MEET THE TEAM
At Fellowship Hi-Crest, we believe that God has called and equipped people from all backgrounds to lead, serve, and build His Church. Our multicultural leadership team is made up of both men and women who are passionate about using their God-given gifts to serve our church and community.
From our pastors and staff to our deacons, each team member plays a vital role in helping us live out our mission of making disciples, building authentic community, and engaging the world with Christ’s love. We are honored to serve together, reflecting the diversity of the Kingdom and the unity we have in Jesus.
Below, you’ll find our team members’ photos, bios, and contact information. We’d love for you to get to know the people who help lead and serve at Fellowship Hi-Crest.
Pastors
Leading vision, teaching, and pastoral care.
Servant Pastor
Email: jsublet@fellowshiphicrest.com
Contact Me About: Church Mission, Vision, Purpose, Discipleship, Speaking Engagements, Leadership Coaching, and Strategic Planning
Johnathan Sublet currently serves as the full-time Lead Servant Pastor at Fellowship Hi-Crest Church. He leads a dynamic, multicultural team dedicated to walking in community through the power of Jesus, empowering individuals to transform their neighborhoods. With a natural gift for casting a compelling vision, Johnathan oversees church growth, strategic outreach, and impactful community programs—from launching new initiatives and merging congregations to expanding ministries.
In addition to his work at Fellowship Hi-Crest, Johnathan has made a significant impact as the Executive Director of SENT Inc., where he spearheaded community development projects in education, affordable housing, and mental health services. His journey into ministry began after a successful career as a chemical engineer at a Fortune 100 company, earning a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tulsa and a Master of Arts in Christian Education and Educational Leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary. Answering a higher calling, he left his corporate career to serve underserved communities, embracing a life of simplicity and dedicated service. Johnathan lives in the Hi-Crest neighborhood with his wife, Tricia, and their three children—Silas, Toby, and Claudette—and actively serves on various local boards and community organizations.
His unwavering commitment to building sustainable and inclusive communities has earned him honors such as Topeka’s Top 20 Under 40 and the Living the Dream MLK Jr. Wayne L. Franklin Religion Award.
Executive Pastor
Email: jrice@fellowshiphicrest.com
Contact Me About: Church Operations, Finances, Partnerships, and Community Party Room
Jill Rice serves as the Executive Pastor of Fellowship Hi-Crest, ensuring that the church stays on course in carrying out its mission and vision. With numerous ministry teams and programs making a deep impact in the community, Jill’s role is to provide the structure, strategy, and support needed to keep everything moving forward with clarity and purpose.
Her passion for this work is rooted in a deep commitment to healthy churches. Having experienced both thriving and struggling faith communities, she is driven by a vision of the Church as seen in the New Testament—a people living out their faith together in a way that transforms the communities around them. She believes that a strong, mission-driven church should be a place where people find belonging and are equipped to be part of God’s work in the world.
At Fellowship Hi-Crest, Jill works to cultivate that reality, ensuring that the church is not only a place of worship but a force for change—one that brings hope, healing, and transformation to the neighborhood it serves.
Beyond the church, Jill is a fierce advocate for the Hi-Crest neighborhood. As President of the Hi-Crest Neighborhood Improvement Association (NIA) since 2022, she has secured grants, increased resident engagement, and helped elevate the voices of community members. She also serves on the Shawnee County Extension Council Executive Board, and the Board of Housing and Credit Counseling Inc. (HCCI), ensuring families in the community have the resources and support they need.
Worship Pastor
Email: bwatson@fellowshiphicrest.com
Contact Me About: Current Student Ministry, School Partnerships, Worship, Mental Health Focused Music Programs, Worship Ministry, Tech Arts Ministry, Studio 104, South By East Podcast
Brail Watson is a passionate community leader, worship pastor, and artist dedicated to uniting people through music and ministry. As Worship Pastor at Fellowship Hi-Crest Church, Brail leads with the heart of a servant, fostering an environment where worship is diverse, engaging, and reflective of the church’s mission to build a strong, reconciled community.
Brail has devoted his career to cultural and racial reconciliation within the body of Christ and beyond. He creates powerful worship experiences that combine singing, rapping, teaching, and public speaking, encouraging open conversations that lead to spiritual and personal growth. Under his leadership, the worship ministry at Fellowship Hi-Crest has grown into a vibrant and dynamic team, serving a congregation of approximately 225 members each week.
