Our Team

Josh Helton

Senior Pastor

Josh was born and raised in Holly Pond, AL. He was saved at East Hanceville Baptist Church in 2004. After high school he attended Snead State Community College and the University of South Alabama where he met his wife Aly. Josh and Aly got married in December 2009. They have two children.

It was during his time at South Alabama that Josh felt called into ministry in 2007. After that calling, Josh transferred to and graduated from Athens State University in 2011 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics and a minor in Religion. He obtained a Master of Arts in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in May 2020.

Josh and Aly have served at various churches in Alabama and Florida over the past 15 plus years of ministry. They both strongly desire to serve the Lord through being relational with others. Josh believes that the best way to reach people is to do life with them and that true life change happens when we allow God to change the hearts and lives of others through relationships with believers. When he is not at the church, Josh enjoys spending time outdoors with Aly and the kids, working on different projects in his shop, and cheering on the Crimson Tide.

Brad Johnson

Associate Pastor | Education

Brad has been a part of the Highland staff team since 2008. He spent many of those years as our Student Pastor, moving to the Associate Pastor Role in 2020. As our Associate Pastor, Brad oversees Highland's JOY Ministry- Adults 55+, and our Digital Strategy (Social & Web). He assists with church leadership and pastoral care.

Brad is married to Kim. Together, they love to travel, hang out with friends, and enjoy the outdoors. . Brad is a graduate of the University of West Florida and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Angela Hassebrock

Youth Coordinator

Angela joined the Highland staff team in 2021 as our Youth Coordinator. Angela previously served as a key volunteer in our Student Ministry for over ten years. Angela loves challenging our students to grow in their walk with Christ. She has a passion for teaching others and a heart for the Next Generation. Angela and her team seek to partner with parents in discipling our students.

Angela is married to Dean, and has three children. Angela and her family love to camp and explore State and National Parks.

Al Jacobi

Worship Pastor

Al serves as Highland's Worship Pastor since 2023. He has spent many years serving in ministry in churches in Alabama and Florida. He has served as a Worship Leader, Tech Director, and Youth Ministry.

Al was raised in Pensacola, and later moved to Opp,. AL in High School. Al was saved as a child in Vacation Bible School. He sensed a call to ministry in High School, and served in choral groups and praise teams, and started honing his skills as a sound engineer at a young age. Al and Jamie, his wife, met in High School and were later married.

Al and Jamie have two children. Their family has been connected to Highland for many years. In their spare time, the Jacobis enjoy spending time outdoors and camping.