Meet the Staff 

Terry Sheaffer 

 pastor 

Terry Sheaffer is the pastor at Higher Ground Assembly of God. He graduated Zion Bible Institute in 1992. He has been in the ministry for 25 years. His passion is for the Word of God, prayer, worship and to see revival in the church. He desires for people to come into personal relationship with Jesus Christ, grow in that relationship through studying and knowing the Word of God and worshiping God, not only through music but through every day life. 

He is an avid traditional bow hunter and loves spending time in the woods. He enjoys riding motorcycle, family vacations at Chincoteague Island and playing with his grandkids. He and his wife Melissa have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. 

Lydia VonFricken

worship leader 

Lydia has been attending Higher Ground for over 10 years and has been leading worship there since she was a young teenager. Worship is something she is very passionate about and she longs to see not only her church community go deeper and deeper in that area, but the Church as a whole around the world. She loves the power of worship and how God is always faithful to bring His presence every time, no matter what. He has put a desire in her heart to see people truly press in to the Father's heart and find freedom in Him. 

She enjoys music, photography, and interior design. She has been married to her husband Matthew for 3 years, and together they enjoy hiking and any outdoor activities. 

Millie Grose 

children's ministry

Millie is married to her husband Gary of 43 years and has 3 children and  5 grandchildren. She became involved in Children's Ministry, mainly crib room and nursery, as her children were in those age groups. She continued ministering to other's children at various intervals over the years. 

Her aim is to share the love of Jesus and truths from God's word, the Bible. Watching each child grow physically and spiritually is rewarding to her and a great blessing. She enjoys crocheting, sewing, reading, family gatherings, and playing with her grandkids.

Hannah Stong 

children's ministry 

Hannah has attended Higher Ground for over 16 years and has felt the Lord leading her specifically to children's ministry for a long time. 

She loves to be around children and watch them grow spiritually.

She is married to her husband, Austin, of 11 years and together they have three children. She loves to spend time with family and friends.