Senior Pastor

Dr. Ricky L. Ray                email     Senior Pastor

Originally from Tennessee, Dr. Ray has served churches in both Tennessee and Kentucky.  He has been Highlawn's pastor since October 2007.  He holds degrees from Union University, Mid-America Theological Seminary and Southern Seminary.  He and his wife, Shanova,  have two children, Jonathan and Kara

Worship/Administration Pastor

Matthew McKenzie           email   Worship/Administration Pastor

Matthew McKenzie answered the call to become the music and worship pastor for HBC in June of 2002.  A native of the Tri-State area, the McKenzie's have served churches in Ohio, Kentucky.  Matthew is a graduate of Marshall University and has studied music all over the world.  He and his wife, Susan, have one son, Josiah.

Preschool/Children

Susan McKenzie               email  Preschool Ministries

The call to serve as Coordinator of Preschool and Children's Ministries was extended to Susan in March of 2008.  With 10+ years as a public school teacher and as a commissioned missionary of the North American Mission Board (SBC), Susan has a desire that all children be nurtured in the love of Christ.  She holds degrees from Ohio University (B.S. in Elementary Ed.) and Morehead State University (M.A. in Elementary Education).  She and her husband have one son.

Student Ministries

Don Merritt, Interim        email  Student Ministries

Church Secretary

Pat Alley                            email Church Secretary

Ministry Assistant   

Suzanne Sutherland        email Ministry Assistant

Ministry Intern

Andrew Merritt                email Ministry Intern

Young Andrew Merritt has been a part of the ministry of Highlawn since he was a young child.  Growing up in a wonderful Christian home, Andrew has developed into a wonderful witness for the Lord.  He is a recent graduate of Cabell-Midland High School with high honors and is currently a Math Education Major at Marshall University.  In later part of 2007, Andrew answered the call of Christ on his life to serve in full-time ministry and to pursue a seminary degree.  Highlawn is so honored to have one of their own called by the Lord.  Andrew serves under the mentorship of the pastoral staff with specific responsibilities in media and small group Bible study for pre-teens.