Meet Our Staff

Lead Pastor: Rev. Jen Zerby

Pastor Jen grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and came to faith after being invited to the youth group at Batavia Covenant Church, where she later began her career in ministry. She came to Hillcrest in 2010 as the Associate Pastor and has now been serving as our Pastor since Fall 2014.

She has a certificate in Biblical Studies from Covenant Bible College in Alberta, Canada, and has a B.A. in Communications/Writing from Trinity Western University in British Columbia. Pastor Jen completed her Master of Divinity degree from North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago and was ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church in 2011.

Pastor Jen despises clowns, but loves coffee and outdoor concerts. She is a lifelong fan of the 2016 World Champion Chicago Cubs and has a Canadian-like love of hockey (Go Hawks!). She is passionate about people of all ages coming to know and understand the depth of God's love for us.

Pastor Jen currently resides with the greatest dog that has ever lived: her goldendoodle, Duncan (named after the great Duncan Keith!).
 
Pastor Jen welcomes your thoughts, comments, and questions at: [email protected]
Pastor of Youth and Children's Ministries: ​Patrick Andrus

Patrick grew up and was raised in Mustang, OK. His home church’s youth ministry got to him at an early age! Even now; He still recalls the strong community and relationship building that came from his youth group! It’s what continues to fuel his heart for youth!

After receiving his call to ministry the summer before the 12th grade of high school; he began full time ministry. Later, he received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Central OK. After college, Patrick moved to Florida to serve a church and ended up meeting his wife Christina. They both met while Patrick was leading worship at her church. They’ve been married since 2010 and have two wonderful doggos; named Harley and Charlie.

Patrick loves to hike, kayak, water/snow ski and watch movies! Also, try to skateboard!
Patrick has been in full time ministry since 2006 and is ecstatic about the call on his life to serve the youth of Dekalb, IL at Hillcrest Covenant Church.

You can reach Patrick at [email protected]
Director of Worship Arts: Joel Hitchcock

Joel grew up in Marshfield Wisconsin. He started playing music and leading worship services at a young age. When his Mom became one of the volunteer worship leaders at his home church, Joel and his 3 brothers all loved to help out by playing in the band on a regular basis.

After being encouraged by some close mentors to seek out full-time ministry, Joel attended Judson University in Elgin Illinois. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Worship and a minor in Biblical Studies. It was here that he also met his wife, Kara, who loves to use her gifts in the arts as well. In 2015, Joel came to Hillcrest to serve part-time as the worship leader. Joel later continued ministry in various churches in the midwest before returning to Hillcrest to serve as the full-time Director of Worship Arts in the fall of 2021.

In his free time, Joel enjoys recording music, being outside with his dog, and roasting his own coffee. Joel loves to connect with friends and family and is always excited to share a meal or have a game night! His greatest passion is using the creative arts to connect with God and His people.

Joel would love to speak with you! You can reach him at [email protected]
Office Administrator:  Maureen Little

Maureen grew up in Elkhart, Indiana and graduated from Columbia College in Elgin.
She has been married to James Little for twenty years.

Maureen enjoys antiques, hiking and spending time with her family. She also enjoys sharing her passion for God. She is the first face you'll see when you come to Hillcrest and undoubtedly, you will be greeted with a smile! 

You can reach Maureen at [email protected]
Hillcrest Kids Coordinator:  Shawna Bennett

Shawna grew up in Waterman, Illinois, and attended Hillcrest throughout her childhood, making her an expert in the best hiding spots for sardines. Growing up in a small town, she cherished the strong sense of community that youth group provided and valued the friendships she built with students from nearby schools.

She went on to attend Northern Illinois University, where she majored in K-12 Physical Education. During college, she spent her summers working at Covenant Harbor Bible Camp in various roles, including Youth Ministry Intern and Children & Family Ministries Assistant. It was there that she met her husband, Aaron, and the two were married in Lake Geneva in 2009. Their daughter, Charlotte (Charlie), was born in 2017.

​Shawna and her family are always up for an adventure—especially in the summertime! Whether it’s roller coasters, waterslides, hiking, or anything Disney-related, they love spending time outdoors and making memories together.

​Shawna is thrilled to be part of Hillcrest Kids Ministry, guiding the next generation as they experience the endless love of God!

Shawna can be reached at [email protected]