Women’s Ministry Coordinator—Jen Balkey
In December Jen Balkey was hired to assume the role of Women’s Ministry Coordinator. She is not a new face to many of you, as she has led Groves, taught at VBS (serving as co-director of Preschool VBS for the past two years), played in the worship band, and has been a part of the Women’s Ministry Leadership Team since 2014.
When asked why she has a heart for women’s ministry, Jen says, “I enjoy serving women and helping them become connected to the Lord and one another. I know this was an area that I was always weak in, but I have learned through the Grove ministry at Hebron how critical and amazing a support system of women can be in this crazy walk of life on Earth.”
Jen is originally from Zion, Illinois. She and her husband, Keith (an elder at Hebron), met as undergrads at the University of Pittsburgh where Jen received a degree in Psychology and a Masters in Occupational Therapy. The Balkeys joined Hebron in 2010 and have two boys—Lucas (7) and Max (5) - as well as 2 cats—Tiger & Lily.
We are excited to see how the Lord is going to use Jen as Women’s Ministry Coordinator as she pursues her vision to encourage women to identify, cultivate, and use the gifts that God has given them to serve others. She believes God has a purpose to use every woman for His glory. She’s excited to know how to help every woman discover it.
Youth Ministry Director—Carrie Hendrickson
After serving as Interim Youth Ministry Associate since June 2016, Carrie accepted the permanent position of Youth Ministry Director beginning in January. Her ability to handle the rigors of the position is without question, having served Hebron’s youth for the past 15 years.
After obtaining a B.A. in Youth Ministry from Geneva College, Carrie joined Hebron’s staff in September 2001 as Youth Ministry Associate (YMA), working full-time with middle school students. When her second child was born in 2008, her hours were reduced to part-time, working with youth as YMA while doing more and more in the emerging area of multi-media.
Carrie says, “I love Jesus and love showing students Jesus. A verse that has been on my mind throughout this year is, ‘No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.’ (2 Timothy 2:4) I aim to please the one who has enlisted me to love and show Jesus to students.
“Hebron Student Ministry believes that God will use Hebron Students to show Himself to the world. We are focusing on two words to help equip and guide us as we love students. AFFIRM every middle school student in who they are in Christ, and to MOBILIZE every High School student to live out their faith in the church and outside of the church.”
Carrie married her college sweetheart, our Worship Leader, Barrett Hendrickson, at Hebron in 2001. They have three children: Cortina (10) Paisley (8) and Soren (6). Marissa (Kotanichek) (18) moved into their home in October.
