Our Staff...

They don't do all the work, (volunteers do a lot as well!) but our staff is an integral part of what we try to do here at Hillside. Get to know them, you'll be glad you did! 

Rev. Andrew Beck, ​Sr. Minister

Andy began ministry at Hillside in 2015 after over 15 years serving congregations in Oklahoma. A lifelong Disciple, Rev. Beck has an M.Div. degree from Phillips Seminary in Tulsa, OK. He's married to Elizabeth & they have 2 wonderful kids. Fun Fact: Andy's favorite music group is a ska band from the 90's called Five Iron Frenzy. 


​Darin Parker, ​Music Director

Darin has been at Hillside since 2010 and leads our praise team, Hillside Singers and Hillside Ringers. It's been said that Hillside has some of the best church music north of the Missouri River, and if that's true, it's because of Darin! A Grammy Award winner, Darin also teaches vocal and piano lessons. Fun fact: Darin has an awesome dog named Giuseppe. 


Chris Ruth, Director of Youth Ministries

Chris joined Hillside's ministry team in the summer of 2019. Chris brings a passion for modeling and teaching the way of Jesus to teens, and nearly a decade of experience in youth ministry and church leadership. Passionate about social issues, Chris is a champion for equality. Fun Fact: Chris plays guitar to "de-stress". 

Hillside's Music Staff:

Brian Burlingame: Percussion instruments
Sally Greenlease: Piano & Principal Organist 
​Paul Greenlease: Bass guitar
Scott Duncan: Audio & Video

Come by and say "hi"! 

Ph. 816-453-2623


​Jonathan Brightwell, Operations Manager

In his primary role, Jonathan has been on staff at Hillside since May 2016. Before then, he served as Hillside's bookkeeper for nearly a decade. His primary responsibilities now are financial management, and building use & care.  Catch Jonathan around the building making sure our major systems are running well and being improved. Fun Fact: ​Jonathan is passionate about kombucha, and given the opportunity, he'll sing its praises to you!


​Judith King, ​Office Administrator

Judith has been on staff since May 2015. She publishes our communications, manages our office, and keeps Rev. Beck in line. She has a passion for helping families impacted by suicide grieve, and operates a world-wide Facebook group for parents who have lost a child to suicide. Fun Fact: Judith has a passion for animals, with a few cute puppers and kitties in her home! 


​Peyton Skaar, Director of Children's Ministries

Peyton started at Hillside in late 2019. Her outgoing personality from a background in musical theater is contagious. She leads the Kids for Christ Sunday afternoon program, the WOW  Worship and Wonder service for kids on Sunday mornings, and is kind-hearted with all children. Fun fact: Peyton lived in Sydney, Australia working as an Au Pair! CRIKEY!