Meet the Staff: Carol Madison, Director of Prayer Ministry

NIKKI WALLACE   -  

Welcome to our “Meet the Staff” column, where we’ll get to know each of Hillside’s staff members a little better, “Q & A” style!

Name:

Carol Madison

What is your job title?

Director of Prayer Ministries

What are your job responsibilities?

As Director of Prayer Ministries, I envision and direct ways that Hillside people can be engaged in prayer on both personal and corporate levels. I lead our weekly House of Prayer and develop other prayer strategies such as our July month of prayer and fasting, Drive-Thru Prayer, after-service prayer, January week of prayer, and other prayer events. I’ve also personally mentored more than 50 Hillside women in prayer.

How long have you worked at Hillside?

Nine years.

Tell us a little bit about your background

I grew up in a small town in southern Minnesota (where my dad was the community banker and my mom once got a single write-in vote for mayor). I attended Bethel University (in the big “Cities” as we called it), graduating with a degree in journalism. I have edited three magazines, most currently Prayer Connect. I have my own editorial business and spend half of my time writing and editing. The other part of my time is directing the Hillside prayer ministries. I am a member of America’s National Prayer Committee — and intersect often with national prayer leaders.

What are some favorite parts about your job and/or working at Hillside in general?

I love the mentoring piece, through which God directed me to write about a book about mentoring the next generation. I also enjoy the corporate prayer component of praying in unity with other believers. And, of course, I love the ways we have witnessed God heal people over the years!

Name a favorite passage of Scripture or book of the Bible, and why you like it.

I often reread both Joshua and Acts. To me, Joshua is the promise of “inheriting the land,” and Acts is filled with awe-inspiring moments that God also intends for today. Both books inspire me in my prayer life, especially related to revival and spiritual awakening.

What are some of your hobbies?

Unfortunately, I recently purchased an iPad and am now obsessed with playing games on it late into the night. Otherwise, I enjoy walking most days when I don’t hit the snooze alarm too many times. I also love to meet people for coffee, lunch, or dinner. And I have recently gotten over the stigma of going to movies alone — and now love it! I was never a good popcorn-sharer, and now that problem is solved.

What are a few of your favorite things these days?

I enjoy listening to a variety of podcasts on my walks. Some are more of the prayer/prophetic realm because I’m curious about how people are listening to the Lord. I also check in with Eric Mataxas to see if he has any interesting guests. And once in awhile I get hooked into a multi-episode crime podcast. Most of my books are half-read because I like to move on to new things.

What city (or general area of the Twin Cities) do you live in?

Bloomington — right around the corner from Hillside.