Eastern Hills Church Staff

Bill Connors

Senior Pastor

Pastor Bill and Melanie Connors

I was originally called by EHBC to serve in a part-time capacity with the student ministry in September of 1999, and then called into full-time student ministry in May, 2001, where I served until called by EHBC to serve as the Senior Pastor in January, 2018.  My wife, Melanie, and I have been married since 1991, and we have two wonderful daughters.  I have a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University, and received my Master of Theological Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in May, 2017.  I have a passion for teaching Scripture, and helping people understand how what we learn in its pages applies to our lives today.  

 

My favorite singular verse of Scripture is Romans 6:11:

“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God through Christ Jesus.”

If we are in Christ, we died to sin.  But just as Christ rose from the grave in victory and ascended to God, so we have been raised from the death of our sinful natures and have been made right with God through Christ.  This verse has always helped me to remember my position with God, and how I got there.

Email: bill@ehbc.org

Joe Vivian

Associate Pastor of Children and Families

Pastor Joe and Kerry Vivian

 
 

I heeded the Lord’s calling towards Children’s Ministry in 1998. In December of 2007, I once again listened to the Lord and become the Children’s and Families Pastor at EHBC.

I am blessed that I married my bride in June of 1990, Kerry and I have 2 adult daughters: Baylee and Samantha. Samantha is married to Ryne Swann and they have blessed us with two beautiful granddaughters, Piper and Raelynne and a grandson, Rhett. Baylee is engaged to an amazing young man, Tom Snyder. 

Kerry and I also lead a Marriage Ministry-Pursuit of Marriage.  You can learn more about this ministry by clicking here. 
 
 
My life verse is John 3:21
“But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”
 
Know this, I am blessed and humbled to shepherd the largest mission field in the world. I have been called to shepherd His children and their families.
 
Email: joe@ehbc.org

Trevor Clark

Associate Pastor of Youth and Families

Hi there! I’m Trevor Clark, the youth pastor at Eastern Hills. That means I get to work with middle school and high school students! I was in high school when I became a Christian, so this time of life means a lot to me. I love to help students get excited about the truth of the Gospel.
 
What else? I’ve been married to Amanda since 2013. We have three children – Amelia, Davis, and Peter. We love hanging out with people. I’m also working on a PhD in New Testament Studies from Gateway Seminary. The Bible is the coolest book to study and Jesus is the best person to follow, and we are part of a great team here at Eastern Hills.
 
Our motto: “Surprise the World, Linked Together in Him.”
 
Please join us for some of the events listed on the student page. Bring a friend. Find out more. We’re excited to meet you!
 

My favorite verse is probably John 11:27, “ She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” This reminds me who Jesus is no matter what life’s circumstances happen to be.

Rich Willard

Associate Pastor of Senior Adults

Pastor Rich and Lara Willard

 
I have served in deaconates, pastoral care (Stephen Ministry leader), hospital chaplaincies, prison ministry, and as the Pastoral Ministry leader at EHBC. My formal training includes a Biblical Counseling certificate from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I am currently working on a doctorate there.
 
As a senior myself, I now have the honor to pastor and act as an advocate for the precious senior treasures of our local assembly. I am thankful to my wife Lara for all her encouragement and her unique spiritual gifts that she offers a congregation. Lara and I have been together for nearly 40 years, with three grown married daughters, three granddaughters, and four grandsons.
 
 
My life verse of assurance is 1 John 5:13: “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
 

Shanna Hale

Church Secretary

Shanna and Jeff Hale

 
I started working as secretary of Eastern Hills Baptist Church in 1992, but it has been like being at home, I have been a member since I was 14 years old. I love working with the college and career group, co-drama teacher and playing with puppets. My husband Jeff owns his own Automotive Restoration shop and has a collection of classic cars. I have two daughters – Jaci who is now married to our first ever son-in-law, Brian Terrell. Both Jaci and Brian are high school teachers here in Albuquerque and they had our very first granddaughter Audrey Kathleen. Jessi graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder with a degree in Advertising Journalism and is now working for Microsoft and has our second granddaughter Delilah Kailyn. I love my family and I’m so proud of each of them.
 
Email: shanna@ehbc.org

Rebecca Crisler

Financial Secretary

 

Chuck and Rebecca Crisler

 
The Lord led our family to become members of the EHBC church body in 2014, and I joined the EHBC staff in January 2016. My husband, Chuck, and I were married in 1992 in Tucson, Arizona (my hometown) and traveled the world with the Air Force until Chuck’s retirement in 2010.  We have two really terrific kids: Sarah (1994) and Will (1999). In addition to working for the church, I returned to school and recently graduated with my BS in Accounting. I absolutely love the EHBC staff and congregation and am so thankful to have the opportunity to serve you all. Our family is so thankful to be able to call Albuquerque home!
 
 Psalms 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.”
 

Liana Hill

Director of Online Media

Liana, Dan, and Parker Hill

 

I have been attending Eastern Hills for over 15 years. I taught at EHCA for 12 years and have been involved in various ministries at EHBC over the years. I have a heart for children’s ministry and my favorite is VBS! I love seeing how God works in children’s lives during the VBS week! I began as the Director of Online Media in 2022 and I am enjoying working with the EHBC staff and learning more about design.

I have been married to Dan since 2011 and we adopted our son, Parker, when he was born in 2017. I love being a mom and wife. We are currently trying to grow our family again through adoption.

My favorite Bible Passage is from Joshua 1:7-9

 Above all, be strong and very courageous to observe carefully the whole instruction my servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”