Ministry Staff
Mike Escen
Senior Pastor
Mike studied at Master’s University (BA) and The Master’s Seminary in Los Angeles, CA where he received his Master of Divinity in 2010. That same year, he began his tenure at Highland Park serving for 3 years as Pastor of Student Ministries. He has been in the role of Senior Pastor since 2013. As Senior Pastor, he has oversight for the mission and vision of the church as a whole and is responsible for the preaching of the Word each week. He delights in seeing the Spirit of God work through the proclamation of His Word. He and his wife Joy have three boys- Eli, Carter, and Brady.
Les Bennett
Associate Pastor
Les studied at Moody Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL where he received his Master of Biblical Exposition in 2017 and Master of Divinity in 2019 . Before joining the Highland Park staff in 2022, Les served as an elder, deacon, teacher, and leader in various ministries. His main role as Associate Pastor is oversight of the Equipping Ministry through teaching and discipleship, Membership Care, and Sunday morning pulpit fill. He also works closely with the Senior Pastor carrying out the mission and vision of the church. Les and his wife Sandy, have four children, Laura, Matthew, Alexis, and Breanna.
Jonathan Niles
Associate Pastor
Jonathan graduated from Hastings College in Hastings, NE (BA) in 2001 and is currently working to obtain his master’s degree in Theology and Biblical Counseling from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jonathan joined the staff of Highland Park in 2016. Jonathan has oversight of Highland Park Children’s Ministries, the church facility, and he and his wife direct the Royal Family KIDS ministry. Jonathan also works closely with the other pastors and the elders in the counseling ministry. He and his wife Cristine have three daughters, Emily, Abigail and Sara.
Kevin Bennett
Associate Pastor
Kevin graduated from Grace University in Omaha, NE with a double major in Christian Ministry and Bible. Along with general shepherding of the church, he fulfills the role of Missions Leadership Team Chairman and caring for our seniors within the congregation. He and his wife Joan, have four grown children and nine grandchildren.
Sue Christensen
Worship Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, Deacon
Sue serves as the Worship Coordinator, planning musical worship and coordinating the worship teams. She loves to hear the body of Christ praising God and proclaiming truth through song. Sue also serves as an administrative assistant for finance. In her deacon role, Sue serves in Women’s Ministry and is involved in women’s discipleship. Sue is married to Brian and has three children, Kyle and wife, Jerica, Anne and Grace and is a happy grandma to Margot Ruth and Nels Iver.
Cindy Stoeckle
Administrative Assistant
Cindy works closely with the pastors of church as an administrative assistant providing support for them in their areas of ministry. Cindy is married to Matt and they have three adult children, Callie and twins, Noah and Nick.
Joy Escen
Children’s Ministry Assistant
Joy works alongside the Children’s Ministry Director and provides support and assistance in the areas of Children’s Equipping Classes, Awana, and Vacation Bible School. Joy is married to Mike and they have three boys, Eli, Carter and Brady.