STAFF
WES HILLIARD
Lead Pastor
Wes and Allison joined the Heritage staff in June of 2001. They have two children. He has a passion to see the Church of Jesus Christ thrive with power, vitality, emotional health, and life-changing zeal to make the presence of Jesus real to our world. He believes, "If Jesus and the early church did it, so should we!"
Wes has been ordained for over 30 years. He has also spent over 30 years associated with the military as a cadet, field artillery officer, and a chaplain. This has taken him around the world and exposed him to many life-changing encounters. Wes retired in February 2015 as as the Joint Forces Headquarters Staff Chaplain and the Senior Army Command Chaplain for the Arkansas National Guard.
BRIAN SEEWALD
Discipleship Minister
Brian and his wife Shawnna joined the staff at Heritage in January of 2006. Brian and his family took a leap a faith to move to Arkansas from California, leaving behind their family, friends, and his band Shadowbox Puppets. He is awed that God would allow him and his family to be a part of Heritage Church.They have 3 children, Madison, Alyssa, and Parker. Brian feels so blessed to be able to work with the students at Heritage Church. Brian began ministry at Heritage as the student minister. In 2018 he transitioned into the Discipleship Minister. He has a deep passion for the Word of God, a love for the community, and a love for being with others. He also loves showing people how to walk with Jesus, encouraging all to embrace the Great Commission of being a disciple who makes disciples.
ERIC MARSH
Associate Pastor/Transitional Local Pastor
Eric has been a member at Heritage since 2004 when his mother Debbie took over as the Director of Children’s Ministry. His wife Shea is a ministry veteran as well, serving in children’s and youth ministries in several Methodist churches in Arkansas including Heritage Church. Eric has worked for 11 years as a teacher and a football coach, with the last 9 at Alma High School. They have three children, Cooper who is 8 and in 3rd grade, and Caroline who is 6 and in Kindergarten, and Cal, who was born in October. Eric is a Transitional Local Pasor in the GMC, has earned a M.A. in Biblical Exposition and is less than a year away from completing his MDiv. Eric loves Heritage Church and is thrilled to be a part of what God is going to do here!
CALEB LESTER
Worship Arts Minister
Caleb and his wife Shalon moved here in 2017 from Oklahoma City. Caleb is the Worship Arts Pastor and Shalon is our staff accompanist. They have quickly grown to call Van Buren and Heritage their home. When she is not playing at the church Shalon is an adjunct professor of piano at UAFS as well as teaches her own private students. Together they have two little girls who bring them many laughs and joy. They love to worship and serve the body through their gifts and talents as well as equip others to do the same.
JAKE SIMMONS
Youth Minister
Jake grew up here in Van Buren and graduated from ATU with a Bachelor's degree in Emergency Management. He also served as a intern with the Wesley Foundation fostering discipleship relationships with freshmen and ministry team leaders.
Jake is married to his high school sweetheart, Madison Simmons who is our Children's Minister. Jake has a passion for showing youth age students how to become who Jesus created them to be. He is excited to lead our youth ministry into the future.
MADISON SIMMONS
Children's Minister
Madison grew up in Van Buren and is a product of the ministries of Heritage. In college, she was involved with the Wesley Foundation where she served as an intern to foster discipleship relationships with freshmen and ministry team leaders. Madison has worked as an intern with UMCOR organizing data and managing volunteers for Arkansas Disaster Response. She also worked as a Counselor at Camp War Eagle. Madison married her husband Jake in 2017. Since 2018, they have served to point children, youth, and young adults at Heritage to Christ.
BECKI KNEELAND
Welcome Minister
Becki and her husband Mike joined the staff at Heritage in July of 2011. They have 2 children. Becki's passion is people. She is a hometown girl that believes God has gifted her in such a way that she never meets a stranger.
She loves to develop long-lasting Christian friendships that go well below the surface. She believes that every person has priceless value in the eyes of God.
BOBBY BOYAKIN
Business Administrator
Bobby and his wife, Diana began attending Heritage in January 2009. They joined the staff in September of 2017. They have one daughter and three grandchildren.
Bobby spent 34 years in the business world but has always had a heart for ministry. During those years, He pastored a small congregation for four years.
He enjoys his family, especially the grandkids, and his church family. The friendships developed at Heritage, especially through Life Groups, have blessed he and his family beyond measure.
PAM JAMES
Staff Secretary
Pam and her husband, Kip, joined the staff at Heritage in April of 2013. They have 3 children, Colt and his wife, Victoria and Jennifer and her husband, Cade. She is also a proud Grammy of two boys! Pam is the Staff Secretary and is one of the first people you might hear on the phone at Heritage. She loves to help, encourage, and pray for everyone!
Most important to her is her family and friends! God has called her family here to grow and be blessed. Growth and blessing opportunities abound at Heritage!
SHAWNNA SEEWALD
Preschool Coordinator
Shawnna Seewald became a part of Heritage Church in 2006 as her husband, Brian Seewald, was hired as their new youth minister. They are originally from Southern California. Shortly after their arrival, Shawnna began her involvement at Heritage Preschool as a classroom teacher. Since then, she has been Assistant Pre-school Coordinator and has filled the role of Preschool Coordinator since fall of 2015. She loves Heritage Church, has a huge heart for kids and loves the city of Van Buren.
KIP JAMES
Associate Pastor/Cowboy Church
Kip has had a heart for ministry since childhood by actively serving in his small hometown church in Southeast Kansas from an early age. Kip became lost to the world as a young adult and in 2005 due to God’s grace and Heritage, the calling to ministry was restored. Kip currently is serving as the Pastor at John and Pat Poole’s Adonai Tsuri Cowboy Church.
The most important things to him are his family – wife Pam, son Colt and daughter-in-law Victoria, and daughter Jennifer and son-in-law, Cade. Heritage has been a place for restoration for Kip and he desires nothing more than to share the heart of Jesus. He has been truly blessed by Heritage family.
MAX GOINS
Congregational Care Pastor
Max and his wife Marilyn joined the staff at Heritage Church in June of 2010. They have 4 children, 15 grandchildren and a growing number of great-grandchildren. He has a great love for people and a deep desire to help meet their spiritual needs.
Max's life in ministry could be best described as an "adventure led by God." Nothing has been more exciting than when he and his wife followed God's leading to serve in a faraway place called Russia. Max also serves as Executive Director of WE-GO Mission Coalition, which has continuing work in Russia. He has been an ordained minister for 57 years and looks forward to many more.
KATHY GOINS
Communications
Kathy joined the staff at Heritage in January 2004. She is married to Roger and they have three married children and seven grandchildren. Kathy is responsible for any publications. The most important things in her life are Jesus, family, and friends! She grew up with 4 siblings and felt like there was always something exciting going on, one of the main reasons she loves to be a Heritage Church!
BAKARY DOUMBOUYA
Missionary in Residence
Bio coming soon!