Who We Are

We believe the church is not a building, although we have a building. It's not the pastors, although we have those too. The church is the body of believers in Jesus worldwide.

Each local congregation has its own unique gifts and characteristics. Our local body, Hillside, is a friendly, outward-oriented church who believes the grace of Jesus is the most powerful force in the universe. That's why when you visit, you'll be accepted, no matter your past, present or future. We love to laugh and live out the joy we have because we have been set free by the love and grace of Jesus.

We believe the end result of spiritual growth is looking beyond ourselves. If our goal is to become like Jesus, then it doesn't take long to realize that Jesus was all about others. He was the most selfless person ever to have lived. Jesus said, "[I] did not come to be served, but to serve and to give my life as a ransom for many." If that was Jesus' purpose, it's ours too.

Kirk Statler
Bill Reirden
John Bodo

Bill Reirden

Bill came to Hillside in October of 2008. He grew up as the second youngest in a family of seven. He married his high school sweetheart, Kathy in 1990 and has one son named Patrick. They moved to Cedar Rapids from the small town in Delaware where they grew up. Bill enjoys camping, canoeing and fishing. He says if he can somehow manage to do all three at the same time, he considers it a very good day.

Bill gave his heart to Jesus in June 2002 and entered a ministerial training program almost immediately. Jesus has made a huge difference his life and has brought him a peace he couldn’t find anywhere he searched. He loves his job and feels God has called him to be at Hillside.

Kirk Statler

Pastor Kirk will be joining us at Hillside in July, and we are very excited! Pastor Kirk has been pastoring since he was 24 years old, and through the years he has lived in several states, been an associate or senior pastor in churches ranging in attendance from 50 to 5000, served with two missions organizations, been on 20 mission trips to nine countries, traveled on horseback to do ministry in Costa Rica, built churches in several countries, been chaplain at a senior living community, and through it all watched God bring about amazing growth in every place.

Kirk and his wife Tonya have three children: Jordan, Hannah, and Abby – all are gifts of God.

Kirk's personal statement of purpose is this: “To humbly model and freely share the grace of God to all people, that they might be drawn into a transformational relationship with Jesus Christ.” His life verse is 1 Samuel 2:30: “'I will honor the one who honors Me,' says the Lord.”

John Bodo

Pastor John and Erin Bodo and their four children have been at Hillside since September of 2010. He is Hillside's youth and worship pastor.