Elders & Staff

Background: Jon moved around as a kid but spent most of childhood around Columbia, South Carolina.
 
Education and Experience: Jon is in the final stages of a PH.D. in Biblical Exposition at Liberty University. He also has a Master of Religious Education and a Master of Arts Christian Apologetics from Liberty. He received an Associate of Religious/Christian Ministries from Fruitland Baptist Bible College.  
 
He also worked in student ministry for over a decade before moving into a discipleship position in Fayetteville, NC. Jon has been the Lead Teaching Elder at New Pleasant since August of 2024.
 
Family: Jon and Kaylin were married in June 2015 and have enjoyed a wild ride together! They have four kids: Athena, McKenzie, Wyatt, and Daniel.
 
Hobbies: Jon enjoys reading and listening to books, getting outside as much as possible, and hanging out with his kids.
 
Email: jonnahlennpb@gmail.com

Background: Brandon was born and raised in Gaffney, South Carolina and loves the area.
 
Education and Experience: He is working on his Master of Divinity at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky and has received a Bachelor's Degree and Associate's Degree in Christian Ministries from Liberty University and Fruitland Baptist Bible College.

Brandon has served in ministry for over 12 years in different roles including student minister, children and youth minister, discipleship pastor, and worship pastor.  He has been an elder at New Pleasant since February of 2018, leading worship and students.
 
Family:  Brandon and Kayla were married on September 14, 2013 and are blessed with four kids, Bradlee (born in 2015), Banks (born in 2016), Ellie (born in 2021), and Eli (born in 2024).
 
Hobbies: He loves anything music!  Listening, playing and singing, concert going, you name it.  He also loves hanging with his wife and kids, spending time in God's Word, and playing just about any sport out there (for the time being, Disc Golf is a favorite to play).

Email: pastorb116@gmail.com

Background: Originally from Dayton, OH, I lived in Pennsylvania and North Carolina before settling in South Carolina in 2005.

Education and Experience: I received a B.S. in Psychology from North Greenville University and an M.A. in Counseling from Columbia International University. I am a Licensed Counselor at a private counseling practice, and have experience as an adjust professor, trainer, and speaker.

Family: I met my wife, Ashley, while in college at North Greenville. We married in October of 2012 and have two boys; Maddox and Charlie.

Hobbies: I enjoy podcasts, good food, sports, documentaries, and asking “why” about the deep things of life.

Email: jmheight@gmail.com

Background:  Born and raised on Chesnee, SC.  Spent over 20 years in Rock Hill, SC before returning home in 2018.

Received BS in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University and a BS in Physics from Presbyterian College. Employed by De Dietrich Process Systems, Inc. since 2000 working in Technical Sales Management and Marketing.

Family:  After dating for seven years, I finally convinced and married my best friend, Carla, in 1999.  God has blessed our home with three wonderful sons (Elijah, Daniel, and Caleb) .

Hobbies:  I enjoy all things related to home renovation (woodworking, remodeling, plumbing, etc…) with the exception of painting!  I enjoy spending time with family, especially watching the kids play sports (baseball and basketball). I also enjoy reading when I have the chance.

Email: matt.wease@ddpsinc.com

Background: Born and raised in Chesnee, South Carolina
 
Received a BS in Early Childhood Education from Gardner-Webb, Master of Education from Converse College and Master of Education in School Counseling from University of the Southwest.
 
Family: Married my high school sweetheart, Steve, in 1988.  We have two grown sons, Clint and wife Shannon, and Taylor and wife Taylor, and four adorable grandchildren (Boyd, Denver, Gus and Durham).
 
Hobbies: I enjoy time with my family, Saturday afternoon drives, reading, and shopping.

Email: newpleasantbc@gmail.com