HO - PEOPLE-FILES
- Chris Hodges - Mat Hodges - Margaret Hodgkins - Raschaad Hoggard - David Hoffman - Ron Hoffman - Ellie Holcomb - Billy Holland - David Hollinger - Christian Hooft - Brad Hopkins - Devon & Dawn Horning - Dennis Horton - Tony Hoss - Phil Hotsenpiller - Cynthia Hotton - Jason Howard - Josh Howerton - Richard Howell -
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==chris hodges======
Judge to hear legal case between Celebration Church and former pastors
ARC was co-founded by Chris Hodges, who is also the founder and senior pastor of Church of the Highlands, one of the largest churches in the United States with more than 60,000 members and 23 campuses, according to the filing. Hodges is named as a defendant in the Weemses’ federal complaint. Dino Rizzo, executive director of ARC and associate pastor at Church of the Highlands, is also named as a defendant. Rizzo was an overseer at Celebration Church until September 2021. The third pastor named as a defendant is John Siebeling, who leads The Life Church in Memphis, Tennessee. He is a founding board member of ARC who also served as an overseer at Celebration Church until September 2021. (News4Jax 8/2/23) READ MORE>>>>>
ARC was co-founded by Chris Hodges, who is also the founder and senior pastor of Church of the Highlands, one of the largest churches in the United States with more than 60,000 members and 23 campuses, according to the filing. Hodges is named as a defendant in the Weemses’ federal complaint. Dino Rizzo, executive director of ARC and associate pastor at Church of the Highlands, is also named as a defendant. Rizzo was an overseer at Celebration Church until September 2021. The third pastor named as a defendant is John Siebeling, who leads The Life Church in Memphis, Tennessee. He is a founding board member of ARC who also served as an overseer at Celebration Church until September 2021. (News4Jax 8/2/23) READ MORE>>>>>
July 27, 2023: Christian Post: Church of the Highlands founder Chris Hodges denies ‘engineering’ takeover of Celebration Church
Founder and leader of Church of the Highlands in Alabama, Chris Hodges, has dismissed claims in a lawsuit by Celebration Church founders Stovall and Kerri Weems that he, along with several other high-profile members of the Association of Related Churches, engineered a takeover of the megachurch for financial gain and damaged the couple's reputation.
Founder and leader of Church of the Highlands in Alabama, Chris Hodges, has dismissed claims in a lawsuit by Celebration Church founders Stovall and Kerri Weems that he, along with several other high-profile members of the Association of Related Churches, engineered a takeover of the megachurch for financial gain and damaged the couple's reputation.
==matt hodges======
April 3, 2023: CBN: 'Praise the Lord, We're Alive!' Victims of 52 Tornadoes Survey the Damage; 32 Dead
Pastor Matt Hodges of First Assembly of God in Wynne, Arkansas said, "We're thankful for organizations like (Operation Blessing) that has come in and been partnering with the local church."
Pastor Matt Hodges of First Assembly of God in Wynne, Arkansas said, "We're thankful for organizations like (Operation Blessing) that has come in and been partnering with the local church."
==margaret hodgkins======
Feb 15, 2023: Religion News Service: A 300-year-old church hopes to connect with spiritual but not religious neighbors
The church recently launched the Trinity Spiritual Center, which offers lectures, classes on meditation and contemplation, and a sense of community during a trying time, said the Rev. Margaret Hodgkins, the rector of Trinity Church.
“The Christian mandate is to love and serve and I feel like we’re helping people, through this contemplative focus, to be calm and courageous in turbulent times,” she said. “That comes out of time that’s spent in prayer and meditation. So, if we’re helping people to have more contemplative life — that helps everyone.”
The church recently launched the Trinity Spiritual Center, which offers lectures, classes on meditation and contemplation, and a sense of community during a trying time, said the Rev. Margaret Hodgkins, the rector of Trinity Church.
