Meet the Team
Nate Powell
Lead Pastor
Nate is thankful to be part of those leading Hillcrest forward, preaching from God’s word, and caring for those who are part of the church community and the neighborhood around us.
He first sensed God calling him to pastor and lead in the Church while he was still in high school. Years later, one of his favorite parts of ministry is still getting a front-row seat to what God does in people’s lives. He loves seeing people encounter God’s grace and presence in ways that lead to real transformation, deeper faith, and a life shaped by the Kingdom of God.
Nate and his wife, Angela, have three adult kids and love getting everyone together for summer adventures and Christmas traditions. Having grown up in Nashville, New Jersey, and Colorado, Nate still loves a good adventure—especially a long mountain hike or discovering a new breakfast spot with Angela.
Hillcrest is the third church Nate has served, and he and Angela have loved making Kansas City home. When he’s not at Hillcrest, there’s also a good chance you’ll find him attempting yet another repair on the backyard water feature.
Nate Severson
Community Life Pastor
Nate serves as Hillcrest’s Engagement and Outreach Pastor, helping people find their place, serve others, and take their next steps in faith. After spending his first 25 years at Hillcrest in youth ministry, he’s spent the past five years serving in a variety of adult ministries.
Nate loves dark-roast coffee, sports, coaching soccer, traveling, and time with his family. A couple of fun facts: he once won a year’s supply of 7-Up in a three-point contest and was once offered a job as a professional sports mascot!
What Nate loves most about ministry is simple: helping people take their next step as we pursue new life together in Jesus.
Kimberly Gingrich
Executive Pastor
Kimberly has served in ministry for more than 20 years, much of that time with kids and families. She sensed God’s call to ministry years ago and is ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church. Through every season, she has loved walking with people, helping them discover where God is at work, and encouraging them to take their next step with Jesus. Now, as Executive Pastor, Kimberly helps support the people, teams, and ministries of Hillcrest so others can lead and serve well. She and her husband, Larry, have four adult children and five grandchildren, which gives her the favorite title of GiGi. Family is a huge part of her life, and she loves spending time them and enjoys adventuring with Larry, and chillin' with their two big dogs and one teeny cat.
Jason Heppner
Spiritual Formation Pastor
Jason Heppner is the Spiritual Formation Pastor and an ordained minister in the Evangelical Covenant Church with more than 20 years of pastoral experience. He is passionate about helping people grow as disciples and follow in the way of Jesus. Jason and his wife, Brooke, have three children, and loves time spent as a family. He loves his 8 time world champion LA Dodgers!
Clarissa Haggard
Mobilization Coordinator
Clarissa serves as Hillcrest’s Mobilization Coordinator and has been part of the Hillcrest staff for 12 years! After spending most of that time in youth ministry, she stepped into her current role two years ago, bringing her love for people and passion for helping others get connected.
An extrovert at heart, Clarissa loves building relationships and spending time with people. She and her husband, Brandon, enjoy life together, and when she’s not connecting with others or serving on Hillcrest’s worship team, you’ll likely find her soaking up some sunshine!
Britli Cox
Engagement Coordinator
Britli serves as Hillcrest’s Engagement Coordinator, helping people stay connected through prayer, missions, and our Sunday welcoming experience for all. She loves getting to support, encourage, and pray for people throughout the week.
A KC native, Britli and her husband, Mark, have two beautiful kids. Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, she served full-time in Children’s Ministry. These days, she loves family walks to the park, gardening with her kids, baking for special events, and finding just about any excuse to have people over.
Greg Blessen
Facilities Staff
Bio coming soon!
Nathan Tompkins
Tech Team Coordinator
Nathan leads and develops our Sunday morning screen/camera teams and the online streaming platform. He makes sure in-person and online services are presented with excellence and consistency.
Jennifer Gentry
Weekday Preschool Director
Jennifer serves as Hillcrest’s Preschool Director or coordinator for 60 little people and their phenomenal teachers! A pediatric RN, mom of four, and wife to a pediatric nurse practitioner, caring for kids is simply part of who she is.
Jennifer loves family, the outdoors, mountains and beaches, sunrises and sunsets—and sugar in just about any form. Most of all, she loves kids and the pure joy and sunshine they bring to every day.
Jay Haverdink
IT Manager
After a 40-year career in cybersecurity, Jay joined the Hillcrest team, bringing his experience and technical know-how to overseeing the church’s IT infrastructure, software, and network systems.
When he’s not keeping Hillcrest’s technology running smoothly, Jay enjoys riding motorcycles, woodworking, and tackling projects around the house. His idea of a perfect day? A motorcycle ride with his wife on a cool fall afternoon, winding along twisty roads surrounded by beautiful autumn colors.
Tina Pinneo
Accounting Specialist
Tina cares for the day-to-day financial operations that keep our ministry moving. She helps ensure every dollar entrusted to HCC is handled with transparency and excellence. She helps make sure the generosity of our congregation is honored and put to work for the mission of Jesus, here in Kansas City and around the world.
Hillcrest Governance Board
Currently Serving
front: Jamie Johnson, Lori Gossenauer, Tracy Fogel, Kirk Wolters
back: Nate Powell, Laura McConwell, Chris Gabel, Brian Basel, Doug Liljegren