North Coast Church is a multi-campus congregation that consistently ranks among the largest and most innovative churches in the United States. Christopher Hilken played a pivotal role as part of a three-person teaching team responsible for rotating weekend responsibilities, delivering live classes that were also streamed to our remote campuses.
During his time at North Coast, Chris took the lead in overseeing ministries aimed at junior and young adult members. Specifically, on the Vista campus of the church, Chris initiated ElevenTwelve, a program dedicated to high school students in the 11th and 12th grades. Initially launched with just two volunteers and a group of thirty attendees, Chris’s leadership saw the project grow significantly. By the time he passed on the leadership to his successor, ElevenTwelve had expanded to include over 60 dedicated volunteers, a team of seven staff members, and a thriving community of over 300 participants.
In addition to his role in developing these ministries, Christopher also played a substantial part in the overall growth of the church. His efforts contributed to the expansion of the young adult ministry into a multi-venue setting with a membership of 800 individuals
Chris Hilken is a pastor based in San Diego, California. In addition to his pastoral duties, he serves as a professor specializing in Systematic Theology at Summit Bible College. Through his teaching, Chris guides his students in exploring the structured approach to understanding religion.
Systematic Theology encompasses various disciplines, including constructive theology, dogmatics, ethics, apologetics, and philosophy of religion. While its central focus is on truth, Systematic Theology is also designed to engage with and address the challenges of the contemporary world.
Beyond his academic and pastoral roles, Chris Hilken is a sought-after public speaker and lecturer, with a global presence as a guest speaker and volunteer.
Additionally, Chris serves as the content director at Dad Tired, a community of fathers who prioritize their marriages, families, and faith to lead fulfilling lives. Founded by Jerrad Lopes, a fellow pastor, Dad Tired hosts weekly podcasts that reach hundreds of thousands of men worldwide. The podcast episodes provide faith-based parenting advice and cover topics such as “The Parent’s Guide to Apologetics” and “The Most Important Role You’ll Play.”
Since its inception, the Dad Tired movement has inspired more than 4 million young men. The organization offers training sessions ranging from one day to one month, along with an annual retreat. Chris Hilken, who is a widower with five young children, actively participates in these events as a speaker and to connect with fellow members.
To see more from Chris Hilken check out his Twitter and MuckRack!
Thriving as a Single Parent: Tips for Finding Balance and Joy
Being a single parent can be an enriching yet challenging journey. The responsibilities can feel overwhelming, but you can survive and thrive in this role with the right strategies. Finding balance and joy is possible, and here are some tips to help you on your path.
Self-Care Is Non-Negotiable:
One of the most important things you can do as a single parent is to prioritize self-care. It’s not selfish; it’s essential. When you care for yourself physically and emotionally, you’ll have more energy and patience to give to your children. Whether it’s setting aside time for a hobby, regular exercise, or simply unwinding with a good book, make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine.
Build a Support System:
Feel free to ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s family, friends, or support groups, having a web of people who can offer assistance or lend a listening ear can make a difference. Building a support system helps prevent burnout and allows you to communicate the challenges and triumphs of single parenting.
Set Realistic Expectations:
Understand that you don’t have to be perfect. Set realistic expectations for yourself and your children. It’s okay to ask for help with household chores, and it’s okay if things don’t always go as planned. Flexibility and adaptability are vital traits for single parents.
Effective Time Management:
Time management becomes crucial when juggling work, household responsibilities, and parenting. Create schedules and routines that work for your family. Prioritize tasks and delegate when possible. You’ll find more opportunities to spend quality moments with your children by efficiently managing your time.
Celebrate Small Wins:
Focusing on the challenges is easy, but remember to celebrate the small wins. Whether it’s your child’s accomplishments at school, a successful day at work, or simply a peaceful evening at home, take time to acknowledge and appreciate the positive moments in your life.
Financial Planning:
Single parenting often comes with financial challenges. Create a budget and stick to it. Look for opportunities to save and invest in your and your children’s future. Seek financial advice if needed, as financial stability can significantly reduce stress.
Open Communication:
Maintain open and honest communication with your children. Urge them to express their feelings and concerns. Being a good listener can strengthen your bond and help your children navigate their unique challenges as single-parent children.
Embrace Support Services:
Many communities offer support services for single parents, such as counseling, child care assistance, and educational programs. Explore these resources to alleviate some burdens and enhance your parenting skills.
Remember, single parenting is a journey filled with both challenges and opportunities. By implementing these tips and staying resilient, you can find the balance and joy you deserve while providing your children with a loving and nurturing environment. Thriving as a single parent is not only possible but can also be enriching.
