Leadership

Pastor Mark has personally experienced the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. After years of half-hearted church involvement, including singing in a Southern Gospel Quartet, Pastor Mark met the Master. Pastor Mark's growing dependence on alcohol, the illness of his young son, and the prayers of his patient wife, all came together to deliver Pastor Mark from a sin-stained life to a new life in Christ.

Mark Canipe received Christ as his personal Savior and yielded the Lordship of his life to Christ in 1990.

A few short years after his baptism in 1990, Pastor Mark began sensing a call to preach the Gospel. That divine calling resulted in educational preparation at Emmanuel Baptist College (B.A., 1997) and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div., 2002). Pastor Mark received his Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Seminary in December 2008.

Josh joined our staff in 2011 as the Facilities Manager and his responsibilities have evolved over time. Currently, he is our Chief of Operations managing the day to day operations and staff towards the goal of fulfilling Pastor Mark's vision for Heights Church. He also leads our Student Ministry. In 2016, He graduated with a degree in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University.

He married his wife Jordan in 2012. Together they have two boys - Judah and Josiah. He loves being outdoors, trying to stay fit, and denying the fact he's getting old. However, there's nothing he loves more than being home with his wife and kids.

Stephanie has served as Administrative Assistant to Heights Church and Personal Assistant to Pastor Mark Canipe since April 2011. Stephanie is also the sonographer at Women’s Health Associates of Aiken. She graduated from the Medical College of Georgia with a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Stephanie and her husband, Jason, are the parents of Ila Grace and Ellis. Stephanie loves interior design, coffee, and Hallmark movies!

Betsy joined the staff of Heights Church in March of 2020.

In 2015, John joined the Heights staff as the Children's Pastor. John is a 1995 graduate of Tennessee Temple University. He graduated summa cum laude with a pastoral degree. John married Gail in 2009 and one of their favorite things to do is spend time with their 11 grandchildren.

Carla has attended Heights Church since 2003. Children's ministry has always held a special place in Carla's heart. She began in children's ministry in 1996 as a preK teacher. In 2004 after settling in at Heights she began teaching in the preschool department which led her into the director's role in 2005. Her true passion is watching the children grow through the teaching of God's word.
Carla is married to Jeff and they have four children and three grandchildren
In her free time Carla enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and reading.

Courtney joined our church staff in  2013 as Worship Leader. In 2017 she   added to her role and became our Volunteer Coordinator. Courtney is also involved in our Heights kids ministry. Courtney married Russell Freeman in 2011, and they are parents to Canton and Lucy. Courtney loves seeing people get connected through serving in the church. A few of Courtney's favorite things are dresses, Chic-fil-A, and finding a really good sale.