Overview: Hillcrest Baptist Church

Hillcrest may be described as a metropolitan Church.  It is located in northwest Austin at 3838 Steck Avenue, about eight miles from the center of the city.  This area has grown dramatically in the last ten years.  The immediate neighborhood around the Church may be described as middle to upper middle class; however, the membership includes many socioeconomic, age, and ethnic groups.  About half of the members live within a few miles of the Church, while the others come from all areas of the city and the surrounding suburbs.

Hillcrest Baptist Church was formed seventy-five years ago.  The first act of the new congregation was to take an offering for missions.  Missions continues to be a focus of the Church today, as exemplified by its statement of purpose:  “Every member on mission: loving God, loving others.”  The Church budget reflects this focus with ten percent of all undesignated offerings going to the Cooperative Program, half to the Southern Baptist Convention and half to the Baptist General Convention of Texas.  An additional thirteen percent goes to support mission projects in Austin, our state, the nation, and in several countries around the world.

On Sundays, approximately 500 members attend our morning worship service at 10:45.  Before the worship service is Sunday School, also with an average attendance about 500.  On Sunday evenings discipleship courses are taught, followed by a time of worship at 6:30.  Sundays are great days of worship, Bible study, and fellowship.

One of the strengths of Hillcrest is its staff, which includes a Pastor, a Minister of Education and Outreach, a Minister of Music and Administration, a Minister of Youth, and a Director of Children's Ministries.  Each of the current called staff holds at least a masters degree.  They are dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ, to the family of God, and to their own families.

Another strength is congregational unity and singleness of purpose.  As a result the Church is not prone to divisive issues.  That strength is reflected in the Church's recent commitment to expand its facilities to provide much needed educational space.  The $l.2 million project was paid for in less than four years, leaving the Church debt free and enjoying good facilities.

The Church's annual operating budget is $1.2 million.  In addition collections are taken to support the International, North American and the State missions programs.  Hillcrest is a giving Church.

The growth of the Church has ushered in new challenges and opportunities.  The congregation is praying that God will guide us into a time of greater service and deeper spiritual growth.