The Jeremy Hoover Interview

Jeremy is minister of the Otisville Church of Christ in Otisville, Michigan. He has been working with the congregation since December 2011. Jeremy grew up in Windsor, Ontario where he attended and grew in his faith at the the Westside Church of Christ.He later graduated from Rochester College and the Harding Graduate School of Theology. In addition to preaching, Jeremy is also a very active blogger. You can check out his blog here.

To start things off, did you want to be a minister even when you were a boy?

I was in high school when I felt that being a minister was the path I should take. It was a “call” as much as an unfolding. I considered a few different career paths but always circled back to ministry.

What was church like for you growing up?

It was enjoyable. I was part of a small, but strong, youth group. We spent a lot of time together outside of church activities, and at church we would sit together. I enjoyed the people. The leaders were personable. It was a positive experience for me.

How have you seen the Church of Christ change over the years? Has it been for good, bad or somewhere in between?

The Church of Christ is in flux. There is a strong, traditional-conservative side that I believe has hardened over the years. The emphasis is on tradition more than a conservative view of scripture. This side is more hardline and not accommodating of others. On the other end, although in much smaller numbers, is a liberal side that is closer to community or Bible churches than mainstream Churches of Christ. In the center are conservative-traditional churches, where the emphasis is more on being conservative with Scripture while upholding useful traditions. I believe this group holds the most promise for the future because they are able to see through empty traditions in order to uphold the truth of Scripture for today’s church and world.

You have been at the Otisville Church of Christ since 2011, have you seen your current congregation change since you’ve been there?

I believe a stronger sense of community is being fostered, as well as a deepening desire to reach out to and serve the communities around us.

Can you describe a typical week of ministry for you in Otisville? Do you believe this is the way a typical week for you should look or are you trying to change it in some way?

A typical week consists of four lesson preps, along with a couple half days of visitation or counseling. I think this can be a typical week, depending on the pastoral needs of the church. I think an ideal week for a minister would be an equal balance between lesson prep, pastoral care, and evangelistic outreach.

Do you find evangelism difficult in a small town setting? It seems as if anyone you may meet who doesn’t currently attend a church is probably already connected to a faith tradition, even if that simply means a parent or grandparent used to go to so and so church.

I don’t think it is more difficult in a small town setting. I think the key is simply to reach people. If we can meet people in their time of need and serve them, we have made a connection. It is important to realize in a small town setting that we are servants of Christ. We serve to point people to him. Sometimes they will attend our church; others times we will strengthen them in their association with another church.

You have probably seen ministers who have burned out and left ministry, how often have you seen it and how do you prevent that from happening in your own life?

Burnout is a worry of mine. I am a “type A” in my work and I don’t like to take time off. I try to take all my vacation and allotted time off. I work hard to stay rooted in spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible reading, and meditation on scripture to keep me grounded. In terms of witnessing this among other ministers, I think churches must bear some responsibility to care for their ministers. Ministers spend all their time being “on call” for the church, but rarely is anyone on call for them or checking up on them. This is a gap that needs to be closed.

What does a minister like yourself do to stay spiritually strong?

In addition to the spiritual disciplines I mentioned (prayer, Bible reading, meditation on Scripture), I am in two accountability groups that provide a lot of help and encouragement. These groups are a reminder that we need each other, that we can confess sin in safe ways, and receive prayer and encouragement.

What good books can you recommend to our readers (both ministers and church members) about growing spiritually stronger or about the spiritual disciplines?

“Space for God” by Don Postema was extremely influential for me when I encountered it several years ago. Another favorite, written by a Church of Christ professor, is “Soul Work” by Randy Harris. “Soul Work” is about prayer and it will stretch you as far as you want to go. Other than these, I recommend reading the psalms through on a monthly cycle. This practice, far from being mundane, will change your life.

If you could only read one book in the Bible for the sole purpose of spiritual strength, which book would it be?

Psalms. As I mentioned, I read the psalms every month in a 30 day cycle. This has been one of the most spiritually enriching practices I have participated in.

I understand that each church has its own personality. Can you describe any differences or unique features in the churches where you have ministered?

One church where I served was well-integrated racially. I think that is a sign of the gospel and one that is missing in many churches.

Can you describe some of the active ministries in your current congregation and what effect they have on your members or your community?

Our visitation ministry is growing and becoming more fruitful. This is causing the leaders of that ministry to grow in their leadership capacity, to learn how to delegate. Several others are becoming more involved. I believe it is leading to a resurgence in community within the church.

Do you think there are any unique skills needed to pastor a small town or rural church?

I follow Mark Dever’s dictum that ministry is about “prayer, preaching and people.” In a small, rural church, I believe that the order is probably “prayer, people and preaching.” We need God’s strength to help us as we reach and touch people.

You attended Rochester College. The school has so many good professors, did you have any favorites?

All three of my main professors were excellent: Mel Storm, David Fleer, and Steve Eckstein.

What is your favorite part of being a minister?

I love preaching. I love standing before the church and communicating God’s Word to them in preaching and teaching.

If you could no longer work in ministry, what would you choose to do?

I don’t know! Maybe some kind of independent Bible teaching, motivational speaking or coaching.

Finally, a quick round of favorites/preferences

Favorite sports teams?
Toronto Maple Leafs (hockey) and Toronto Blue Jays (baseball).

Cats or dogs?
Dogs.

Fast food places where you’re most likely to be seen?
Tim Hortons. Is there another fast food restaurant?

Pizza topping you love? Pizza topping you detest?
Bacon / Pineapple.

Dream car?
Mustang.

Real Christmas tree or artificial tree?
Real.

Favorite authors?
Randy Harris; Stephen King; Michael Connelly.

Favorite TV shows?
I’m really enjoying Gracepoint currently. Some old favorites are The X-Files; Battlestar Galactica; and LOST.

Thanks Jeremy for your time.

I hope everyone has enjoyed the Jeremy Hoover interview.