Leadership
As a Presbyterian Church, we are elder and deacon led in fulfilling our overall vision, direction, and pastoral care. With the exception of our paid staff members, Heartland is supported entirely by volunteers responding to God's call to serve our local body.
Meet Our Pastors
Jonathan Whitley
Senior Pastor
Hi, my name is Jonathan Whitley. I began to follow Jesus early in life through the gospel witness of my mother and a local church. I sensed a call to vocational ministry while serving on a mission trip in high school. Since then, I have served local churches in various roles from janitor to senior pastor for over 25 years. While in college, I met my bride, Tara, and since our union in 2001 we have had the privilege of raising up a godly heritage both in the church and in our own family, including our four children - Ross (2010), Clay (2012-2015), Graham (2014), and Hope (2017). As a pastor, I believe God has called me to help people see and follow Jesus in every area of their life. I hold degrees from Truman State University (BA), Reformed Theological Seminary-Charlotte (MDiv), and Covenant Theological Seminary (DMin).
Ben Marquez
Associate Pastor
Hi, my name is Ben Marquez. I came to a living faith in Jesus just shortly after my senior year of high school. In 2003, two years after my wife, Ashlee and I were married, I was asked to serve as the Youth Director at First Presbyterian Church in Casa Grande, Arizona. It was in my first year of serving at First Presbyterian Church that I sensed my call to ministry. Since then, I have served in four different churches, spending the first 10 ½ years in student ministry and the following 10 ½ years in discipleship ministries. Ashlee and I have been married for 23 years and have three children – Isaiah (15), Gracie (12), and Haven (9). I hold degrees From Tabor College (BA) and Southern Evangelical Seminary (MDiv).