Beyond the church, Brail is a recording artist, entrepreneur, and mentor, managing his music brand, Braillionaire, while actively investing in the Topeka community. He partners with organizations such as SENT Inc., using his platform to inspire and empower the next generation. In 2024, he launched Work in Process, which combines culturally relevant music performances with several therapy disciplines to help communities achieve measurable social and emotional health goals helping students gain mental health skills and foster healing.
Brail holds a Master of Music in Contemporary Performance from Berklee College of Music (Valencia, Spain) and a Bachelor of Music in Voice/Cello Performance from Washburn University. His extensive experience as a worship leader, recording artist, producer, and speaker has allowed him to share his message across the U.S. and internationally.
At his core, Brail believes that worship is more than music—it’s an opportunity to bring people together, grow in faith, and create lasting change. Whether leading a congregation in song, mentoring young musicians, or speaking on reconciliation, his mission remains the same: to use music and ministry to unite, heal, and inspire.
Ministry Leaders
Connections Director
Email: kkearney@fellowshiphicrest.com
Contact Me About: Guest Services, Community Groups, Serve Teams, Family Discipleship the Summer Fireworks Extravaganza, Hi-Crest Serve Day, and the Teacher Resource Fair
Krissy Kearney serves as the Connections Coordinator at Fellowship Hi-Crest, where she helps guests and partners take their next steps in faith—whether it’s through baptism, joining a community group, or finding a place to serve. Krissy is passionate about seeing people grow closer to Jesus and each other and loves being part of the transformation happening in the Fellowship Hi-Crest community.
Krissy began attending Fellowship Hi-Crest on September 1, 2019, and brought with her a wealth of experience in service and ministry. Before joining the staff, she worked at St. Francis for ten years as a First Impressions Coordinator, where she greeted patients, assisted with bills and registration, and provided information about available services. Her ability to make people feel welcome and supported translates seamlessly into her role at Fellowship Hi-Crest.
Krissy holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication with a Minor in Theatre Arts and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis on Women’s Ministry. After completing seminary, she initially wondered why God hadn’t given her a paid ministry role. But over the next 20 years, she discovered that ministry happens in everyday life—raising three daughters, mentoring women, leading small groups, teaching Sunday school, and organizing events for Girl Scouts and the American Heart Association.
Raised as an Army brat, Krissy grew up on military bases in Germany, Maryland, Alabama, and Kansas, which gave her a deep appreciation for diverse communities. She has been married to her husband, Adam, for 31 years, and they have three daughters: Tori, Ezzie, and Dany. When she’s not working, Krissy enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, traveling, shopping, and watching movies. She also has a unique talent for remembering names and a love for maps and atlases.
Krissy oversees Guest Services, Community Groups, Serve Teams, the Summer Fireworks Extravaganza, Hi-Crest Serve Day, and the Teacher Resource Fair. Her heart for the Hi-Crest community is evident in her appreciation for the care neighbors show each other and her support for local businesses like God’s Storehouse and The Taco Shop. Krissy’s story is a testament to how God prepares us through every season of life for the work He calls us to.
Deborah Dawkins serves as the Children’s Ministry Coordinator at Fellowship Hi-Crest, where she combines her love for children and her passion for ministry to help the next generation grow in their faith. Deborah has been attending Fellowship Hi-Crest since 2022 and was drawn to the church because of its strong investment in children’s ministry. She believes in walking alongside families to raise young disciples, helping children understand how much God loves them and how He desires to be their forever friend.
Deborah’s background includes extensive experience in church leadership and community service. She previously served as the Director of Religious Education for the U.S. Coast Guard on Governors Island, NY, and as the Church Administrator for Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Topeka. Deborah also acted as the Interim Executive Director of the Antioch Family Life Center, where she helped lead the Freedom School summer program and the after-school program. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of the East Topeka Senior Center, further demonstrating her heart for service and community impact.
Her educational background includes an Associate Degree in Accounting, a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, and two MBA degrees—one in Management and one in Marketing. She also holds a Church Administrator Certification.
Deborah’s experience in ministry goes back to her teenage years when she worked part-time in her church office during the summer. Over the years, she has taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and children’s missions. Her leadership experience and passion for children’s ministry have equipped her to create a welcoming, nurturing environment where children can grow in their faith and families can feel supported.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Deborah is the proud mother of four children—Clarissa, Nichelle, Alexander III, and Kenneth—and grandmother to eight grandchildren: Alexander IV, Zoe, Kya, Ivy, Aubrey, Chase, Ora, and Ele.
