with families of young kids and students.

Forest Hill is a multi-site church. This means we have multiple locations strategically placed throughout the greater Charlotte-region to see the Kingdom of God at work in every area of our communities. 

Mission Statement

Building Bridges that Connect Everyone to Dynamic Life in Christ.

Our leadership takes the responsibility of shepherding God's church seriously and strives to be aligned, clear and accountable in all that we do.

Meet the New Executive Leadership Team

The Executive Leadership Team is comprised of our Lead Pastor of Direction, Lead Pastor of Ministry and Executive Director of Operations. Together, under the oversight of the Council of Elders, they lead and uphold the mission and vision of Forest Hill Church.

Jason Smith - Lead Pastor of DirectionJason Smith has been on staff at Forest Hill for 11 years, and is currently the pastor of the NoDa Campus. Jason has a Masters degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Christian Thought/Theology and is passionate about helping people connect with God and find their purpose, no matter where they are starting from. Jason is a network leader of For Charlotte Mission Network, a gospel-centered network of churches in the greater Charlotte area working together to seek the peace of the Queen City. Jason and his wife Jessica, an artist and designer, have been married for 15 years and have three daughters, Savannah, Eden and Charlotte. 

Mike Boulware - Lead Pastor of Ministry
Mike Boulware was born in Lakeland, FL where he grew up the youngest of three boys. He responded to the call of Jesus Christ as a young child. 

His undergraduate education includes a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in psychology from Presbyterian College, in Clinton, SC. He received a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary, in Charlotte, NC. As an ordained pastor, he has served as the pastoral care pastor at Mandarin Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, FL, and in numerous leadership roles the last 15 years at Forest Hill. His passion in ministry is to love people and equip others to do the same so that the Gospel might be known and cause deep transformation in people.

Mike is married to his high school sweetheart Andrea. They have two children, Ashley and Chase. He enjoys going on dates with his wife, playing with his kids, working in the yard and watching a good science fiction movie.

Max Baumgartner - Executive Director of Operations
Max and his wife Gina have been married for 41 years and have three children and two grandchildren. Max has been the Executive Director/COO at Forest Hill since 2008. Prior to Forest Hill, Max was the Board Chair for Charlotte Christian School. And prior to that, Max served as the COO for David Jeremiah's Shadow Mountain Community Church. Max is a proud Navy veteran having completed 11 tours of duty including an assignment as the Supply Officer on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. He is passionate about Jesus, family, learning, and mentoring leaders. His hobbies include hiking, and skiing.

Meet the New Senior Leadership Team

The Senior Leadership Team is comprised of 15 of Forest Hill’s ministry leaders from across all six campuses including our six campus pastors and Executive Leadership Team. This group, with its vast years of experience in both ministry and corporate settings, works to achieve the mission and vision of Forest Hill Church.

Max Baumgartner, Executive Director of Operations
Mike Boulware, Lead Pastor of Ministry
Keith Burney, Campus Pastor, Eastland
Gentry Eddings, Campus Pastor, Ballantyne
Paula Forte, Associate Pastor, Eastland
Gray Gardner, Campus Pastor, Fort Mill
Quinlan Lee, Adult Discipleship Team Lead
Todd Lesher, Family Ministry Team Lead
Jonathan Matos, Campus Pastor, South Blvd.
John Parker, Director of Outreach
Jonathan Scott, Campus Pastor, South Park
Jason Smith, Lead Pastor of Direction
Andrew Weiler, Director of Digital Strategies
Rebecca Woodman, Director of Care and Counseling

The Executive Team

The Council of Elders has voted on and approved a plurality of leadership in what was formerly known as the Office of Senior Pastor with a Lead Pastor of Direction, a Lead Pastor of Ministry and an Executive Director of Operations to create a new Executive Team. 

QUICK HIGHLIGHTS

• We remain committed to our Essentials of Faith and particularly, our belief in the inerrancy of Scripture.

