Jacob Wirka, who was recently leading a youth group of over 200 students in Ohio, is making his return to small-town Nebraska as the Next Generation Pastor at Hillcrest Evangelical Free Church.
“People have been really welcoming,” Wirka said. “People seem to really love Seward and take pride in the town.”
Originally from Wahoo, he stayed close to home for several years. He completed his bachelor’s degree at York University and began teaching history and Bible at Lincoln Christian Schools, before moving to work at Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio.
While at York, Wirka spent his summers counseling at Timberlake Ranch Camps.
“It was really that experience that showed me I love working with kids,” Wirka said.
He described working with kids as “a ton of fun,” that can be balanced out by opportunities to connect on a deeper level.
“Kids are really honest and ask some really good questions,” Wirka said. “They just want someone to be honest with them, to pour into them. I see that only increasing.”
As kids and teenagers navigate life changes, Wirka wants to be able to provide a safe place for connection.
“I think every kid is struggling—they’re trying to find themselves, they’re trying to find their identity,” Wirka said. “So I love being able to speak into kids’ lives in that time and also have a lot of fun.”
At Hillcrest, Wirka was hired to oversee youth and kid’s ministries as the Next Generation Pastor. Along with working with kids, Wirka preaches occasionally, teaches some adult classes, and connects with everyone he is able to.
Out of the four pastors on staff, three (including Wirka) are new in the last three years.
“I think we’re all just trying to figure out how we work together as the church continues to grow,” Wirka said. “I think we see a lot of energy and growth here.”
As he gets more comfortable in his new role, Wirka wants to connect with the community as much as he can—whether that’s working from the library and coffee shops, opening up his schedule to meet with students and families, or coaching football at Seward High School.
“I don’t want to be shut away in an office,” Wirka said. “We really see Hillcrest as here to serve the community.”
Next month, Wirka’s responsibilities will include running Multiply Youth Ministry meetings. This group of sixth-12th graders will meet Wednesdays at 6:30, starting Sept. 3. The group is open to all youth of various backgrounds, not just Hillcrest members.
To learn more, visit the Hillcrest website at hillcrestefc.org.