“The Christian mandate is to love and serve and I feel like we’re helping people, through this contemplative focus, to be calm and courageous in turbulent times,” she said. “That comes out of time that’s spent in prayer and meditation. So, if we’re helping people to have more contemplative life — that helps everyone.”
==raschaad hoggard==========
Mar 29, 2023: Sojourners: THE HARLEM SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER WHO LED TRUMP’S INDICTMENT
Manhattan’s District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, is best known these days for leading the probe of whether former president Donald Trump and his company broke state laws in 2016 to buy Stormy Daniels’ silence about an alleged affair.
But at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, one of the most significant institutions serving Black New Yorkers, Bragg is known as a devoted man of faith and longtime member. His pastor Rev. Raschaad Hoggard recently preached: “You don’t have to like Trump, but you have to love him!” Bragg said with a chuckle during a February interview in his downtown office. His deputy director of communications shook her head, saying, “Nope!”
Manhattan’s District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, is best known these days for leading the probe of whether former president Donald Trump and his company broke state laws in 2016 to buy Stormy Daniels’ silence about an alleged affair.
But at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, one of the most significant institutions serving Black New Yorkers, Bragg is known as a devoted man of faith and longtime member. His pastor Rev. Raschaad Hoggard recently preached: “You don’t have to like Trump, but you have to love him!” Bragg said with a chuckle during a February interview in his downtown office. His deputy director of communications shook her head, saying, “Nope!”
Oct 30, 2023: Spectrum News: Congregation celebrates the life of Rev. Calvin Butts
“While we are in deep mourning. We believe what Dr. Butts has taught for the last 50 years, that we have to have the courage to keep the faith. He didn’t tell us to keep the faith just when the clouds and sun was out, but when it was raining and darkness and uncertainty. He commissioned us to keep the faith to press on to look to God for strength, for direction, for comfort, for clarity, for peace,” Rev. Raschaad Hoggard said.
“While we are in deep mourning. We believe what Dr. Butts has taught for the last 50 years, that we have to have the courage to keep the faith. He didn’t tell us to keep the faith just when the clouds and sun was out, but when it was raining and darkness and uncertainty. He commissioned us to keep the faith to press on to look to God for strength, for direction, for comfort, for clarity, for peace,” Rev. Raschaad Hoggard said.
david hoffman
Jan 28, 2023: Christian Post: Did Andy Stanley do a 'great disservice' with comments on LGBT churchgoers?
While drawing praise from some LGBT-affirming Christians, others such as David Hoffman, founder and director of the evangelism training ministry His Kingdom Enterprises in Tucson, Arizona, have accused Stanley of pandering to LGBT individuals over "straight people."
While drawing praise from some LGBT-affirming Christians, others such as David Hoffman, founder and director of the evangelism training ministry His Kingdom Enterprises in Tucson, Arizona, have accused Stanley of pandering to LGBT individuals over "straight people."
==ron hoffman==========
Jan 3, 2023: Christian Post: Alaska megachurch changes its name, drops 'Temple' to avoid being 'associated with false religions'
A Baptist church in Alaska older than the state itself is changing its name.
Anchorage Baptist Temple, a well-known and politically influential church for decades, will now be known as Mountain City Church.
Pastor Ron Hoffman announced the change Sunday, saying the name would better reflect the identity of the roughly 2,500-member congregation.
A Baptist church in Alaska older than the state itself is changing its name.
Anchorage Baptist Temple, a well-known and politically influential church for decades, will now be known as Mountain City Church.
Pastor Ron Hoffman announced the change Sunday, saying the name would better reflect the identity of the roughly 2,500-member congregation.
