Pastor Stephen Bennett has served the Lord at Hillcrest faithfully for several years, as Senior Pastor, Interim Pastor, and as a loyal church member.

Beginning his ministry around the age of 30, Pastor Bennett and his first wife of 56 years Laverne Bennett had the privilege of traveling around the world, starting Bible studies, planting churches, and reaching lost souls with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Mrs. Laverne was called home to be with the Lord in July of 2021.

Pastor Steve was given the honorary title of Pastor Emeritus by the members of Hillcrest in October of 2021 in honor of his faithful service. God later blessed him with this second wife Jean in the summer of 2022, with whom he now resides in South Carolina.