ABOUT US
OUR VISION
At Highland Park Baptist Church, we are committed to communicating the truth of scripture with clarity and love. Our mission is to connect our community and world with Jesus Christ and the glorious message of the gospel.
WHAT WE DO
Here at Highland Park we are “kingdom focused.” We want to inspire you to walk closely with Jesus Christ. If you are not a believer, our prayer is that you will consider the truth about God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and surrender your life to Him. If you are a believer, we challenge you to continue taking your faith to the next level.
OUR COMMUNITY
Whether you live in or near Mount Airy, or are just simply passing through, come and worship with us. You will be encouraged by the truth of God’s Word, inspired by great music, and enjoy warm fellowship with others. We look forward to meeting you!
OUR STAFF
Dr. Darrell Tate
Senior Pastor
Our Pastor, Dr. Darrell Tate, is a graduate of Liberty University and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. As a Pastor, he has shared the life-changing message of Jesus Christ on five continents of the world. Whether teaching Bible College in Kenya, Africa, or Evangelism in Cambodia and Vietnam, or preaching in Moscow, Russia, or along the Amazon River in Brazil, or helping with the construction of an orphanage in Guatemala, Pastor Darrell embraces the words of Jesus to take the message of the gospel to the whole world.
Pastor Darrell and his wife, Tina, have three sons: Andrew, Joshua and Daniel. Andrew and his wife Jade have a son, Hayden; Joshua and his wife Courtney have a son, Colin, and Daniel and his wife Taylor have a daughter, Harper.
Rev. Jim Richland
Associate Pastor
Our Associate Pastor, Rev. Jim Richland, accepted Christ and his call to ministry at an early age. He earned a Bachelors in Biblical Studies and History of Ideas from The College at Southeastern and a Master's in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University.
He has ministered as Associate Pastor of Young Families at Westfield Baptist Church and Senior
Pastor at Salem Baptist Church in Elizabeth City.
Jim and his family love books, being outdoors, and gardening. His wife, Jenna, homeschools their three
children: Noah, Isaac, and Clara. The thing they all enjoy most, however, is getting to know
others and helping them know God better.
Rev. Zach Flannery
Student Pastor
Our Student Pastor, Rev. Zach Flannery, is a dual graduate from Liberty University. In 2018, he earned a Bachelors of Science in Pastoral Leadership, and in 2021, earned a Masters of Divinity. Zach's greatest passions are his family, to reach the next generation with the gospel, to equip parents to disciple their kids, and build up the local church by creating community amongst churches.
Pastor Zach has served as Student/Communications Intern at Gospel Community Church in Lynchburg, VA, and as Student & Children Pastor at FBC Locust.
Pastor Zach and his wife Courtney have added a new member to their family, Liam, whom they love dearly. The Flannery family loves movies, board games, and outdoor activities, but above all they enjoy worshiping and serving as a family.
Kelsey Mathis
Music & Children's Director
Our Music/Children's Director, Kelsey Mathis, graduated from Piedmont International University in 2014 with a degree in Music Education. Kelsey has always had a love for music and considers it a true honor and joy to lead our congregation in praising and worshiping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Working with the choir, praise team, and children’s choir in preparation for worship services is another thing that Kelsey truly enjoys doing.
In addition to being our Music Director, Kelsey also serves as our Children's Director, where her energy and enthusiasm are valuable assets that carry over to actively engage and involve children as they learn
about Jesus and His great love.
Karen Cox
Administrative Assistant
Both Karen and her husband, Ken, are active members of our Highland Park family. Karen graduated from Surry Community College with an Associate of Arts degree.
Ken and Karen have lived in the Mount Airy area most of their lives and have raised three sons here, all of whom are now grown with families of their own. Karen sees her strongest gifts as genuinely caring about people and being very organized--skills she brings to our office and effectively uses here at Highland Park.