David W. Pendergrass, Ph.D.
Senior Pastor
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 Riber
Worship & Youth Pastor
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?"
Lance Hampton
Discipleship Pastor
| Lance and Kimberly Hampton, along with their two daughters Kayleigh and Abigail joined Hill Church in February 2023. Lance has served in other churches as a youth minister for 14 years, but has taken on the role of Discipleship Pastor here at Hill Church. Lance’s passion is helping people be more intentional with their discipleship journey. If you are feeling stuck in your faith, or not sure what might be next for you, he would love to talk through your possible next steps with you! In addition to his ministry, Lance also enjoys watching tv/movies, Cubs baseball, Colts football (with enough love to spare for the Bears), and fishing as long as he’s catching the most and the biggest. An inspirational verse for Lance has been Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” It’s so easy to veer off course as followers of Christ. This verse reminds us that it’s worth it to stay ALL IN in our commitment to God. To not allow our circumstances dictate our level of commitment. The writer continues to encourage its reader to “not throw away their confidence” and reminds them that they are “not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.” Let’s continue to live out our faith in confidence and seek ways we can grow and strengthen our relationship with our faithful God. |
Elaine W. Pendergrass
Director of Children's Ministry
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 Throneburg
Director of Local and Global Outreach
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.