• The Transition Team recommended a model with the options of 3 or 5 people in the role formerly known as the Office of Senior Pastor after a season of research and conversation with churches all over the country who have gone through similar seasons of transition.

• Council unanimously voted on the 3-person model, the role descriptions and the three people to fill these roles; Jason Smith - Lead Pastor of Direction, Mike Boulware - Lead Pastor of Ministry and Max Baumgartner, Executive Director of Operations.

• All campus pastors are excited and encouraged about this organizational shift and retain significant leadership function in the church and at their campuses.

• The Executive Team will be building a Senior Leadership Team to support organizational and ministry functions.

• Jonathan Scott and Jason Smith will continue to be the primary communicators on the teaching team, with campus pastors continuing to periodically preach.

A DEEPER DIVE

The goals of an Executive Team:

• Refine and enhance senior leadership focus on each aspect of mission

• Provide collaboration with regards to methods and strategies

• Recognize the significant scope, breadth and capacity to operate an organization of this size and scale

• Increase synergy and innovation to respond to evangelistic and discipleship challenges in a rapidly changing cultural environment

• Provide internal accountability through peer relationships

• Increase the diversity of decision-making perspective on the highest order issues

Our decision to move to a plurality of leaders at the senior leadership level is based on biblical principles not direct models. There are several ways to establish models of senior leadership in the local church. We believe that this model will serve Forest Hill best during this season. It is modeled in the New Testament and supported by biblical wisdom and demonstrates practical advantages.

RESOURCES

HERE for the Biblical Foundations of a plurality of leadership.

Click HERE for Organizational Justification of a plurality of leadership.
 

(WATCH our conversation and Q+A with Lay Leaders about this transition.)

Elders
Elected by the church body, elders provide spiritual oversight for the life and affairs of Forest Hill including how to use resources in alignment to the purpose and vision of the church. They also administer communion, baptism and prayer.

Current Council of Elders:

• Deidre Foster - Council Chair

• Glenn McCorkle- Council Vice Chair

• Graeme Dykes - Head of Finance & Risk Management Committee

• Jimmy Wade - Head of EDC

• Tom Mullis - Head of Governance Committee

• Daniel Rodriguez-Brenes - Head of Audit Committee

• Angie Bartles

• Tom Emmrich

• Derek Harris

• Libby Kral

• Liz Mallas

• Bert Williams

Click HERE to email the Council.

Deacons
Elected by the church body, deacons provide support, comfort and care to Forest Hill members with particular needs including prayer and hospital visits.

Leadership
The Campus Pastors share preaching responsibilities and work collaboratively with senior staff leaders and elders on a Transitional Leadership Team to continue to lead Forest Hill while we format the next leadership structure of the church. We have recently made a significant decision regarding the leadership of the church. Read our latest transition update here.

Resources:

Our Essentials of Faith

FHC's Financials

FHC's Governance Document

Transition Update

Questions? Email our leaders.

At Forest Hill, here's a summary of what we believe:

• The Bible is God’s Word to us. All Scripture is self-attesting and true, so we must follow and believe it in all areas of life.
• God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The three are coequal and are one God.
• Jesus is the Son of God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary - God who became man to die on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. Three days later, He rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven where He is now our High Priest and Mediator.
• The Holy Spirit lives in each Christian from the moment of salvation. He makes us aware of our need for Christ and draws us close to Him. Living in our hearts, He gives us new life, understanding of spiritual truth and guidance as we seek to do what’s right and live under His control.
• Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. Our salvation is wholly dependent upon the work of God’s free grace. Those who put their faith alone in Christ for Salvation are children of God and heirs of eternal life.
• The Bible, Communion, Baptism and community are integral parts of the church. The true church finds expression in local congregations where the Word of God is preached in its purity, the sacraments -- communion and baptism -- are administered in their integrity, scriptural discipline is practiced and loving fellowship is maintained.
• He is coming back. Jesus Christ will come again to earth to judge the living and the dead.
• It’s a priority to tell other people about the transforming power of Christ. We are commanded, as believers, to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world and make disciples who make disciples.