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June 17, 2020: Alaska News Source: Some faith groups concerned about impact of SCOTUS LGBTQ Ruling
An Anchorage church says the Supreme Court ruling that protects the rights of gay and transgender workers could affect how some religious groups are viewed. Pastor Ron Hoffman with the Anchorage Baptist Temple says he’s worried about what the ruling will mean for organizations with religious convictions about the meaning of sex and sexuality. |
The SCOTUS ruling now allows "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to be included in the definition of “sex” in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Hoffman says many people in his congregation of more than 1,500 Alaskans feel that they’re being discriminated against because of their traditional views. "It makes it difficult for the church as a whole, it ends up demonizing the church, long term effect is that truthfully, the church will be demonized as a hater, unkind or un-nice, it will impact every aspect of the world view on what church is,” Hoffman said. --6.17.20; Alaska News Source |
===ellie holcomb============
Christian Devotional Books: 10 Faith-Based Daily Companions
Fighting Words Devotional by Ellie Holcomb: Beloved Christian singer/songwriter Ellie Holcomb's 100-day devotional speaks to those of us experiencing a stretch of our journey that feels hopeless, overwhelmingly busy and downright tiring. With encouraging scriptures and her own personal stories, Ellie's relatability and honesty helps readers open up about their struggles, have the courage to fight lies with truth and feel the power of God's promises in the darkest seasons of life. Experience how God's Word works as a balm for our tattered spirits and trade sorrows for joy! What readers are saying: "Ellie Holcomb's love of God shines through, and her winsome personality does as well. Much darkness fills our headlines these days; this book is a well-written blessing that helps me lean into Jesus, the Light of the world." (MSN 7/2/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Fighting Words Devotional by Ellie Holcomb: Beloved Christian singer/songwriter Ellie Holcomb's 100-day devotional speaks to those of us experiencing a stretch of our journey that feels hopeless, overwhelmingly busy and downright tiring. With encouraging scriptures and her own personal stories, Ellie's relatability and honesty helps readers open up about their struggles, have the courage to fight lies with truth and feel the power of God's promises in the darkest seasons of life. Experience how God's Word works as a balm for our tattered spirits and trade sorrows for joy! What readers are saying: "Ellie Holcomb's love of God shines through, and her winsome personality does as well. Much darkness fills our headlines these days; this book is a well-written blessing that helps me lean into Jesus, the Light of the world." (MSN 7/2/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==billy holland======
Dr. William F. "Billy" Holland Jr. is an ordained minister, community chaplain and author of the "Living on Purpose" faith column. He lives in central Kentucky with his wife, Cheryl.
Billy Holland
It’s true that Satan was tempting and lying to Eve just like he does with everyone today, but we must include that she and her husband also had the choice to resist and reject the deceptions of the enemy of our soul the same as we can now. Verses 6 and 7,“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” Let us note the very important statement, “Then their eyes were opened.” For the first time, sin awakened the conscience within the human mind and established a guilt that could not be satisfied by human morality and also established a personal accountability to seek spiritual truth. Humans became incarcerated in their sinful condition and can only be released by the infinite, divine, and absolute truth which is God Himself. An interesting consideration is found in John Chapter 8 and verse 32, where Jesus said that truth in itself will not necessarily bring personal spiritual deliverance but “knowing” truth (comprehend, perceive, awaken, realize, discern, understand, apprehend) is the act of faith which activates the power of God to spiritually set someone free. “And you shall ‘know’ the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
-Billy Holland; Bill Holland Ministries
-Billy Holland; Bill Holland Ministries
Billy Holland
Observing the trend of the churches today as they strive to be “seeker friendly,” we see that the chief means by which the church seeks to accomplish this end is to embrace the world. Does the world love rock music? The church will give them rock music. Does the world love sports? The church will create Christian sports leagues and build ball fields and a sports complex. Does the world love entertainment? The church will install big screens, professional lighting and sound systems, and put on a show. Does the world love its celebrities? The church will build a personality of cult around its gifted speakers, singers, and entertainers.
