Our Staff

Heritage Leadership

The staff and leadership here at Heritage is comprised of men and women who love, care and pray for every single person in the church. If you have any questions for any of our staff, feel free to reach out and email them by contacting the church office at info@hbcministry.org.

  • Deron r. Jackson

    Senior Pastor

    Pastor Jackson has been a part of the Heritage Baptist Church since its founding in 1977.  He came on staff in 1988 and has served as Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor, and became Senior Pastor in 2008.  He is a graduate of Louisiana Baptist University in Shreveport and holds a doctorate in Philosophy.  He and his wife Shelby were married in 1986 and reside in the beautiful countryside of Amelia County.  Besides his love for the Scriptures and preaching, Deron is an avid deer hunter and outdoorsman.  He and Shelby enjoy the beaches of the Outer Banks and the majestic Smoky Mountains of east Tennessee. 

  • Mark Houser

    Associate Pastor

    Mark came on staff at Heritage in 2010.  He had previously served for 25 years at Calvary Baptist Church in Colonial Heights Va. as well as Landmark Baptist Church in Elkins WV.  He began his music ministry in 1970 at the age of 14 as a choir director at Warwick Road Baptist Church in Richmond Va. Through the years he has been involved in music, teaching, preaching, youth ministry, senior adult ministry and other areas of service.  God has blessed him with a wonderful wife Juanita, 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild.  Pastor Mark's desire is to see God glorified and lifted up through the music ministry of HBC.

  • Sam Elliott

    Associate Pastor

    Sam joined the Heritage staff as Youth Pastor in the spring of 2013 after graduating from Liberty University.  After 7 great years in Youth Ministry, Sam transitioned roles to leading our Young Adults Ministry.  His joy comes from leading young adults into a deeper walk with the Lord and teaching them to serve God through the local church.   He continues to help administratively in Youth as well as leading our Media Team, amongst other ministries.  Sam was married to his wife Hayley in 2017 and has 3 beautiful children: Carson (7), Claire (4) and brand new baby Cooper.  When Sam is not at church he enjoys hunting, coaching little league and spending time with family and friends. 

  • Josh Wise

    Family Ministries Pastor

    Josh Wise first started attending Heritage in December of 2020. He received Jesus Christ as his Savior in August of 1994. In 2023, he felt God's call on his life to do more, and began the process of preparing himself for a lifetime of service. Josh is currently enrolled in Louisiana Baptist University and Seminary working on a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Theology and into a master of Arts in Biblical Studies. In September 2024, Josh was ordained as a Pastor by Heritage Baptist Church. Josh isn’t in this alone—he’s blessed to have his amazing wife, Jillian, by his side and three children. In his free time Josh enjoys all things cooking, grilling as well as building Lego.

  • Terry Pollard

    Administrative Secretary

    Terry became a member of Heritage in December 2012.  In August 2020, she joined the church staff as Administrative Secretary.  In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Terry serves in the children's ministry by assisting with the 4-5 year olds Sunday School Class.  She is also an active member of the church choir and Praise Team. Terry and her husband Rudy have been happily married for 4 years. She has two beautiful daughters and three grandsons.   Outside of her church involvement, Terry enjoys playing pickleball, attending her grandsons' lacrosse games, and spending quality time with family and friends. 

  • Ben Horner

    Youth Ministry Director

    Ben has been the Youth Director at Heritage since 2019.  His great desire is for high schoolers and middle schoolers to know Christ and make Christ known in their families and with their friends.  Ben and Cora have been married for 10 years and have 6 beautiful children.  Outside of youth ministry Ben loves College Basketball, and spending time with his family. 

  • Gary Snyder

    Pastor To Seniors

    Gary began attending Heritage in 1995.  He graduated from Bible Baptist College in 1977 and was an Associate and Youth Pastor for 8 years in New Mexico.  He developed an affection and admiration for the seniors of Heritage and became Heritage's Pastor to the Seniors in 1997.  He also facilitates the Grief Share Ministry.  He has 2 children and 1 grandchild.   In 2024 he was blessed with a wonderful wife Sandy, who assists him in ministry and who brings 5 more children and 11 grandchildren to the family.  He enjoys Bible study, puzzles, pickleball and his beloved dachshund, Max. 

  • Richard TalbotT

    Facilities Manager

    Richard has been a part of Heritage since 2007. He grew up in Summers County, West Va. and served in the United States Air Force.  Richard spent much of his adult life as a salesman.  He and his wife, Teri,  were married in August of 2000 and take great joy in serving their church as greeters and in helping our elderly with those day to day tasks that have now become a challenge for many of them.  Richard oversees the maintenance on the buildings and grounds of Heritage.  When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with Teri at Smith Mountain Lake or playing pickleball with his grandson Charlie.