Hillside Community Church

Latest Episodes:

The Surprising First Step to Meaningful Worship Oct 05, 2025

Show notes

Pastor Aaron McRae unpacks the heart of true Biblical worship. Worship isn’t just about singing songs on Sunday—it begins with surrender. Looking at Exodus 34, we discover that God reveals Himself as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love, and faithful. When we see God for who He truly is, the only right response is worship—our whole lives offered in surrender.

From Moses’ bold prayer to see God’s glory, to John 3:16’s ultimate revelation of God’s love, we are reminded that worship is not performance, ritual, or appeasement—it is bowing our hearts, our wills, and our lives before a God who is worthy.

True worship flows from surrender. Will you give God more than a song—will you give Him your life?

Resources Mentioned

The Knowledge of the Holy – A.W. Tozer
Rooted: Theology for Growing Christians – Medders & Smith
The Unfolding Mystery of the Divine Name – Michael Knowles
God Has a Name – John Mark Comer
Bible Project – Dr. Tim Mackie on Exodus 34

Scriptures Referenced

Exodus 33:18–20
Exodus 34:4–7
Exodus 3:13–14
John 3:16
Psalm 95:6–7
Psalm 103; Psalm 111; Psalm 145
2 Chronicles 30:6–9
Joel 2:12–14
Jonah 4:1–4
John 1:14
Romans 12:1

For the full gathering of this message which includes worship, visit our Youtube channel.

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God Is Not Distant: Why His Presence Changes Everything Sep 28, 2025

Show notes

In this kickoff message of our What We Believe and Why it Matters series, Pastor Aaron unpacks the truth that the God of the Bible is not distant or detached, but constantly present and active in our world and in our lives. His presence is the defining mark of our faith—and He invites us to trust Him, love Him, and live for Him.

Whether you’ve wrestled with doubt, struggled with distorted images of God, or simply longed to know Him more deeply, this message is a reminder that God still shows up, still speaks, still seeks, and still sends.

📖 Scriptures Referenced

Exodus 3:4–12 – God reveals Himself to Moses at the burning bush
Exodus 33:12–17 – Moses pleads for God’s presence
Genesis 1:1–3 – God the Creator at the beginning
Revelation 21:3 – God dwelling with His people
Matthew 1:23 – Jesus, “Immanuel—God with us”
John 1:1–14 – The Word became flesh and dwelt among us
Psalm 139:7–10 – God’s Spirit is always present
John 14:15–17 – The Holy Spirit as our Advocate
Romans 8:9 – Life in the Spirit

📚 Resources Mentioned

The Knowledge of the Holy – A.W. Tozer
Rooted: Theology for Growing Christians – Medders & Smith

The Road to Deeper Faith Sep 21, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever wrestled with doubt, disappointment, or confusion in your faith? In this message, Pastor Jayden Zwerner reminds us that doubt isn’t the opposite of faith—it can actually be the place where God stirs up deeper trust. Through the story of the road to Emmaus, we see that Jesus walks with us in our questions, listens to our pain, gently corrects us with truth, and stays with us until our eyes are opened to His presence.

The question isn’t do you doubt—the real question is what will you do when you doubt?

Resources Mentioned

Steps by John Ortberg

Scriptures Referenced

Luke 24:13–35 (Road to Emmaus)
Luke 24:5–7
Luke 24:21
Isaiah 55:8–9
Hebrews 3:12
Mark 9:24
Psalm 103:13
James 4:8–10
Matthew 6:10
Psalm 63:3–4
John 9

Jesus Meets Conflict with Compassion Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

In Week 2 of our Get Well Soon series Pastor Aaron McRae teaches from Mark 3:1–6, showing how Jesus heals a man with a withered hand and reveals that true transformation begins in the heart. Discover how to surrender control, receive healing, and live with the compassion of Christ.

Jesus responds to conflict—not by retreating or lashing out, but with compassion and courage. In Mark 3, we see Jesus heal a man with a withered hand in front of critics who were ready to trap Him. While the Pharisees’ hearts grew harder, Jesus revealed that God’s heart is always tender toward those who are hurting.

