Hilliard to work with United Methodist youth

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 6, 2008 /GBOD/ --Henry ‘Hank’ Hilliard has been named manager of Youth Ministry Development for Young People’s Ministries in Nashville, which is a ministry of the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship.

“Hank brings (to GBOD) a wealth of experience planning, organizing and promoting ministry programming, including mission trips, spiritual formation retreats, outreach events and creative arts ministry teams,” said Karen Greenwaldt, top executive for GBOD.

Hilliard was formerly director of both Youth and College Ministry and Young Adult Ministries at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Memphis, where he was responsible for leading and directing youth ministries for over 12 years. He started a college and young adult ministry at the church in 2003.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to serve the youth of The United Methodist Church in a greater capacity,” said Hilliard.

Hank’s vision for youth ministry includes developing and enhancing the knowledge of youth and leaders of youth through relevant, creative and readily available resources for youth ministries, and in providing training and networking opportunities.

In his new capacity, he looks forward to equipping youth to become disciples of Jesus Christ within The United Methodist Church through leadership development, through Web-based learning resources and by responding to all levels of inquiries related to enhancing and developing youth ministries.

“I’m looking forward to connecting youth and leaders of youth to others who are able to provide needed support, encouragement and ideas,” he said.

Hilliard has also started new ministries such as creative arts ministry teams and a youth leadership team, in addition to serving as a referee for the East Shelby County Recreation Department, refereeing youth soccer and basketball games.

Hilliard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, Alabama