OUR STAFF
Senior Pastor - Marc Sasser
Marc Sasser is the senior pastor at Hillcrest Baptist Church. He has been in ministry for 40 years while serving in multiple positions within local Baptist denominations. Marc is from Pensacola, Florida originally but has lived in Knoxville, Tennessee since 1999. He attended Mobile College and New Orleans Seminary. He was married to Laura Sasser for nearly 40 years before Laura went home to be with Jesus. His family consists of two sons and their wives, Richard and Danielle Sasser and Jeremy and Tyran Sasser. He is a proud grandparent to Emma and Bradon. Pastor Marc has a genuine calling to serve Christ in His local church and around the world.
Worship Leader - Lee Allen Dalton
Lee Allen Dalton was called as worship leader at Hillcrest Baptist Church in June of 2023. He comes with almost 20 years’ experience as a worship leader and a minister of music and accompanist. He was saved at the age of 7 during Vacation Bible School at Lebanon Baptist Church, and later when he was 9 years old, followed in believer’s baptism at First Baptist Church, Morristown where a few years later he was called to serve in music ministry. He is also the choir director at Lakeway Christian Academy where he leads the Middle School and High School Choir and teaches at Cornerstone Christian Academy teaching Kindergarten, First Grade, and 4th Grade Choir. He is in his 9th year teaching in Christian Education. He is married to his wife Stacie, and they have 3 children, Nathan, Carson, and Elizabeth. Stacie is a registered nurse at UT Medical Center, and Nathan and Carson attend Cornerstone Christian Academy.
Preschool - Kathy Bolger
Children’s Director - Tessie Crawford
Tessie Crawford is the Children’s Ministry leader at Hillcrest Baptist Church. She is married to Link Crawford, who assists her in this ministry. Tessie was saved at a young age in Vacation Bible School. Tessie states that God placed a love and calling on her heart to work with children long before she recognized or understood it. She has worked in Early Childhood Education professionally for more than twenty years. Tessie feels blessed to serve in the children’s ministry at Hillcrest, and counts it is a privilege to share and grow in God’s word with the children. Link and Tessie have two adult sons, Isaiah and Micah Crawford, who faithfully attend and serve at Hillcrest as well.
“Children are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” – Psalms 127:3