Dr. Robert J. Tennant, Senior Pastor
Rob has been in ministry full-time since he graduated from Emory and Henry College. He believes all Christians are called to live lives of prayer and to be involved in ministries of compassion (helping people who need help) and evangelism (sharing the good news of Jesus Christ). Rob is passionate about preaching and encouraging people as they grow in their walk with Christ. He also loves mentoring younger pastors and believers whether they are new Christians or seasoned disciples who are growing in aspects of the faith. Rob sees his mission to help people reach the point where their lives (their skills, relationships, and experiences), the word of God, and the Holy Spirit all come together.
Rob and his wife Candy have three children, sons Igor and Henry, and daughter Merone. They enjoy family time together playing Legos, Star Wars, playing with friends in the neighborhood, reading books together, and doing jigsaw puzzles as a family activity.
Rob travels to Ethiopia annually visiting orphans and he hopes to include HillSong Church on these trips in the future. Also, when they are old enough, he plans on bringing his own kids along. He’d love it if you considering going along to spend time sharing the love of Jesus with children.
Rob has a bachelor’s degree from Emory and Henry College (southwest Virginia), a Master of Divinity from Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond (Richmond, VA), and a Doctorate of Ministry from Palmer Theological Seminary (Easter Baptist University in Philadelphia).
Rob is a reader who especially enjoys authors like Fyodor Dostoevsky, N.T. Wright, Eugene Peterson, Alister McGrath, and C.S Lewis. Rob enjoys hiking, backpacking, and camping. He is an avid fan of Michigan/Detroit sports teams (Tigers, Lions, Pistons, and Wolverines) because his early childhood was spent there.
Rob is on Facebook, Twitter, and he writes a blog.
Heather Thomas Folliard, Associate Pastor, Director of Discipleship
Born and raised in the beautiful mountain town of Blowing Rock, NC, Heather moved to Chapel Hill to attend UNC. She graduated from UNC-CH in 2002 with a degree in Biology. After being active in HillSong’s College ministry as a student, she took the role of Lay Minister to college students following her graduation out of her desire to see students staying connected to the Church during their college experience.
While she continues to serve as minister to college/graduate students, in January of 2008 she was called to serve also as HillSong’s Associate Pastor and Director of Discipleship. Heather earned her Masters in Divinity and a certificate in Baptist Studies from Duke Divinity School in May 2010 and was ordained into pastoral ministry by HillSong Church. She is now becoming certified in Children’s Ministry while also pursuing a doctorate in Baptist Worship Practices at Campbell University Divinity School. She believes that God calls people into the HillSong family to be nurtured by one another and to grow spiritually.
She and her husband John were married May 5, 2007, and enjoy living in their college town of Chapel Hill. They love Tar Heel sports! Heather and John are the proud parents of Mary Grace, Rebecca, Jonah, and Ruth Ellen.
Dina Sit, Church Secretary
Dina was born and raised in San Francisco, CA. She is a graduate of UC Davis and Golden Gate Baptist Seminary. Dina moved to Chapel Hill with her husband, Roger, and their sons, Logan and Bryce, in 2002. She enjoys small groups, singing, puzzles, and mystery novels. Dina serves on the Worship Team and is a worship leader for Vacation Bible School. She also leads the Tuesday morning Ladies Small Group.