NAME: Steven Hilton
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:
Hello, my name is Steven Hilton. I turned 61 years of age on Feb. 10th. I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri and now live in Millersburg, PA. My wife and I just celebrated our 39th anniversary in June. Together we have 2 children and 3 energetic grandchildren.
I still feel as if I am a work in progress that the Lord is molding and shaping. At one time I was very introverted and now I see where the Lord is opening me up to be more free in my communication with people. It is my desire to help people that have struggled with personal acceptance, those who have been abandoned, as well as making bridges between different people groups.
I like to ride my bicycle, especially on rails to trails in wooded areas and where there are water ways. I also like to go kayaking, especially in the creeks where you’re more enclosed by trees. I enjoy walking—either on the street or in the mountains. I started these activities as and child and have never stopped. I prefer these activities to weight lifting for maintaining my health and staying in shape.
My wife and I established Giving Light Christian Fellowship in 1983 and have been the senior pastors there ever since.
SINCE BRAVERY IS ONE OF OUR CORE VALUES AT GIVING LIGHT, WOULD YOU RATHER CONFRONT A BEAR OR BUNGEE JUMP?
Bungee jump. I think the survival rate is higher. Even though I would rather do neither unless the bungee jumping is over water.
WHAT FOOD DO YOU LOVE TO EAT, BUT KNOW YOU SHOULDN’T?
Before it would have been chocolate ice cream with chocolate syrup and fresh ground coffee grounds. Now it’s just popcorn.
PEOPLE SAY THAT HINDSIGHT IS 20/20. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 25 YEAR OLD SELF?
Don’t take life and people so seriously. Learn to enjoy what you have and not what you don’t have. Be really thankful. Of course I would give more advice, but this is what first came to mind.
YOU’VE BEEN A PASTOR FOR OVER 30 YEARS. CAN YOU GIVE US YOUR BEST DEFINITION OF SALVATION?
Accepting what Christ has done for us, not just mentally, but being convinced in my heart. Also, experiencing the Holy Spirit’s power and presence as I submit to Him.
HOW WOULD YOU SAY YOUR FAITH HAS SHAPED THE WAY YOU VIEW YOURSELF AND THE WORLD AROUND YOU?
The world becomes a place of possibilities as I see myself in Christ. As my faith grows in God’s greatness, power, and love, what seems to be potential roadblocks and hazards become just another stepping stone to demonstrate His love and glory. World is defined in the Bible as the physical place that God has created which is good. It is also defined as this age which is only temporary and which we overcome.
LEADING PEOPLE IS NOT ALWAYS EASY. HOW HAVE YOU MANAGED YOUR HEART ENSURING THAT IT REMAINS SOFT BEFORE THE LORD?
Managing my heart is a continual process and it mainly comes through submitting my whole being to God. James 4:7 says, “Submit yourself to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Father God has to be the main player that I focus on as well as the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit. In the past I was focused on the promises of God. Now I focus on the Promiser first.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO DEVELOP A KEEN EAR TOWARDS THE VOICE OF GOD?
Our Father God always leads us unto triumph, but if I’m not listening to His voice I lean to my own understanding, which may be good but not the best. Pride goes before a fall. I am showing my pride when I am not seeking first the Kingdom of God. God doesn’t want us to fall but He will allow us. Then there is the wonderful joy of being in His presence and hearing His voice which is its own reward.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO EXPERIENCE A HAPPY LIFE?
Happy wife, happy life. 🙂
I think we can come to a place where we cease striving. The apostle Paul spoke of being content in whatever state he found himself. Can you still be happy if you lose it all? What we have now is all temporary; there is a greater glory ahead that I want to share with others now. We will have struggles, but I’m not going to let the struggles have me.
IF YOU WERE SPEAKING TO A CAPTIVE AUDIENCE, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
I’ve learned over the years that it’s best to be sensitive and hear the Holy Spirit for the moment. If it were Christians I were talking to, I would tell them to be themselves empowered by the Holy Spirit. I have felt a greater peace which has led to greater success in ministry when I didn’t try to perform for others. I wasn’t sent here to please others, just to please the Lord.
WOULD YOU RATHER EAT BUTTERED POPCORN AT THE MOVIE THEATER OR TRAIL MIX ON A BIKE RIDE?
Popcorn at the movies with my son and grandson.