This message reminds us that our greatest brokenness is not just in our circumstances but in our hearts, and Jesus is the only one who can restore us. Whether you identify with the man in need, the critical Pharisees, or the onlooking disciples, this teaching invites you to stretch out your hands to Jesus—surrendering control, receiving His healing, and lifting them in praise.

Key Scriptures

Mark 3:1–6 – Jesus heals on the Sabbath
John 9 – Jesus redefines suffering and God’s glory
Exodus 31:12–14 – Sabbath law and life
1 John 2:1–2 – Jesus as our Advocate
Psalm 103:13 – God’s compassion as a Father
James 4:8–10 – Purify your hearts, humble yourselves
Psalm 63:3–4 – Lift up your hands in praise

Key Resources & Quotes

John Ortberg, Steps — “The Fellowship of the Withered Hand...”
Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly — on Jesus’ righteous anger and tender compassion
Reflections on spiritual formation and the danger of hardening hearts

Stop With the Band-Aids: Real Change Starts in Your Heart Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

In Get Well Soon: Week One, Pastor Aaron McRae unpacks what it truly means to experience lasting transformation through Jesus. While the world often offers band-aid solutions to deep pain, Jesus goes straight to the heart—because real change starts within.
Through Mark 7 and other key scriptures, Pastor Aaron contrasts outward traditions with the inward renewal Jesus brings. He challenges us to stop focusing on appearances or quick fixes and instead allow Jesus to purify our hearts, where sin and brokenness originate. This message is for anyone longing for wholeness, healing, and hope that only Christ can give.
Key Scriptures
Mark 7:1–23 – Jesus teaches that defilement comes from the heart
Matthew 23 – Cleaning the inside first
Acts 10 & 15 – God purifies hearts by faith
Romans 1:21; 3:23–24; 6:23; 10:9–10 – The heart of the gospel
Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a pure heart”
James 4:8 – Purify your hearts
Mark 12:30 – Love God with all your heart
Key Resources & Quotes
-The Relational Soul by Cofield & Plass — “Change is possible, but it is harder than we want and takes longer than we expect.”
-M. Robert Mulholland Jr., Invitation to a Journey
-Quotes from Jackie Hill Perry, Brené Brown, and David Kim (Made to Belong)

And Also | Week 13 - Better Together Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

We are wrapping up our Better Together series by exploring God’s design for rhythms, relationships, and true community. From Genesis to Revelation, God makes it clear—we were never meant to do life alone. Following Jesus means being formed in community, learning to love, and becoming more like Him for the sake of others.

In this message from Pastor Kelly Roth, we look at the Biblical foundation of community, what it means to be a Seeker, Believer, or Disciple, and how love, vulnerability, and intentionality are essential for growth. Whether you’re just beginning to ask questions about faith or have been walking with Jesus for years, God invites you to take the next step forward—together.

📖 Scriptures Referenced

Genesis 2:18 – It is not good for man to be alone.
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 – Two are better than one.
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpens iron.
Hebrews 10:23–25 – Spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Romans 12:16 – Live in harmony with one another.
Revelation 22:21 – God’s grace with His people.
John 13:34–35 – Love one another as I have loved you.
Acts 2:42 – The early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer.
Matthew 4:19 – Jesus says, “Come, follow me.”

📚 Key Resources & Quotes

M. Robert Mulholland Jr., Invitation to a Journey – “We become either agents of God’s healing and liberating grace or carriers of the sickness of the world.”
Todd Hall, The Connected Life – “How we treat people reveals what’s in our heart.”
Brene Brown – “Vulnerability is the last thing I want you to see in me, but the first thing I look for in you.”
James K.A. Smith, You Are What You Love – “Discipleship is a way to curate your heart, to be attentive to and intentional about what you love.”
Ed Stetzer – “We need to stop presenting community as just another option for the religious consumer and start presenting it as God’s will for everyone.”

No matter where you are on your journey—Seeker, Believer, or Disciple—there’s a next step for you. Community isn’t optional; it’s God’s design for your growth, transformation, and witness to the world.

And Also | Week 12 - Interruptions That Transform Your Life Aug 24, 2025

Show notes

Following Jesus is not a solo journey—it’s an invitation into community, a willingness to be interrupted, and a courageous step into vulnerability. In this sermon from Pastor Woody Morwood, together, we discover God’s transforming love, the power of authentic relationships, and the hope of the Gospel that changes lives.