To download our Essentials of Faith, click here

Welcome to Kids@FHC

We want to see kids and parents make faith in Jesus a priority in their home.

Visit our website to learn more and subscribe to our Parenting Podcast for regular conversations about how to do that in your home. 

What is Kids@FHC?

Our ministry is committed to five key goals that shape every aspect of what we do.

Incite Wonder and Faith

Learning about the Bible and living a life for Christ is exciting, fun and full of adventure!  By utilizing interactive components, creative storytelling methods, and engaging in large group environments we strive to make Jesus real and applicable to every child. 

Equip and Empower Parents

We believe that the primary place for spiritual development and discovery is not the church, but the home.  Because of this we are passionate about walking beside parents as they raise kids with real, transformational, Christ-centered faith that lasts into adulthood.

Develop Influential Leaders

Every child needs leaders and role models pouring into his/her life and modeling the love of Christ. Each child within our ministry is placed in a life group lead by caring students and adults.  These groups meet during our weekend service times.  This allows children to interact and learn from individuals who are excited about sharing God’s Word and passionate about helping kids apply that truth to their daily lives.

Build Community

One of our goals in Kids@FHC is to build community. Whether that involves kids, parents, or volunteers we feel it’s important to be connected with others. We accomplish this through ministry events, social events or personal meetings we work hard to bring people together so that they can live life together.

Open Our Arms to the World

The opportunity to serve and give to those in need has a great impact on a child’s faith.  Our goal is to help families establish a lifestyle of serving the embraces our world with the love of Christ.

What is Little Kids?

Little Kids is divided into Nursery (birth-2 years) and Preschool (3-TK). Children in the nursery are divided into age-appropriate classrooms where they are loved and cared for.

Preschoolers attend The Art Studio, a wildly creative place where children get to experience the stories of the Bible in dramatic and engaging ways while exercising their own creativity. They also experience the Bible in LifeGroups, a time where they can interact with their friends and participate in prayer, Bible explorations, and life application. Our simple objective is to communicate to every child, “God made me, God loves me, and Jesus wants to by my friend forever.”

What is Big Kids?

The Exploratorium is our weekend environment for Big kids ages kindergarten – 5^th grade. Like the Art Studio, Big Kids get to participate in a large group environment (called The Exploratorium) and a LifeGroup environment. The Exploratorium is a dynamic and ever-changing place where children come to discover God’s word and uncover truth- quite literally actually! Hidden treasures, coded messages, and much more are a part of this exciting Bible story adventure.

First Time at Kids@FHC

We are so glad you are here!  As you enter any of our campuses, please follow the Newcomer signs to park and our greeters will escort you to the New Family Check-in Station.  We will check your child into our database system and one of our volunteers will show you to their age-appropriate room.

We will ask for the following personal information: family members' names, children’s names and birthdates, address, phone number, and any special instructions (allergies, special needs) for your child.  All children and their parents will receive matching security tags.  No child is released without a valid security tag.

Learn more about locations and service times. 

Safety and Security

We are committed to protecting each and every child entrusted to our care.  All Kids@FHC team members undergo an extensive protection process, including a background check, references and a personal interview.  We use a secure check-in system to ensure children are checked in and out by the same individuals.  In addition to these measures, a security team monitors all individuals entering the Kids@FHC areas.

Parent Connect

Parents, we want you to be involved in the experience your child has at Kids@FHC. 

We encourage dialog with your kids during the ride home and throughout the week.  Our goal is for your child to have a positive experience and let you be part of what they are learning. To help make this happen we offer podcasts, teaching resources, social media connections and more to fill our parents toolbox with valuable tools to reach their child.

Serving in Kids@FHC

It is important to have great volunteers to care for and teach our children.  When children are welcomed in Jesus name, God’s presence is felt.  After being at Forest Hill Church for six months, you can apply to be part of our exciting kids teams. No matter what your gifts are there is a place for you to serve!

