Lead Pastor - Rev. Todd Richardson
Lead Pastor - Rev. Todd Richardson
Lead Pastor - Rev. Todd Richardson
Pastor Todd has served churches in Kentucky, Louisiana, and Indiana for two and a half decades. He is a two-time graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and also attended The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Todd joined Hillcrest in spring 2025. He loves the graciousness and hard work of Hillcrest's members as we seek to glorify God together. He is the primary Sunday preacher and Wednesday night teacher. He also gives pastoral oversight, directs the vision of the church, and provides pastoral care. Todd loves serving the Lord and His church. He enjoys music and reading and is an avid fan of all University of Kentucky athletics. He married Melissa in 1996 and is a proud father and 'Pop'.
One of Todd's favorite verses is John 10:11, where Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (ESV)
Associate Pastor - Rev. Sam Richardson
Lead Pastor - Rev. Todd Richardson
Lead Pastor - Rev. Todd Richardson
Pastor Sam has served in pastoral ministry for nearly a decade across several churches in Louisiana and Kentucky. He has a BA in Biblical Studies and Apologetics from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and an MA in Apologetics from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Sam joined Hillcrest in summer 2026 and loves the passion, dedication, and humility of Hillcrest’s members. Sam focuses on outreach, administration, and ministry to families as well as general pastoral leadership. Outside of church, he loves to cook, read, and spend time with his pets. Sam is married to his wonderful wife Kristin. They also have a bright and beautiful niece, Esme.
Sam loves 1 John 1:9-10, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (ESV)
Music Director - Roger Garrison
Musicians - Reeta Burns and Glenna Baker
Musicians - Reeta Burns and Glenna Baker
Roger was born in Lexington, but has lived in Nicholasville since he was years three old. He has a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and a Master's degree in Education from Georgetown College. He was employed by the Jessamine County Board of Education for 37 years and served 27 of those as the music teacher at Brookside Elementary School. He has served in music ministry at Silas Baptist Church, Mt Freedom Baptist Church, and of course, Hillcrest Batist Church.
Roger initially came to Hillcrest in 2013, filling in to lead music a few times. He loved the people so much he made Hillcrest his church home. Roger plans and leads the worship music and prepares the choir to lead in the worship service. He enjoys
time with his family, including his 19 nieces and nephews.
Roger keeps Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (ESV), written on a whiteboard at home so he can see it every day.
Musicians - Reeta Burns and Glenna Baker
Musicians - Reeta Burns and Glenna Baker
Musicians - Reeta Burns and Glenna Baker
Reta, our pianist, and Glenna, our organist, are dedicated to using their musical talents to accompany our worship and help us honor the Lord together with one voice. They have served in music ministry for many years and love the Lord, His Church, and His worship.
Our musicians help us in the mission of unified and sincere worship as depicted in places like Psalm 95:1-2, "Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!" (ESV)