📖 Key Scriptures

Matthew 4:18–22 – Jesus calls His first disciples.
Matthew 9:9 – The invitation to Matthew.
John 10:10 – Jesus brings life to the full.
Romans 5:8 – God’s love demonstrated through Christ.
Ephesians 3:16–19 – Strengthened and rooted in love together.

📚 Key Resources & Quotes

Jackie Hill Perry – on the tone of Jesus’ invitation.
Made to Belong – David Kim, on belonging and vulnerability.
Anatomy of the Soul – Curt Thompson, on love at the center of Christianity.
The Great Omission – Dallas Willard, on discipleship and apprenticeship to Jesus.

And Also | Week 11 - Hope That Transforms, Community That Lasts Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Our vision is clear: to see God’s hope transform our cities one story at a time. In this powerful Vision Sunday message, Pastor Aaron McRae unpacks what it means to live as a people marked by transformation through Jesus and how our church is called to live out God’s mission together.
This year, we’re focusing on four key mission strategies:
1️⃣ Experiencing God’s Love – discovering the life-changing reality of God’s love through Jesus (1 John 4:7-10, Acts 2:47).
2️⃣ Growing in Community – building authentic, soul-level relationships that strengthen our faith (Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42-47).
3️⃣ Serving with Compassion – meeting needs in our church, city, and world with the heart of Jesus (Matthew 9:36).
4️⃣ Multiplying Impact – raising disciples, leaders, and churches for lasting Kingdom impact (Ephesians 4:12-13).
As we look toward our 50th anniversary in 2029, we are committed to being a Christ-centered community marked by love, generosity, and transformation. Imagine the impact if each of us lives out this vision daily—together, we’ll see God move in ways we can’t yet imagine.
📖 Key Scriptures
1 John 4:7-10 – God is love.
Acts 2:42-47 – The early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, and prayer.
Matthew 9:36 – Jesus had compassion on the crowds.
Ephesians 4:12-13 – Equipping the church for maturity and mission.
📚 Resources & References
Anatomy of the Soul – Curt Thompson
The Great Omission – Dallas Willard
Transformational Groups – Ed Stetzer & Eric Geiger
Becoming a True Spiritual Community – Larry Crabb
Whether you’re exploring faith, looking for community, or ready to serve, Vision Sunday is a reminder that you are part of God’s story of transformation.

And Also | Week 11 - Living God’s Purpose In A Self-Service World Aug 10, 2025

Show notes

In this message, Pastor Aaron McRae unpacks 1 Corinthians 12 and explores how God has uniquely gifted every believer—not for personal recognition, but for the glory of God and the good of the church. Using the powerful metaphor of the body, we see how every member plays a vital role. Whether your gift is teaching, serving, encouraging, or leading, your purpose is to strengthen others, build unity, and point people to Jesus.

Discover the types of spiritual gifts, how to identify yours, and practical ways to use them to serve your church, city, and the world.

Key Scriptures:

1 Corinthians 12:1, 4–7, 21–26 — Spiritual gifts and the body of Christ
Romans 1:11–12 — Encouraging and strengthening each other’s faith
1 Peter 4:10–11 — Using gifts to serve others for God’s glory
Romans 12:6–8 — Word-oriented and work-oriented gifts

Main Points:

God gives each of us spiritual gifts for the common good.
Spiritual gifts encourage and strengthen each other’s faith.
Gifts are given to serve others for the glory of God.

Resources:

Rooted Study - https://hillsidechurches.com/community/
Discovery Class - https://hillside.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2379576

And Also | Week 10 - Devoted to God & Each Other Aug 03, 2025

Show notes

What does it mean to truly belong? In this message, Pastor Aaron McRae teaches from Acts 2 and other key scriptures to help us rediscover the power of biblical community. When we commit to relationships centered on Jesus—marked by prayer, scripture, vulnerability, and compassion—we experience spiritual growth that can't happen in isolation.

We’re not called to walk alone. The early church devoted themselves—to each other, to teaching, to breaking bread, and to prayer. What if that same devotion became our rhythm today?

Whether you're new to church, rebuilding after hurt, or seeking deeper connection, this message invites you to experience the beauty and challenge of life together.

📖 Key Scriptures: