MEET OUR STAFF


  • dr. michael cabell

    Interim Pastor

    Dr. Michael Cabell became the Assistant to the Executive Director for Convention Relations at the Kentucky Baptist Convention in 2022. Prior to joining the convention staff, he served as pastor at Versailles Baptist Church for nearly 15 years where he and the church received the KBC’s inaugural Church Revitalization Award. Additionally, Michael has experience as a vocational evangelist and collegiate campus minister. He has a degree in Business from the University of the Cumberlands, Master of Divinity from Southern Seminary and Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Southeastern Seminary. He is author of the book We are Family, a church membership devotional guide, and writes at www.michaelcabell.com. Michael, his wife Carrie, and their children Jackson, Kennedy and Madison, reside in Versailles, KY.

  • MAria Lester

    Music Minister

    Maria was called as our Minister of Music in May 2019.  She is a Lexington native and holds  degrees from Georgetown College and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  She has served in central Kentucky churches more than 20 years, including 10 years at Versailles Baptist.  She is a passionate choral conductor who loves Jesus and loves people.

     

    Maria works full time for Associations International as the Accreditation Coordinator for the International Coach Federation.  Maria also sings with the Lexington Singers and gives private voice lessons.  She loves to sing (for ANYONE!) and also loves walking, swimming, drama, and roller coasters!  Most of all, Maria loves the Lord, and endeavors to serve Him in every aspect of her life.  She is excited to serve at Southern Heights!

  • scott turner

    Youth Pastor

    Scott has been involved in various ministries and youth programs throughout Kentucky and Springfield, Missouri.  He likes to entertain, playing video games, card games, and board games.  Scott also homeschools the kids, since layoffs from Covid ended his position as a regional finance manager and transformed him into what he claims is “a trophy husband.”  He holds an associates degree in Biblical Studies, has finished coursework for his Masters of Divinity degree, and is working on his thesis.  Scott is passionate about apologetics and encouraging people to ask questions to better know God.  He enjoys studying various styles of teaching, preaching, and worship.  Scott, his wife, Gina, and their daughters Eden and Juniper live in Lexington, KY.  If you have any questions or would like to speak to Scott, you can use the email MyPastorScott@gmail.com, or call and text him at 859-806-1351.