Saved at a Billy Graham Crusade in Oakland, CA 1971, Jim started attending Full Gospel Temple (now called Hilltop Community Church) in 1972 with his family.  Pastor Harold F. Steward was the Pastor.   

Born: Feb. 26, 1960; Age:  49

Married: July 21, 1984 to Debbie Heden

Children:  Nathan Heden age 21, and Matthew Heden age 19 

Your Story

He grew up in the church involved in Royal Rangers as Senior Guide, Jr. Commander and was honored as Ranger of the year in 1974. 

Jim was involved in the youth ministries and heavily involved in football at Pinole Valley High as his team became North Coast Section 4A Champions. 

His senior year in high school brought a searching for God’s direction in his life. After serving as the church custodian for 6 months, Jim began attending Bethany Bible College in Santa Cruz, California.  

While at Bethany, he was involved in youth ministries, commuting to Richmond for 3 years. 

Upon graduation, Jim was offered a full time position of Jr. High Youth Pastor.  Six months later he was offered the joint youth ministries position of Jr. High and Sr. High.   

Jim served as the youth pastor of Hilltop Community Church for 15 years.  He also served on the Nor/Cal Assemblies of God Youth Advisory Board for 10 years directing summer camps and youth conventions etc.   

In 1995, Jim was asked by Pastor Steward to serve as the Senior Associate Pastor.  He served Pastor Steward for 3 years in that position until Pastor Steward’s death May 7 of 1998. During Pastor Steward’s illness, Jim served as the interim pastor and was elected Senior Pastor of Hilltop Community Church in September 1998.  

Pastor Jim has been in leadership at Hilltop Community Church for 26 years.  Having received numerous recognitions from the city of Richmond for community involvement, the Young Alumnus of the year from Bethany University, a Community Service award from the NAACP, during his tenure of leadership the church has experienced dramatic growth, and expansion of facilities. 

Pastor Jim currently serves as the President of the Ministerial Association of West Contra Costa County, which hosts several community events throughout the year.  He also serves on the World Missions Board of the Northern California Assemblies of God facilitating missionaries and missions around the world. 

Education: 

      Pinole Valley High School   1974 - 1978

      Bethany Bible College   1979 – 1983 

What's on your iPod?

Kieth Green, Paul Baloche, Tommy Walker, to name a few.

Favorite sports / teams?

Pastor Jim is a Niners fan and loves the sport of football.

Email Jim's secretary at:

hilltopjanet@comcast.net