When she’s not working, Deborah enjoys Zumba, water aerobics, crafting, and creative writing. She is also a published author of a children’s book about Dr. Martin Luther King titled Martin: A Boy With a Dream That Changed the World.
Deborah loves the diversity and resilience of the Hi-Crest community and appreciates how neighbors step up to help each other. Her favorite local spot is Shopper’s Kitchen, where she enjoys the fried fish, greens, and green beans. She’s also a fan of The Owl’s Nest, where she continues her passion for sharing Christian books and gifts.
Deborah’s deep faith, professional expertise, and heart for ministry make her an invaluable part of the Fellowship Hi-Crest team.
Finance & Tech Coordinator
Email: jolaya@fellowshiphicrest.com
Contact Me About: Finances and Technology
Jhonny Olaya serves as the Finance Coordinator at Fellowship Hi-Crest, where he helps support the church’s mission of walking with others through the power of Jesus Christ. Originally from Peru, Jhonny brings both professional experience and personal perspective to his work, especially in helping bridge gaps for Spanish-speaking families and neighbors across the community.
Jhonny first became involved with Fellowship Hi-Crest in December 2024 through the annual Pictures with Santa event after learning about the church through community connections. What started as a family volunteer opportunity quickly became something more meaningful. While his wife served at the hot chocolate station and his son helped children shop for gifts and translate for Spanish-speaking families, Jhonny helped coordinate photos with Santa for members of the Spanish-speaking community. That experience deepened his desire to invest in strengthening the community through service and connection.
He officially joined the Fellowship Hi-Crest staff in March 2025 as Finance Coordinator. Jhonny believes strong communities are built when people actively participate in helping one another, and he was drawn to Fellowship Hi-Crest’s mission because of its commitment to loving people well, building authentic relationships, and walking alongside families through every season of life.
Jhonny’s educational background reflects his passion for growth, leadership, and technology. He earned a Certification in Information Systems Technology from Washburn University Institute of Technology in 2024 and is completing an Associate of Science in Industrial Technology at Washburn University. He is also currently pursuing a Bachelor of Technology Administration with a minor in Business at Washburn University, with an expected graduation date of 2027. Earlier in his career, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business from Instituto Peruano Administración Empresarios in Peru.
Known for his heart for service, cultural understanding, and commitment to practical solutions, Jhonny brings valuable perspective to Fellowship Hi-Crest’s work of building healthier, more connected communities and helping people feel seen, known, and supported throughout the Topeka area.
Deacons
Serving the church body and assisting in discipleship, care, and outreach.
Lead Deacon
Email: deacons@fellowshiphicrest.com
Contact Me About: Transportation, Security, or Baptisms
Cassandra Thomas serves as the Lead Deacon at Fellowship Hi-Crest, where she is passionate about lowering barriers and helping people take their next steps in faith. She loves meeting people where they are and sharing God’s love through genuine connection and service. Her heart for helping others stems from her own faith journey and her desire to walk alongside others as they grow closer to Christ.
Cassandra has been part of Fellowship Hi-Crest since 2018 and has served in multiple roles, including Guest Services Lead, parking attendant, greeter, usher, and welcome greeter. She currently helps lead the church’s Transportation and Security teams and plays a vital role in organizing and supporting baptisms. Cassandra views her work at Fellowship Hi-Crest as a calling to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Professionally, Cassandra works as a Senior Program Analyst at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Her career background includes experience as a corporate trainer and corporate sales representative, which has equipped her with the skills to lead, organize, and build relationships. Cassandra holds a Master of Science in Accountancy and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Business Finance.
Cassandra’s life experiences have shaped her compassionate approach to ministry. She believes that every trauma, hardship, and battle has helped her better understand and love people exactly where they are. No situation—whether caused by personal choice or external circumstances—can diminish a person’s value in God’s eyes. Cassandra is passionate about walking with people through difficult times and pointing them toward God’s redemption and grace.
Originally from Udall and Paxico, Kansas, Cassandra is married to Logan Thomas, and they have two children, Ca’Shawn and Serenity. When she’s not working or serving, Cassandra enjoys reading, kayaking, walking, diamond painting, and spending time with her family. A fun fact about Cassandra is that she’s an animal lover and considers herself an “animal whisperer.”
Cassandra’s love for the Hi-Crest community is deeply rooted in the way neighbors support and care for each other. Her favorite local spot is Shopper’s Kitchen, where she always enjoys the catfish meal.
