About Us

Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church staff believe in caring for and investing in the people of Knoxville and beyond.

Our Vision

Our vision and goal is for disciples to make disciples of Jesus. Jesus’ last words to his disciples were "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20). At CHBC we strive to be disciples who are living to be Christ-like and in the process help others to do the same. Our desire as a church is to equip believers to be disciples of Jesus…to do as he did, live as he lived, walk as he walked, and talk as he talked. As Paul writes in Ephesians 5:1, "be imitators of Jesus."

8.6.23 CHBC-1

DR. LES HUGHES

Pastor Les received his first call to pastoral ministry in 2012. Since then, he served three churches as Lead Pastor before coming to Chilhowee Hills in 2023. Pastor Les married his now-wife Lacey in 2012, and God has given them 6 beautiful children. Pastor Les holds degrees from two of our six Baptist Seminaries [Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Masters of Divinity, 2013) and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (Masters of Theology, 2013; Doctorate of Philosophy, 2022)]. Pastor Les loves to spend time with his family and enjoys cooking, grilling, woodworking, golf, and movies.

CHBC 2.4.24-2

JOSH WILHOIT

Josh has been the Worship Pastor at CHBC since early 2024. He graduated from The Baptist University of Florida in 2015 with his Bachelor’s Degree of Music in Contemporary Worship and will complete his Master of Arts in Music Leadership degree from The Baptist University of Florida in the Fall of 24’. Josh and his family love to be outdoors hiking, fishing, camping and exploring the Smoky Mountains. He and Melissa have been married since 2003 and together they have 7 awesome kids.

Allevia CHBC-222

MATT PARADIS

Matt has been serving as our College and Missions Pastor since 2011. He is married to Dana, and they have three children, Brody, Caroline, and Bella. They enjoy Volunteer football, Red Sox Baseball, exploring new cuisines, and anything to do with coffee.

Allevia CHBC-220

HANS HAUN

A member since 1994, Hans began serving as Director of Biblical Counseling in 2015. He enjoys being outdoors and spends much of his time kayaking, canoeing, camping, and hiking. Hans and his wife Rene enjoy getting out together and driving the countryside, watching UT sports and other favorite shows, but their highlight these days is keeping their grandchildren, who are so precious to their hearts.

Allevia CHBC-226

SARAH MESSER

Sarah has been a member of CHBC since 2013 and has served on staff since 2018 as our Executive Assistant and Office Manager. She is married to Theo and has three grown kids: Kaitlyn, Emmah, and Logan. She enjoys camping, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her friends and family.

Allevia CHBC-227

DANIELLE HAAS

Danielle has been a member of CHBC since 2000. She has served as the Treasurer since 2009 and became part of the staff as the Finance Director in 2019. She is married to Joe and is a proud mom of Anna. Her favorite things include family, friends, reading (especially true crime!), and sewing.

https://chbcnew.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cropped-CHBC2-Transparent-LIGHT-Background-1.png

AMANDA VADEN

Children's Director and Bio coming soon!

https://chbcnew.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cropped-CHBC2-Transparent-LIGHT-Background-1.png

Kayla Carper

Housekeeper and Bio coming soon!

Come worship with us.

There's a Place for Everyone.

Scroll to Top