Gary began to serve as Interim Pastor on July 16th, 2023. Gary has served as Senior Pastor of 5 churches previously and retired from Flat Springs Baptist Church after 18 years in March 2023. Gary is a graduate of Campbell University (Bachelor of Science in Psychology) , Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity), and Drew University (Doctorate of Ministry).
Gary has served the church all his adult life and believes that God’s redemption is still the greatest need of our world. He also believes the church, founded on Christ, is the avenue through which God will pour out that redemption through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Gary is married to Lunette and has three daughters, a grandson, and two granddaughters! Gary loves the outdoors. His hobbies include hunting and fishing, growing a vegetable garden, and (trying to play) golf.
Rev. Scott Davis began his ministry as Associate Pastor of Music on December 11, 2017. Before coming to JHBC, he led music ministries at churches in Missouri and Iowa, and also served as Collegiate Ministries Director at the University of Missouri for the Missouri Baptist Convention. He is a graduate of Truman State University (Bachelor of Music Education, 1986) and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M. Div., 1990).
Scott has a passion for using music to worship God and develop worship services that encourage people of all ages to engage and communicate their gratefulness to God for His great love and sacrifice for us.
Scott has been married to Ann since 1986. They have two children, Katy (who is married and living in Charlotte) and Ben (who is a student the University of Iowa). In his free time, Scott enjoys outdoor activities – hiking, biking, fishing, and other adventures.
Rev. Nick Smetak began his ministry as Associate Pastor of Youth Children and Families on July 7th, 2021. Before coming to us, he served as the Youth and Media Pastor of Wise Drive Baptist Church in Sumter, SC. Nick has also served with the North American Mission Board and various state conventions since his call to ministry in 2014 at the age of 17. He is a student at Fruitland Baptist Bible College, in an attempt to receive his Associate of Christian Ministries Degree, before transferring to the College at Southeastern to finish his Bachelor's Degree.
Nick loves to spend his free time in graphic design, as well as with video games, cooking in the kitchen, and traveling. He also serves as the Area Rep focusing in Youth Movement for the Christian Motorcyclist Association here in North Carolina.
Mike Bundy joined the staff in October 2021. He retired in September 2021 from Wake County Public Schools as a Senior Administrator. He has worked in Moore County Schools as the Executive Officer for Budget and Finance and Cumberland County Schools. He is a graduate of Wingate University (Bachelor of Science – Accounting, 1984) and Campbell University (MBA, 2000). He is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Fraud Examiner.
Mike has been married to Ruth since 1990. They have two children, Jessica and Joshua. In his free time, Mike enjoys hiking, camping, and wood working.
Kristina Cutter began her work as an administrative assistant on August 1, 2023. Kristina received her bachelor’s degree in religion with a minor in Biblical Studies from Liberty University in 2012 and is currently finishing her MDiv in Apologetics and Cosmogony at Regent University. She expects to graduate in May of 2024.
In her spare time, Kristina enjoys outdoor activities, documentaries, reading, and spending time with friends, family, and her 4 dogs. Kristina’s biggest passion is showing others how to see the evidence of God in all of creation by integrating the Bible with science, archaeology, hermeneutics, and historical discoveries.
Kristina has been married to Richard Cutter since 2015. They have a son, Branson, who is a senior in high school, as well as an 8-year-old nephew that they are raising.
Pianist
Joan Luellen
Joan Luellen joined the Jonesboro Heights staff in June, 2021. Joan has an extensive background as a pianist, serving in multiple churches over the years, most recently at Grace Chapel Church in Sanford. She has accompanied children's choirs, adult choirs, and led a handbell choir.
Joan works as a full time physical therapist for the Lee County Schools.
Pastor Emeritus
Gilbert McDowell
Rev. Gilbert W. McDowell, pastor emeritus, served Jonesboro Heights Baptist Church for 28 years as pastor. He came to JHBC in 1964 from Pilot Baptist Church, Zebulon, NC. where he served from 1955-1964. From 1964 until 1992 he led the church through two building programs of the present education building and sanctuary. He served on the Ordination Committee of the Sandy Creek Baptist Association and remains active in the church life.
Rev. McDowell graduated from Greenwood High School, Greenwood, South Carolina. Received his Bachelor’s Degree from Furman University, Greenville, SC. and his Batchelor of Divinity Degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC.
He and his wife, Nancy Powell McDowell have three sons. Steve and wife, Tanya of Cary, NC. They have two children, Ashley and Zachary. Stan and wife, Karen of Charlotte, NC. They have two sons and a daughter-in-law, Mark and wife, Kate, and Joey. Bert and his wife Mary live in Cumming, GA. and have one daughter, Maggy.
He has many interests that have kept him busy over the years. His love for family, friends, gardening, sports, and reading (especially history) has always been a priority. His love for God’s word and understanding of people endears him to the present day congregation of JHBC. He and Nancy were honored in 2003 when the new fellowship area, McDowell Hall was named for them. He has continually led people to “deeper depths and higher heights” of God’s love.
