Rev. Nolan Huizenga, Pastor / Head of Staff

Nolan (he/him) came to Highland first in a transitional capacity in 2022, then was called as installed pastor in 2023. Nolan grew up in the small college town of Houghton, NY, where his mom played church organ and his dad was professor of piano and music history. 

After an earlier career in information technology, Nolan felt called into seminary in his 30s, thinking he might end up teaching theology or church history. Instead he discovered a passion for pastoral ministry, and since 2006 has served churches in New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, and now Kentucky. He’s also served on presbytery committees, campus ministry and pastoral counseling boards, and in social and environmental justice advocacy. Nolan loves to preach, teach, and lead worship, to build community, and to join with others in discerning what it means to follow Jesus in this time and place. He feels honored when people tell him the truth about their lives.

Nolan holds graduate degrees from Drew University and Princeton Theological Seminary. His interests include music, aviation and space, photography, reading and writing, rich conversation, and exploring the world. Nolan and Aimee find Louisville delightful. They live with their cat Grace, abundant flowers in the garden, and plenty of music in the house.