Elders are the spiritual shepherds of the church. The Elders are responsible for making certain the Vision and Strategy of Hill Church is being accomplished in the various ministries. To contact the Elders, email Elders@hillchurchfamily.org.
Elder Jon Swanson
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Elder Justin York
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Dr. David W. Pendergrass - Lead Pastor and Elder
pastordavid@hillchurchfamily.org
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. To follow his blog or listen to his podcast, see DavidPendergrass.com.
Bennett Riber - Pastor to Youth and Pastor of Worship
youth@hillchurchfamily.org
Bennett and his wife Samantha moved to Kewanee in December 2014 due to Bennett being hired on 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?"
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?"
Elaine W. Pendergrass - Director of Children's Ministry
kids@hillchurchfamily.org
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). To follow her blog and see more free resources, see Elainependergrass.com.
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). To follow her blog and see more free resources, see Elainependergrass.com.
Kasey Mitchell - Children's Church Coordinator
kids@hillchurchfamily.org
Kasey, her husband Bill, and their two daughters Tessa and Olivia live in Kewanee. When she is working her not-so-day job, Kasey is a licensed real estate agent in the Peoria, IL area. She enjoys meeting new people and exploring new homes.
Ever since Kasey and Bill met in 2000, they have been in some form of ministry. Kasey has volunteered in youth and children's ministries in various capacities. She loves working with the "littles" most of all, as she gets to watch their faith develop as they grow in their knowledge of God's awesomeness. Whether it be through singing, playing games, or simply listening to their answers as they talk about their lessons, Kasey loves seeing their development through the stages of faith. It brings great joy to her heart to hear of past "littles" living their faith as teenagers and even adults! She is excited to be a part of the kingdom work being done through Hill Church and she is thankful for the chance to be a gardener of such small and precious seeds.
Ever since Kasey and Bill met in 2000, they have been in some form of ministry. Kasey has volunteered in youth and children's ministries in various capacities. She loves working with the "littles" most of all, as she gets to watch their faith develop as they grow in their knowledge of God's awesomeness. Whether it be through singing, playing games, or simply listening to their answers as they talk about their lessons, Kasey loves seeing their development through the stages of faith. It brings great joy to her heart to hear of past "littles" living their faith as teenagers and even adults! She is excited to be a part of the kingdom work being done through Hill Church and she is thankful for the chance to be a gardener of such small and precious seeds.
Bobi Throneburg - Director of Local and Global Outreach
bobithroneburg@gmail.com
Bobi is married to an amazing guy, Marcus, and together they have three energetic, highly sociable, and sweet boys - Lincoln, Bishop, and Moses. They moved to Kewanee in May of 2015 and have been a part of Hill Church ever since. You will often find them outside playing, hiking, biking... anything to help the boys wear off some energy and enjoy nature!
Bobi will be forever grateful for her experiences she had after graduating college. She was blessed to be able to live in West Africa and the Middle East learning about ministering to Muslims. Living amongst unreached people groups and being fully immersed in these fascinating cultures was such an eye opening experience. After this season of her life, she was fortunate to get to move to Haiti and work at a malnutrition clinic for a couple of years AND meet Marcus while doing so!! She loves Jesus and wants to help spread HIS love all over this beautiful community, surrounding area, and across the world.
Bobi will be forever grateful for her experiences she had after graduating college. She was blessed to be able to live in West Africa and the Middle East learning about ministering to Muslims. Living amongst unreached people groups and being fully immersed in these fascinating cultures was such an eye opening experience. After this season of her life, she was fortunate to get to move to Haiti and work at a malnutrition clinic for a couple of years AND meet Marcus while doing so!! She loves Jesus and wants to help spread HIS love all over this beautiful community, surrounding area, and across the world.
Lynnette Schwenneker - Administrative Assistant
office@hillchurchfamily.org
Lynnette is our Administrative Assistant here at Hill. She is passionately organized and handles most of our daily and out of the ordinary tasks. Lynnette finds joy and is very passionate about God at Hill. One of her favorite scriptures is Colossians 3:23 "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the lord rather than for people"
Lynnette and her husband Kyle moved to Illinois in the summer of 2018 from Arizona! They bought a house in Annawan and fill it with the joy and laughter of their three children Brody (9), Collin (4) and Ava (3). Lynnette enjoys to craft, refurbish furniture, most of all, enjoys fellowship with others & a nice cup of coffee. Kyle is a Henry County Sheriff's Deputy. In his extra time he enjoys to go hunting and fishing.
Lynnette and her husband Kyle moved to Illinois in the summer of 2018 from Arizona! They bought a house in Annawan and fill it with the joy and laughter of their three children Brody (9), Collin (4) and Ava (3). Lynnette enjoys to craft, refurbish furniture, most of all, enjoys fellowship with others & a nice cup of coffee. Kyle is a Henry County Sheriff's Deputy. In his extra time he enjoys to go hunting and fishing.
Deacons are the stewards of the finances and facilities of the Church. Deacons report to the Elders. The Deacons are responsible for making sure the various ministries and church entities are remaining fiscally responsible to the annual budget, and to the maintenance, betterment, and security of the facilities of the church. To contact the Deacons, email Deacons@hillchurchfamily.org.
