A New Chapter:
Becoming Bayside El Dorado Hills!
After a season of prayer, careful discernment, and deep due diligence, we are stepping boldly into a new chapter as Bayside El Dorado Hills—and we couldn’t be more expectant about the future God is unfolding!
This decision didn’t come lightly. Over the past several months, our leadership, board, and congregation have journeyed together—seeking wisdom, asking tough questions, and exploring what it would mean to merge our legacy with Bayside’s mission. Throughout the process, our heart has remained the same: to reach more people for Christ, deepen our faith, and unleash compassion in our community and beyond.
We're thrilled to also announce that Michael Metcalf has been named our new Lead Pastor. Michael brings with him a passion for teaching God's Word, a deep love for people, and a bold vision for the future. We believe his leadership, paired with the strength of the Bayside family, positions us to thrive in this next season.
To hear the full story, including the heart behind this transition and the official announcement, we invite you to watch the special service video linked below. It’s a powerful moment you won’t want to miss. Lastly, we invite you to explore, pray with us, and lean into what’s ahead—because the best is truly yet to come!
A New Season Begins!
We’re thrilled to welcome Michael Metcalf as the new Lead Pastor of Bayside El Dorado Hills! Michael is a passionate communicator, a strong spiritual leader, and someone who loves people deeply. His heart for God and bold vision for the future make him the right leader for this next season of impact and growth. We believe God has brought us to this moment, and with Michael’s leadership, the best days of our church are still to come.
Nehemiah 2:18
“Let us rise up and build.”
In Nehemiah 2:18, the people responded to God’s call with bold faith, declaring, “Let us rise up and build.” It was more than a construction project—it was a movement of restoration, unity, and vision for the future. Today, we stand in a similar moment. As we step into a new season as Bayside El Dorado Hills and welcome Pastor Michael Metcalf as our new lead pastor, we sense God calling us to rise and build again—not just buildings, but lives, families, and a vibrant church that reaches our community with hope and truth. Just as in Nehemiah’s day, this is a time to rally, to rebuild, and to believe that the best is still ahead!
We know that many of you may have questions. Please click the button above for some more insight to your questions.
The Hills Staff and Leadership Board has compiled a list of some common questions that may arise. We are committed to your needs during this time of transition.
UPDATES
UPDATES
June 8th
Announcement of becoming Bayside El Dorado Hills & New Lead Pastor:
February 9th
Announcement of our intent to merge with Bayside:
After prayerful consideration and extensive discussions, we are excited to announce our intent to merge with Bayside Church. This partnership offers new opportunities for growth, community impact, and ministry strength. Watch the video clip from our leadership team to hear more about the vision behind this decision and how it aligns with God's plan for our church's future.
October 13
Update from the Board of Directors:
The board and leadership team have identified seven key outcomes that will help guide us in this search. These outcomes ensure that the person we bring in aligns with our church community's vision, mission, and values.
In addition to these guiding outcomes, the board has outlined three paths for finding our new lead pastor. These paths are being carefully evaluated and prayerfully considered to ensure we make the best decisions for our church's future. Each path represents a different approach to discovering the right leader, whether through a search within our broader church network, interim options, or exploring a partnership with a merging church.
November 3
Pastor Jonathan has announced that God is calling him into a new season of ministry and that his time at Hills Church has been fulfilled. Refer to the “Your Questions Answered” above for answers to common questions you may have. Our Executive Pastor, Matt Kowalski, will be appointed to shepherd and oversee the church and staff team during this season. In addition, our Board of Directors, in collaboration with trusted advisors, will help provide support to our congregation and team.
A Heartfelt Farewell to the Hansens
September 8th
Announcement of Transition
After months of prayer, due diligence, and seeking God’s direction, Hills Church is becoming Bayside El Dorado Hills and stepping into a bold new season of ministry. With great excitement, we’ve announced Michael Metcalf as our new Lead Pastor. This decision reflects our deep commitment to reaching more people for Christ, growing in faith, and unleashing compassion like never before. We invite you to watch the full announcement and hear the heart behind this vision by viewing the special service linked above.
On November 3rd, our congregation gathered to honor and celebrate the Hansen family. It was a beautiful day filled with gratitude, memories, and heartfelt farewells as we recognized the incredible impact they’ve had on our church community. From inspiring messages to their compassionate leadership, the Hansens have left a lasting legacy. We send them off with our love and prayers, grateful for the time we shared and excited to see where God leads them next.
2025 Guest Speaker Line-Up
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2025 Guest Speaker Line-Up *
June 22
Brian Hopkins
Campus Pastor
Bayside Church
June 29
Curt Harlow
Lead Pastor
Bayside Church
July 6
Colton Tucker
Student Ministry Director
Bayside Church
July 13
Cameron Wells
Campus Pastor
Bayside Adventure
July 20
TBD
July 27
Ethan Vanse
Lead Pastor
Church on the Move
August 3
Colton Tucker
Student Ministry Director
Bayside Church
August 10
Michael Metcalf
Lead Pastor
Bayside El Dorado Hills
August 17
Michael Metcalf
Lead Pastor
Bayside El Dorado Hills
August 24
Michael Metcalf
Lead Pastor
Bayside El Dorado Hills