Our Leadership
Leadership
Our leadership takes the responsibility of shepherding God’s church seriously and strives to be aligned, clear and accountable in all that we do. We operate under a plurality of leaders, with the Executive Leadership Team consisting of Lead Pastor of Direction, Lead Pastor of Ministries and the Executive Director of Operations. Forest Hill is also governed by a non-staff body of Lay Leaders called the Council of Elders who oversee and govern the church. Additionally, the Executive Team is supported by the Senior Leadership Team, made up of Key Ministry and Staff Leaders and our Campus Pastors.
Jason Smith
Lead Pastor of Direction
Jason Smith has been on staff at Forest Hill for 11 years, and is currently the Lead Pastor of Direction. 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 has been 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.
Mike Boulware
Lead Pastor of Ministries
Mike Boulware’s 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. He has served 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.
Max Baumgartner
Executive Director of Operations
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.
Senior Leadership Team
Key Ministry Leads and Campus PAstors
The Senior Leadership Team is comprised of 14 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.
Lay Leadership
Council Of Elders
Elected from the congregation, the Council of Elders is the highest authority at Forest Hill. There are 12 Council Elders who are responsible for overseeing the leadership and budget of the church as well as the spiritual and theological guidance of Forest Hill.
ASSEmbly of Elders
The Assembly of Elders is a leadership body that helps oversee the work of the church, specifically serving at each campus. Assembly Elders serve the church, pray with those who need it, oversee membership and help administer communion.
Deacons
Deacons serve as the hands and feet of the body. Regularly visiting those who are sick, caring for the needs of people in the congregation and serving where needs arise. Deacons are also committed to praying for all the requests that come in from the congregation.
Get In Touch
We would love to hear from you with any questions about Forest Hill’s Beliefs, Leadership or Governance.