THEON HILL

A Story Featuring a Summer HoneyRock Pastor

By HoneyRock Center for Leadership Development

August 5^th, 2022

Follow along as we continue sharing stories that feature our summer HoneyRock Pastors over the next few weeks! As HoneyRock continues to grow in year-round programming, we hope to partner with pastors who are willing to volunteer in both the summer and the school year months.

Interested in serving HoneyRock in this way? Email leah.wolf@wheaton.edu

WHO IS A HONEYROCK PASTOR?

"HoneyRock pastors volunteer their time to serve all members of the HoneyRock community. They offer pastoral support for our staff members and campers alike. Throughout the summer, pastors guide our summer community through vocational training and necessary discipleship, equipping those to serve at HoneyRock & the greater mission of the church."

Ashley Paige Kiley, Camp Programs Director

REV. DR. THEON HILL

Rev. Dr. Theon Hill is Associate Professor of Communication at Wheaton College where he researches and teaches on the intersections of race, politics, and faith. In addition, Dr. Hill is an ordained minister who desires to use the gifts and opportunities that God has given him to advance the mission of the church locally and around the world.

WE ASKED DR. HILL A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS TIME HERE AND THIS IS WHAT HE HAD TO SAY...

How did you get connected with HoneyRock?

Theon: Rob Ribbe Phd. (Executive Director) reached out to me a few years ago after hearing me speak on the HolyPost podcast with Phil Vischer and Skye Jethani about racial unrest following the tragic killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. He expressed interest in exploring opportunities to promote racial inclusion and justice through the ministry of HoneyRock. As a result of our conversations, he asked me to consider serving on HoneyRock’s advisory board, a position in which I currently serve.

Why do you think the role of a HoneyRock Pastor is important during the summers?

Theon: There is no season of life in which we can take a break from spiritual nourishment and support. The HoneyRock Pastor plays a vital role of supporting summer staff with spiritual guidance, counsel, and prayer throughout the various and unpredictable challenges they face in their summer ministry.

There is no season of life in which we can take a break from spiritual nourishment.

What has your past week looked like as a HoneyRock pastor?

Theon: My time has been filled with several opportunities to preach, lead morning staff devotions, and offer biblical counsel to various summer staff members as needs have emerged.

What is your favorite part of pastoring the summer community at HoneyRock?

Theon: I have never attended camp at HoneyRock nor been onsite for an extended period of time, so the opportunity to see the program(s) of HoneyRock up close has been very helpful as I seek to execute my responsibilities as an advisory board member.

What made you want to serve as a volunteer in this position?

Theon: During a board meeting, Rob asked me to consider serving in the capacity of summer camp pastor during a two-week block. So, I took him up on the opportunity!

We are so grateful for Dr Hill's time and his partnership in ministry with us. Theon and Amy, thank you for making time to be with us; we loved having you and your family here. Come back again!