Hillsdale Pastoral Staff

Dr. Travis Smith, Senior Pastor

Born in Lancaster, South Carolina in 1956, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sacred Music in 1977. He married Sheilah (Ipock) on July 24, 1977. From 1979-1985 he served as the Youth and Music Pastor at First Baptist Church of Sterling Heights, Michigan.

In 1985 he came to Hillsdale Baptist Church as the Youth Pastor and served in that ministry until 1995 after the sudden death of Dr. Alan J. Bradshaw (former Pastor). Dr. Smith was voted Senior Pastor of Hillsdale in 1995 and continues to serve as Senior Pastor.

He received his Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies in 1997, graduating Magna Cum Laude. In May of 2000, Dr. Smith received an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Bob Jones University. The Smiths have three adult children and an ever growing number of grand kids.

He also writes a daily blog on “Practical, lay-friendly, chronological daily Bible study of the Scripture.” We encourage you to study along with him at – Heart of a Shepherd

Rev. Eric Peterman, Youth Pastor/School Administrator

Eric Peterman grew up in Tampa, and has been on staff at Hillsdale for over twenty years serving as Youth Pastor and Assistant Pastor. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Youth Ministries and a Masters Degree in Counseling from Bob Jones University. He married his teenage sweetheart, Rebecca, and they have two children.

Pastor Steve Armstrong, Music Pastor

Steve Armstrong became Music Pastor of Hillsdale Baptist Church in May 2018. Steve was born and reared in Bradenton, Florida. He earned a Bachelor of Music from Bob Jones University in Voice Performance. He then attended the University of South Florida where he earned a Master of Music in Choral Conducting.

Steve went on to the University of Miami on a full scholarship for his doctoral work in Choral Conducting. Returning to the Tampa Bay area, he taught Voice and Church Music Administration at Clearwater Christian College.

He has always been active in local church ministry and has served as both Music Director and Youth Pastor. Steve, his wife Sharon and three kids joined Hillsdale Baptist Church in May of 2018 where he is the Music Pastor and directs the music ministries of the church. He has also earned a Master’s Degree in Music from the College of Music and Visual Arts at the University of South Florida.

Matt Mills, Children’s Ministry Director

Matt and his wife, Andrea, joined our staff in July of 2021. He is a graduate of Pensacola Christian College. Matt received his Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministries, and he is serving as our Children’s Ministry Director as well as teaching PE, Bible, and Chapel here at HCA.

Randy Hurst, Discipleship and Counseling Minister

After completing 20 years of ministry at Berean Baptist Church in Lilburn, GA, Randy Hurst joined the staff of Hillsdale Baptist Church in April 2024 where he serves as Discipleship and Counseling Minister. Randy and his wife Kristy have served over 40 years in church and Christian Education ministry. He was a teacher and coach for several years before spending 20 years in school leadership. He served as administrator of two Christian schools in Florida and one in Pennsylvania. Pastor Hurst also served as the National Field Representative for American Association of Christian Schools for several years before accepting the position of Administrative Pastor at Berean Baptist Church. Pastor Hurst received his Masters degree in Educational Administration in 1984 and is a frequent speaker at educational conferences and Christian schools. He became a published author in August 2011. His book entitled Against the Tide: Reclaiming Authentic Christian Education is available for purchase here, and will be used in a variety of Christian Colleges.

Dan Mills, Visitation/Discipleship and Facilities Pastor

Dan Mills and his wife Teresa joined our staff in 2023. Born in rural New York State, Dan pursued his education with dedication and a vision for service. He studied business at Grand Rapids Baptist College and Penn State University, and later returned to Heritage Baptist Institute to earn a bachelor’s degree in theology. This strong educational foundation prepared him for a life of ministry and leadership.
Sent out by Harborcreek Baptist Church, Dan helped plant Bradford Baptist Church in Bradford, Pennsylvania, where he served as Senior Pastor for 17 years. His commitment to his congregation and community has been unwavering, fostering spiritual growth and a sense of fellowship.
Dan married his high school sweetheart, Teresa, and together they have raised four children who are all dedicated to serving the Lord. They are also blessed with five grandchildren, who bring joy and continuity to their legacy of faith and service.