Through her work at Fellowship Hi-Crest, Cassandra lives out the church’s mission of walking in community with others through the power of Jesus Christ. Whether helping with transportation, organizing security, or assisting with baptisms, Cassandra is committed to helping others encounter God’s love and experience true community.
Deacon
Email: deacons@fellowshiphicrest.com
Contact Me About: Children’s Ministry, Guest Services Ministry
Bill Henson serves as a Deacon at Fellowship Hi-Crest, where he enjoys connecting with people from all walks of life. His faith in God and his love for the ministry of the church motivate him daily. Bill’s role allows him to interact with a wide range of people in different stages of life, particularly through his work in Guest Services and Children’s Ministry.
Bill began attending Fellowship Hi-Crest in person in 2021 after the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. However, he and his family had already been part of the church’s online community during the quarantine. His heart for ministry and helping others has been evident long before joining Fellowship Hi-Crest.
Bill served in various ministries at Fellowship Bible Church (FBC) for over 10 years, including the nursery, Reverb (teen ministry), men’s ministry, and Life Care Ministry. He worked closely with people experiencing grief, divorce, and addiction, offering guidance and support. Bill and his wife, Jen, also led and co-led community groups for eight years and were part of a pilot program to coach other leaders. They co-led Re-Engage, a marriage curriculum focused on strengthening relationships.
Community service has been a core part of Bill’s life. He served with Sharefest in multiple roles, including as Chairman, and was a site manager for Love Topeka for nearly a decade, helping serve breakfast to about 300 people each month at Let’s Help. His passion for supporting others extends beyond the church into his professional life as well.
Professionally, Bill has over 30 years of experience in the service industry, including roles in restaurants, transportation, sales, and warehouse management. He currently serves on the Safety Performance Team for both the transportation and warehouse departments at his company. He is forklift certified, PIT (powered industrial truck) certified, and holds a Class A CDL.
Bill’s life experiences have shaped his ability to minister to others. As a child of divorce and someone who has personally navigated grief and the end of a marriage, Bill is well-equipped to support others facing similar challenges. He believes that God uses brokenness to create meaningful connections and healing.
Bill grew up in Topeka and Tulsa. He and his wife, Jen, have three children: Lucian, Declan, and Olivia. When he’s not working, Bill enjoys reading, writing, playing video games, and watching TV. A lesser-known fact about Bill is that he’s a skilled blacksmith, a hobby that requires patience and creativity.
Bill loves the diversity of the Hi-Crest community and appreciates the variety of backgrounds and life experiences that people bring. His favorite local spot is Shoppers Kitchen, where he always orders the double smash burger with fries. He also enjoys spending time at Gamers HQ, where he can indulge in his passion for gaming.
Through his work as a Deacon and his deep connection to the community, Bill continues to embody Fellowship Hi-Crest’s mission of walking in community with others through the power of Jesus Christ.
Deacon
Email: deacons@fellowshiphicrest.com
Contact Me About: Community Relationships and Service, Johnson Betts Meadows Prayer Team
Jenny Lewis began attending Fellowship Hi-Crest in 2023 and quickly became known for her heart for people, prayer, and intentional relationship-building. As a Deacon, she is passionate about walking alongside others in practical and meaningful ways, helping people feel seen, welcomed, and connected within both the church and the neighborhood.
In addition to serving as a Deacon, Jenny is part of the Ripple Ministry and helps lead the JBM Apartment Homes Prayer and Welcome Team. She sees ministry as an opportunity to creatively serve neighbors, build genuine relationships, and walk through life together through the power of Jesus Christ.
Jenny is a Kindergarten teacher and has previously served in children’s ministry leadership and as a Deacon in other churches. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and Early Childhood from Emporia State University and recently completed a certificate in Christian Leadership through The Urban Ministry Institute, along with first-level Christian Chaplain and Coaching certification.
Originally from small towns around Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jenny enjoys movies, reading, gardening, and exploring natural oils. A fun fact most people do not know: she was once a stunt double in a movie during college.
What Jenny loves most about the Hi-Crest community is the genuine love, care, and acceptance people show one another.
Join Our Team
At Fellowship Hi-Crest, we believe in equipping and empowering people to use their God-given gifts to serve the church and community. If you’re passionate about ministry and feel called to be part of a team that is committed to disciple-making, authentic community, and transformative service, we’d love to connect with you!
Check out our Careers Page to explore current opportunities and see how you can be a part of what God is doing through Fellowship Hi-Crest.
