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Meet our Pastors An interview with our co-pastors: Rev. Jim Hilker and Rev. Lisa Martin Q: You two are co-pastors and a married couple. How does that work out for you? JH: It works well. We’re each different personalities, different gifts, so we bring different things to the table and it strengthens the church. It’s nice to be able to bounce ideas off each other, run through our sermons or lesson ideas. Q: And personally? LM: It is a blessing because it gives us a chance to raise our children. When Jim works, I’m at home and vice versa. Q: Any negatives? LM: You mean do we argue? Of course. We have a good marriage, but not perfect, and we have disagreements both personal and professional. But hopefully, those differences of opinion help us process things and come to a better outcome. Q: What are the rewards and challenges of ministry? JH: The other day a usually shy little boy, who has a lot of family troubles, came up to me with a big grin and said “Hi Pastor Jim!” And I realized what a tremendous opportunity we have to touch so many lives – children and adults. LM: Just being able to journey with people through all stages of life – a baptism, a funeral, a wedding, a hospital visit is a reward. We have a unique opportunity to see God’s grace in many different circumstances, and have a real sense of what is really important in life. Q: Which is… LM: Relationships. Our relationship with God. Our relationships with our family and friends. Nothing else -- career, money, success – really matters. Q: And the challenges to ministry? JH: Spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to a world that is “worried and distracted by many things.” (Luke 10:41, NRSV) LM: For both of us growing up, the only thing to do Sunday morning was go to church. It seemed like everyone went to church. Those days are gone. But you can see that as a good thing, too. Today, you have to choose to go to church; you have to stand up and say “this is important to me.” It’s not just going with the flow. That leads to a deeper, stronger faith. Q: What is your favorite Bible verse or story and why? JH: The call of David, particularly 1 Samuel 16:7b. This is something I know I have to work on. Sometimes I judge people from what I see them doing. I have to remember I don’t know what’s on their hearts, but God does. LM: Isaiah 11. It’s just such a beautiful vision of peace – not just a vision of peace between nations, but peace in every relationship. Q: If someone is searching for a church, why should they pick Trinity? LM: This is a church that lives out its faith. We don’t just talk about helping others, we live it. Whether it’s the community meals program each Tuesday, or our help to individuals in need, or our mission partnership in Ecuador, it’s clear that Trinity members live the gospel. That’s not to say we’re perfect – but we keep a vision of what’s perfect in front of us. JH: I would say the children’s ministry, especially the Faith Odyssey program. The children have a computer lab, a movie theater – how cool is that? And now we’re starting a worship/education service for youth on Sunday night called “Head to the Heart.” It’s just so much more interesting and exciting than anything I did at my church growing up. It’s not a new message – the gospel is the gospel – but it’s presented in ways that are exciting and engaging. LM: I also think for someone who is seeking, the UCC in general is a good place to go because it encourages you to stretch. We don’t hand you a dogma and say “believe exactly this or you’re wrong.” We encourage you to pray, read, and figure out your relationship with God. And if at the end of the day you and I disagree we can still see the other as a faithful child of God, and see ourselves as one in the body of Christ. You don’t get that at every church. BIOGRAPHIES Rev. Jim Hilker is a native of Hanover, PA. He earned a B.A. in History from Millersville University, Millersville, PA and a M. Div. from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO. Before coming to Trinity in 2000 he served 7 years as a pastor in Carlyle, IL. He and wife Lisa Martin have three children ages 8, 7, and 4. His interests include biking and model railroading. Rev. Lisa Martin is a native of Chicago, IL. She received a B.A. in International Studies from American University, Washington DC and a M. Div. from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO. Before coming to Trinity in 2000 she served as a pastor of a rural congregation in Smithboro, IL and as a social worker for people with disabilities. She and husband Jim Hilker have three children ages 8, 7, and 4. Her interests include reading, writing, and cooking. You may contact our pastors via the contact page.
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