Park Cities Presbyterian Church (PCA)

Former district attorney leaves performance track

...and now he can’t be a “comfortable” Christian in retirement

By Bill Peel

Published May 1, 2009 in Witness

“Don’t be that humble; you’re not that great,” a friend reminded Bill Hill before he spoke at the March WorkPlace Ministries leaders’ breakfast. The PCPC member and former Dallas County District Attorney explained how faith and work fit together in his life to a crowd of 60+ business men and women gathered on a rainy Wednesday morning. A lot of people would disagree with Bill’s friend about his greatness. Friends and critics alike recognize Bill as a significant civic leader. As Dallas County DA, he compiled an impressive record, became known for seeking justice for one and all regardless of their position in the community, and built a stellar national reputation for the DA’s office. But being great in the world’s eyes was not what drove him. Bill told the group that we have one vocation, and that is to glorify God in everything we do. Faith should impact every area of life whether we are in the courtroom, office, home, or at church.

That wasn’t always the case. Performance was his driving force, whether at church or on the athletic field, until he met Candy Johnson, the woman who would become his wife. From her he learned about grace and realized his approach to God and life was wearing him out. He just couldn’t be good enough. When he went to work for legendary Dallas DA Henry Wade, he veered back into the performance lane for a while until God humbled him again.

After 25 years as an assistant, Hill decided to run for the DA post and won in 1998. He led 250 lawyers in that office for eight years, where his desire to glorify God created a high level of quality and morale. How did he do that in such a performance-based atmosphere as criminal prosecution? When Bill took office, he wanted to make a difference in the lives of his staff and be an example to them. He said that he not only thought about how Jesus would lead, but also tried to consider: “How would I treat Christ if He worked for me?” No wonder the DA’s office under Bill was known for both its commitment to quality as well as for its high morale.

Reflecting on his semi-retirement, Bill told the group that he really wanted to be a “comfortable” Christian, but the Lord wouldn’t leave him alone. Bill and Candy don’t want to waste this time. The Bible’s charge to take care of the poor, widow, and orphan has led him to be involved with his son Trey at Mercy Street, a West Dallas mentoring program to which PCPC is also deeply committed.

Bill concluded, “Today, I want to lay down my life for Christ.” To do that Bill Hill is asking consistently how to invest his life from now on and let people see Jesus in his actions.