Leadership

Dr. Pendergrass, Elaine, Hayden, and Julia joined the Hill Church family in August of 2020. Dr. Pendergrass has served at several churches, primarily in the southern United States. He specializes in biblical interpretation, organizational leadership, helping people develop healthy tools for relationships and life, and music production. His education includes the Doctorate of Philosophy in Historical Theology from Baylor University and the Master of Divinity in Pastoral Studies and the Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Gardner-Webb University. He adores his family, loves movies, singing, well-cooked meat, the mountains, Coke Zero, training at the gym, and hanging out with people. His chief passion in life is to make disciples of Jesus.

Bennett and his wife Samantha moved to Kewanee in December 2014 due to Bennett being hired at the Kewanee Fire Department. When he is not putting fires out Bennett loves to play the guitar, sing and make people laugh. Samantha likes to bake and has come to terms with the fact that Bennett will forever be one giant kid. They both know that life can be a bumpy road but with the love of Jesus Christ they can get through anything. A reminder of this is Bennett's life verse Psalm 56:11, "In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

Paul, Katie, and Bram (1) Porter moved to Kewanee in July 2022 and became part of the Hill Church family. Paul started as our Youth Pastor in February 2023. He has served churches within youth student ministry for twelve years (and counting) in Texas, Kansas, Ohio, and now Illinois. His core passions are teaching and preaching the Bible, pastoring young people, and investing his efforts to edify the local church. His education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry with a Minor in Biblical Languages from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (2013) as well as some graduate hours at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He loves being a husband and father and doing life with his family. He is a fan of Iowa State football, enjoys baseball, likes Marvel movies, and takes pleasure in always learning more via reading literature, listening to podcasts, or watching videos, lectures, debates, etc. You might also see him at work as an employee at the Beck's Convenience store on Tenney St. in Kewanee. He is excited to make disciples at Hill Church and would like to meet you and your family.

Elaine is passionate about teaching kids about God, so her background in education and children’s ministry have served her well.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Studies and a Master of Arts in School Administration. She has spent her career in both public and private schools (as a teacher and school administrator), as a children’s pastor, and as a ministry consultant (working with children’s ministries, youth ministries, and schools around the country). Part of her calling is to help parents. She equips parents with practical tools that enable them teach their children how to live as Christians.  Elaine wants parents to feel encouraged and prepared as they discuss various issues of the Christian faith (e.g., how to pray, deal with grief, believe in a God we can’t see).

Bobi is married to Marcus and they have three boys: Lincoln, Bishop, and Moses. Bobi became a Christian in college and God began growing a heart in her for the lost and unchurched. She loves to be with her men, meet new people, play sports (she's a bit competitive), be outside, hike and read with a cup of coffee in hand. One of her favorite verses is in 1 John 3, verse 18: "Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions." She loves to help the church find ways to act and show the love of Jesus to our community, the surrounding area and all over the world. Often, we get overwhelmed with the need, but we must press through in prayer, action, and sharing the gospel.

Keri is married to Alan and they have 5 children between them: Travis, Wyatt, Alana, Kolbe and Karson. They also have 3 grandchildren and a dog (Buddy). Keri enjoys watching her boys play sports, relaxing in her pool, and most of all, dating her husband.