PASTOR LEADERSHIP

 
 
PASTOR ROD WILKENING
Lead Pastor

Rod and his wife Erica and their son Christian became the lead pastor of Hilltop Assembly of God in November of 2016. Pastor Rod is a minister of the Assemblies of God.

 

Rod became a Christ-follower at the age of 15 through the youth ministry of a local Assembly of God church in Laurel, MD.  After graduating from high school, Rod traveled the country for a season working with a Children’s ministry team while taking biblical courses preparing for ministry.

 

After that season, He started volunteering at his local church and eventually came on staff as an associate pastor. While in that role, his primary responsibility was leading the music department, although he also led various ministries including a thriving youth and Young Adult program.

 

However, his favorite role is being a husband to his beautiful wife, and a father to his (adult) son. He enjoys hanging out with Erica, going to his son’s games, game nights with friends, playing his guitar, and reading.

 

He has a deep passion for the Word of God, believing it is the absolute foundation of a Christian’s life. He is a dedicated teacher who believes God has called him to “equip the saints so that the body of Christ will be built up.” (Ephesians 4:12)

 
 
 
PASTOR STEVE LYON
Executive Pastor
Pastor Steve has served Hilltop Assembly of God as our Executive Pastor since 2018. He holds Ministerial Credentials with the Potomac Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God and has been involved with the Assemblies of God all his life. Steve has served in ministry for over 30 years as Associate Pastor, Youth Pastor, and Children’s Pastor in six of our Potomac Network churches. Steve is also a member of the PYN (Potomac Youth Network) leadership team, assisting with PYN youth camps, youth conventions and Fine Arts ministries. Steve was raised in Howard County, grew up attending church with his family at First Assembly of God in Laurel, MD and spent his summers in South Bethany, DE making lasting memories with his grandparents, parents, sister, cousins and friends at the beach. He still enjoys the serenity of the ocean, when time allows; and he cherishes quality time with family and friends. Steve met his true love, Gina, on a blind date (ask Gina about Steve’s watch), and they were married in July 1991 at Trinity Assembly of God in Lutherville, MD. Both Pastor Steve and Pastor Gina have a passionate heart for the people of our area and have a fervent desire for our community: to seize the life changing love of Jesus Christ through acceptance of Him, to experience the Dunamis power of God’s Holy Spirit through surrender to Him, and to connect personally with their Heavenly Father through a
lifelong relationship with Him.
 
 
 
PASTOR GINA LYON
Women’s Ministries Pastor

Gina is a dedicated licensed minister, Biblical teacher, and Christian pod-caster with a passion for proclaiming the Gospel and ministering to the brokenhearted. With over thirty years of ministry experience alongside her husband, Gina has been a guiding light for many, helping individuals grow spiritually and deepen their understanding of God’s word. Gina’s ministry extends beyond local boundaries as she actively serves on both national and international mission teams. Her mission is to bring hope and healing to those in need, embodying the love and compassion of Christ in every endeavor. As proud parents of two young adult children, Gina and her husband have built a strong foundation of faith and family. In this season of life, Gina finds solace and strength in the words of Psalm 91. Gina’s unwavering commitment to her faith and her community continues to inspire and uplift those around her. Whether through teaching, podcasting, or missions; she remains steadfast in her calling to guide others toward spiritual growth and understanding.

PASTOR KATHLEEN REESE
Next Gen Pastor
Pastor Kathleen began serving in Kids Ministry at Hilltop October 2016. She was born and raised in Southern California. Pastor Kathleen has many years of experience in children’s ministry and has a background in teaching. She holds Ministerial Credentials through the Assemblies of God and enjoys serving as part of the Potomac Ministry Network.
 
Pastor Kathleen is passionate about coming alongside families to help them cultivate a personal relationship with the Lord. She believes that discipleship goes beyond the church and aims to equip families and help them grow in their walk with God.
 
Pastor Kathleen and her husband, Phil, have been married since February 2011. Together, they have two children, Matthew and Ryann, and a dog named Pikachu. She enjoys reading, crafting, making bread, and is a brown belt in karate!