Interested in Child Dedication or Baptism?

Child Dedication: At Kids@FHC, we feel there is no greater decision a parent can make than to commit to raising their children in the ways of Christ. If you have a child (ages 0-7) and would like to attend our next Child Dedication Class and Ceremony, please register here.

Baptism: Is your child interested in baptism? We would love to have a chance to partner with them in their journey of faith. Children 3^rd grade and older participate in a Baptism class with their parents to make sure each child is equipped and ready for this important decision. If you are interested, please register here.

Preschool@FHC

Since 1994, Forest Hill’s Weekday Program has been providing a scripture-based reading and math readiness program. We believe that children learn through play as they explore all the senses in an engaging and structured classroom. Our goal is to teach kids to Know Christ, Grow in Christ and Go for Christ in ways that they understand and can embrace. Please visiti our website preschoolatfhc.org for more information!

ADVANCE is for middle and high school students. Each week students get together to worship, build friendships and learn more about what it looks like to follow Christ. MORE

Parents, suscribe to our Parenting Podcast for conversations about how you can help make faith in Jesus a priority in your home.

Baptism: Is your Middle School or High School student interested in baptism? We would love to have a chance to partner with them in their journey of faith. If your student is interested in being baptized, please register here.

At Forest Hill, we believe that lives are most effectively changed in genuine, real relationships and community. In BridgeGroups, we study the Bible, build friendships, and serve the community. 

If you are looking for ways to get connected to Forest Hill and community, then... 

Ask the hard questions. Having questions is good. Asking those questions is even better. Starting Point is the place to ask tough questions about faith. Safe, authentic, conversational. Watch this video to learn more. Interested? Contact Quinlan Lee for more information.

Meet your people: Make friends, study the Bible, serve, grow spiritually – it all happens best in a BridgeGroup. To get connected, contact

Ballantyne: Jody Strange

Fort Mill: Suzanne Martin

South Park: Evan Muro

Waxhaw: J.R. Lloyd

Uptown: Keith Burney

South Boulevard: Jorge Hernandez

Give your life away: Imagine using your gifts, talents and resources to care for someone across the globe. Imagine how that could transform a community and your own heart. 

Learn about membership: What does it mean to be a part of something big? What does it mean to put your flag in the ground at Forest Hill? Contact Quinlan Lee for more information about membership at Forest Hill.

Walk from death to life. Baptism symbolizes your commitment to follow Jesus and proudly declares it to the rest of the world.  If you’d like to learn more about baptism or participate in our one-time Baptism Preparation Class, visit our Events page or contact Quinlan Lee.   

We believe that justice and compassion should be at the forefront of how we live outside the church building. Through partnerships with great local non-profits and global organizations, we work to meet the physical and spiritual needs of at-risk, marginalized and hurting communities and people. Serving others, locally and globally, helps to transform vulnerable communities and our own hearts.

           GoLocal

           GoGlobal

From time to time, we all need help. LifeGroups meet many needs, but for those beyond the scope of the group, Care & Counseling is here to help.

Pastoral Care
We provide Christian care for people in the hospital, in a time of crisis, for weddings and for funerals. From prayer to friendship, guidance and more, our pastors, elders and deacons are available for you.

Counseling
Premarital counseling, short-term counseling, assessments, referrals and spiritual direction are offered to couples, men, women and children - ages 3 and older. Our trained pastors, counselors, residents and interns are available to walk with you through different stages of life.

Support Groups
We offer support-based groups focused on marriage, finances and life-stage issues. These groups are led by experienced volunteers, licensed professional counselors and licensed psychologists.

Prayer Requests
God never intended for us to face life alone. He gave us the ability to pray and sometimes it helps to know that someone is praying with you. To submit a confidential prayer request, click here to email your request.

For more information, or to make an appointment, please call 704-716-8775.