Shepherds
Gary Johnson
Gary grew up in Manchester, TN, where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Jennifer. After graduation, Gary served in the United States Air Force for 10 years, living in South Carolina and Germany. Upon separating from the Air Force, Gary served as a Youth and Family minister and Pastoral Care minister for 24 years. Gary is also a Licensed Married and Family Therapist and has been doing professional clinical counseling with a faith-based approach since 2011.
Gary and Jennifer have been married since 1984 and have 3 adult children with 2 sons-in-law, 1 daughter-in-law, and 7 grandchildren. They enjoy traveling, family time, and serving in the church. Gary became a shepherd at Highland Hills in June of 2024. He enjoys leading worship, teaching Bible classes, and meeting new people. Jennifer enjoys serving the widows, teaching, and using her gift of hospitality. Together, they answer the calling of service.
Paul Lewis
I was born the third son of a preacher in 1956. It was truly a blessing to be the child of godly parents and to have been in the church since the very beginning. I grew up in the central Texas area but count Georgetown as my hometown.
I was blessed to attend Freed-Hardeman University. There I met my lovely wife, and she has been my partner since 1977. I graduated from FHU in 1979. I remain a firm believer in the spiritual and secular benefits of a Christian education.
With God’s help and your support, I look forward to many years of serving the Highland Hills church.
Al Rogers
I was born in Sewanee, Tennessee in 1951, the 6th generation of Rogers in Franklin County. I was a 3rd generational solier and served in the Army for 26 years. After retirement, I taught in the public school system until my wife Gail (married in 1971) and I founded Stepping Stones Christian Preschool, where I continue to serve as a volunteer. I am a graduate of Tennessee Tech University with graduate degrees from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and Austin Peay. During my military career, we attended many congregations and enjoyed being youth leaders and teachers, serving the Lord wherever we were stationed. We have been members of Highland Hills since 2001, and I have served as an elder since 2011. We have been blessed with two sons, their wives, and four wonderful grandchildren.
Don Winningham
Don was born in Cookeville, Tennessee in 1958. He grew up in Livingston, Tennessee and attended Walnut Grove Church of Christ. At the age of 16, he was baptized at the Livingston Church of Christ, where his grandfather served as an elder, as Walnut Grove had no baptistry. Don married Lori Cherrice May in 1978. After graduation from Tennessee Tech in 1980, Don and Lori moved to Nashville, Tennessee to begin working careers. Don, who is a CPA and has a MBA from MTSU, worked in the finance area of businesses for many years ending his working career as Vice President, CFO, and Treasurer of a regional Coca-Cola distributor. Don and Lori have 2 boys – Donnie (April) and Bryan (Ashlei) and 4 grandchildren. Both their sons are active members in their respective congregations. Don and Lori have worked with several congregations throughout the years. Don has taught classes and served as a deacon and elder at multiple congregations. Lori has taught classes and conducted Ladies Day events.