Rev. Kara J. Hildebrandt
CV
My Philosophy
Innovate - Educate - Connect - Transform
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Today the culture is changing at a rapid pace, which challenges the church to respond in new ways. Often the church has been at the forefront of social justice work, however, the world around us is demanding more. The church is called to be a place where lives are transformed by encountering God and if the church is not rising to this challenge then we often look more like another non-profit than the church of Jesus Christ.
Current Work
Pastor, Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church; Lincoln Park, MI,
Oct 2014 - Present
My vision for the church is to be a place where people can be in community just as they are and experience the transformative love of Chirst.
Previous Work
ASSOCIATE PASTOR FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION, THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH; BOWLING GREEN, KY, Nov 2009 - Oct 2014
My vision for Christian Education is “How do we [daily] connect to God and others.” I take a holistic approach to this vision by arranging programming that encompasses the mind, body and spirit. I oversee all intergenerational programming from Sunday School to special events plus have worship and pastoral duties. In Sunday School I offer a variety of classes that are both permanent that cover studying the bible, parenting, and theology, to short studies over other religions, social justice issues and spiritual practices. Every year I produce a daily Advent devotional and a daily Lenten devotional. I’ve written a resource for parents that outlines what a child could be expected to learn in the church from nursery to adulthood. I have orchestrated special events from an Art and Theology weekend with pottery to music events in members homes. I lead a weekly Theology Pub for college students and young adults that explore current events from a social and theological lens.
Professional Involvement
Member of Trustees, Detroit Presbytery:
Jan 2017 - Present
President 2020
Vice President 2019
Member of Mission Interpretation, Detroit Presbytery: April 2015 - Present
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Member of Rotary International - Lincoln Park Club: Jan 2015 - Present
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Director of Economic Development Corporation of Lincoln Park: Jan 2015 - present
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Moderator of Motor City Mission Corps, Detroit Presbytery. April 2015 - April 2018
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MODERATOR OF PRESBYTERY DESIGN TEAM, WESTERN KENTUCKY PRESBYTERY; JAN 2013 - Oct 2014
The Presbytery Design Team has been given the task of evaluating the current presbytery staffing model and recommending to the presbytery changes, which reflect the changing church.
MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION ON MINISTRY, WESTERN KENTUCKY PRESBYTERY; 2012 - Oct 2014
The Commission on Ministry oversees all pastors and churches in the presbytery. I am the liaison to the Board of Pensions and attended the consultation in April 2013 and 2014 in Philadelphia to discuss the changes in medical insurance through the Board of Pensions. I am also in charge of a sub-committee to change the minimum effective salary requirements for pastors in the presbytery.
MODERATOR OF THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE, WESTERN KENTUCKY PRESBYTERY; 2011 - Oct 2014
As moderator I facilitate the personnel ministry of the presbytery. This year the presbytery is planning for a transition with the anticipated retirement of the Executive presbyter. I have attended the Shared Futures Consultation with the Synod of Living Waters. I am part of the new staffing design team to determine the future direction of the presbytery.
MEMBER OF THE PERMANENT JUDICIAL COMMISSION, WESTERN KENTUCKY PRESBYTERY; 2011 - Oct 2014
Education
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN - M.Div., 2009
Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN - M.Ed., 2006
Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN - B.A., 2004