Kevin Hill’s plan to spend one year at a Bible college turned into a life’s calling.
The 36-year-old Hill recently was named pastor of the Sweet Home area’s oldest church, Holley Christian.
“My parents wanted me to go to Boise Bible College for at least one year,” Pastor Hill said. “I had planned to be a forest range. I was working and going to school to save money to become a ranger when I felt the call to become a minister.”
It’s a call he is glad he answered.
Pastor Hill, his wife Jennifer and their children, Austin, 9, and Autumn, 3, have found the area much to their liking.
Emmett, Idaho was home for many years, as Pastor Hill grew up in a ranching family. The family lived for a while in Burns when Pastor Hill was a child.
After college, Pastor Hill ministered in Oroville, Calif., Star, Idaho and Grangeville, Idaho.
He venture into the world of private business ownership for six years in a partnership with his brother. It is an experience he says helps him understand the business owners in his congregation.
“I enjoyed owning my own business, but after a while, it got boring. The ministry is never boring,” he said.
Pastor Hill said he was excited to get the call at the Holley Christian Church because it has a reputation as a loving, caring church.
“My wife loves the town already,” Pastor Hill said.
About 135 persons attend Holley Christian’s two Sunday services.
Pastor Hill said his strong points include being a good preacher and pulling persons toward a more personal ministry.
“I guess you’d say I’m good at vision casting,” Pastor Hill said. “I have visions for the big picture of things.”
The Hill family is enjoying exploring their new home and have already made two trips to the coast. Pastor Hill also enjoys reading and weight lifting.
His father-in-law is a church pastor at Vernonia.
The Holley Christian Church will celebrate its 130th anniversary this fall.