Joey Hoover

“Okay, God, if you are really there and this is really your book, then you have to reveal that to me.”

That was probably the first prayer I ever prayed. He answered that prayer 18 years ago. First, He took hold of my mind and then my heart followed. My life went from one of trying to find joy in all that the world had to offer, to knowing what true and real joy was by having a personal relationship with my Creator.

About 6 months after being saved and attending Calvary Chapel in San Mateo, California, I found myself teaching a group of kindergarten kids during Sunday school and I learned right along with them. I was in awe of how easily they believed and loved Jesus. Luke 18:16-17, “Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’”

As I grew in my faith I became convinced that children hold a special place in God’s heart and therefore I have been involved with Children’s Ministries ever since.

I was a born and raised on the south side of Detroit in Michigan. As a freshmen in high school, I felt God’s call on my life to become a youth pastor. My youth pastor was like a second father to me, and the church was a home away from home when I was a lost and troubled youth. God’s redemptive work in my early life led me to live out my calling in full-time youth ministry. My wife, Selena, and I met in high school as we both were volunteering together at in middle school youth ministry. After high school I went on to get a degree in Youth Ministry and Biblical Studies from Spring Arbor University. After college I served in full-time youth ministry and worship ministry until my wife and I felt God’s leading to move. God led us to CCWC and we were extremely excited to be able to work specifically with middle school students. We both love teenagers so much and have dedicated our entire lives to raising up a future generation of sold-out Jesus followers.

Selena and I have two boys named Elliot and Jude. Outside of playing and spending time with Elliot, I enjoy reading, playing music, playing kendama, being outdoors, and drinking coffee.