Dr. Jim Walker Senior Pastor

Pastor Jim came to Hazelwood Baptist Church as senior pastor in April of 2007 following a 10 year pastorate in Jefferson City, Missouri. He is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, MO.

He and his wife Gina have two children: David, an aerospace engineer who lives in Huntsville, Alabama with his wife Blair, and Amy, a nursing student at Missouri Western University in St. Joseph, Missouri. Both are musically inclined, seeking to walk with Christ, and active in their churches.

Jim and Gina enjoy time with family, taking walks, having folks over, and just enjoying life. Gina especially loves music and Jim is very active in mission work locally and in El Salvador and India

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Rich Cowan Worship Pastor

Rich started as worship pastor at Hazelwood Baptist Church in October 2007.

Rich grew up in the small town of Chester, Illinois. He first came to a relationship with Christ when he was 9 years old during a home Bible study with his mother, and made that decision public the next Sunday at their home church. His calling from God to worship ministry was made clear as he led worship for weekend revival teams while attending Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo. Rich has a bachelor’s degree in music from Southwest Baptist University and a master’s in church music from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

His life verses are:

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all things for this the will of God in Christ Jesus for you"
(1 Thess.5:16-18)

and

"Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so by the strength which God supplies, so that in all things, God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
(1 Peter 4:11, NAS)

Both of those flow into his heart for worship ministry, which is to "reflect a lifestyle of worship that will encourage and equip people to understand and commit to a life that brings glory to God and service to reach and disciple others." He longs to foster unity in our church family by implementing a biblical philosophy of worship that will provide theological stability, despite the cultural diversity, changes and trends.

Rich is married to Kelly. They have a daughter, Caris Elisabeth, who was born in 2006. He enjoys National Parks, songwriting, hiking, and cookie dough ice cream

Jason Grubbs Youth Pastor

Jason began his youth ministry at Hazelwood Baptist in January of 2008 after serving in Sikeston, Missouri . He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, but his father was called to and still serves at a Southern Baptist Church in Sikeston, Missouri. At youth camp in 1993, Jason began to feel the call to ministry. After beginning his work in student ministry at a young age, his journey from serving as a layman/volunteer transitioned to a full-time ministry in a position of Associate Pastor/Student Pastor in the spring of 1999. His ultimate ministry desire is for today's 'church' to reach far beyond the brick walls and into the world.

Jason and Lori began their courtship at the young age of 15. Seeing that they were God's gift to each other, they were married in 1995. They have 2 boys, Jaydon and Caleb, and 1 girl Hannah Grace. Lori is a full-time homeschooling mom, loves music and serves wherever she may have an opportunity. Jason loves spending time outdoors, music, and playing sports. And given the chance, will get away anytime to the mountains.

Paul Epps Associate Pastor

Pastor Paul Epps came to HBC as Associate Pastor in February, 2008, after 20 years in pastoral ministry in churches in Illinois. He has also served as pastor in Missouri and Kentucky, including the LaSalle Baptist Church in St. Louis. He and his wife, Jeanne, live in Florissant. They have 4 grown children and 6 grandchildren. Paul is a graduate of William Jewell College and has a Masters in Divinity from Southern Baptist Seminary. He assists with preaching, teaching, and visitation. He is a pastor to senior adults and assists with adult education. He also teaches a Sunday School class. He is an avid golfer and regularly participates in the Senior Olympics.