Of course, those Christians who embrace all the things of the world, declare they are doing so in a quest to be “relevant.” After all, they reason, how will they reach a lost world if they do not appeal to the desires of the world? The problem with this way of thinking is that having drawn worldly people into the church, the seekers find no significant difference inside the church. The church merely presents them with a “cleaned up” version of what they had outside. The church has all the same values of comfort, ease, pleasure, and entertainment; they are presenting a religion that satisfies the soul of man, instead of leading people to the radical change of focus that they need. Mankind apart from Christ is by nature a consumer. He lives to satisfy his natural appetites. This became the state of all men when Adam transgressed in the Garden of Eden. Adam failed to subdue and rule over the beasts (and by extension the beast nature). Adam submitted to the rule of the serpent. Consequently, the curse on the serpent became mankind’s curse. --Billy Holland
Of course, those Christians who embrace all the things of the world, declare they are doing so in a quest to be “relevant.” After all, they reason, how will they reach a lost world if they do not appeal to the desires of the world? The problem with this way of thinking is that having drawn worldly people into the church, the seekers find no significant difference inside the church. The church merely presents them with a “cleaned up” version of what they had outside. The church has all the same values of comfort, ease, pleasure, and entertainment; they are presenting a religion that satisfies the soul of man, instead of leading people to the radical change of focus that they need. Mankind apart from Christ is by nature a consumer. He lives to satisfy his natural appetites. This became the state of all men when Adam transgressed in the Garden of Eden. Adam failed to subdue and rule over the beasts (and by extension the beast nature). Adam submitted to the rule of the serpent. Consequently, the curse on the serpent became mankind’s curse. --Billy Holland
==david hollinger======
How Technology Transformed the Global ChurchBilly Graham’s life, shaped by encounters with the global church, offers an important precedent. One example is Graham’s friendship with John Stott, whom he met during his travels in Britain. In his autobiography Just as I Am, Graham wrote that Stott became “one of my best friends.” Stott, an evangelical and a Cambridge-educated Anglican, was influential in Graham’s journey toward a more ecumenical evangelicalism, one less marked by the fundamentalism Graham encountered as a student at Bob Jones College. During the 1954 All-Scotland Crusade, Graham publicly announced he no longer considered himself a fundamentalist—a transformation that would have significant implications for American evangelicalism during the second half of the century. To reframe David Hollinger’s Protestants Abroad, we might say that Billy Graham set out to change the world and changed American evangelicalism instead. (Christianity Today 11/13/25) READMORE>>>>
==l jonathan holston=====
UMC removes rule that homosexuality is ‘incompatible with Christian teaching
South Carolina Conference Bishop L. Jonathan Holston said that the vote will have a mixed reaction from the denomination, which has already experienced schism over the LGBT debate. "I know that some of you are celebrating, some are mourning and some are uncertain about what your future holds — for the denomination, for your local church and perhaps even for yourselves as followers of Jesus Christ," said Holston, as quoted by UM News. (Christian Post 5/3/24) READ MORE>>>>>
South Carolina Conference Bishop L. Jonathan Holston said that the vote will have a mixed reaction from the denomination, which has already experienced schism over the LGBT debate. "I know that some of you are celebrating, some are mourning and some are uncertain about what your future holds — for the denomination, for your local church and perhaps even for yourselves as followers of Jesus Christ," said Holston, as quoted by UM News. (Christian Post 5/3/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==christian hooft======
Christian Hooft is president of the Christian Alliance of Evangelical Churches of the Argentine Republic (ACIERA)
May 2, 2023; Sight Magazine: Argentine election: As politicians look to woo evangelicals, experts say their votes may have little impact on results
That is why people like Pastor Christian Hooft, who heads the Christian Alliance of Evangelical Churches of the Republic of Argentina (known as ACIERA), considers that there is no such thing as an “evangelical vote” in the country.
“There is no uniformity among Christians," he says. "And there is no intention that such uniformity comes into being,”
That is why people like Pastor Christian Hooft, who heads the Christian Alliance of Evangelical Churches of the Republic of Argentina (known as ACIERA), considers that there is no such thing as an “evangelical vote” in the country.
“There is no uniformity among Christians," he says. "And there is no intention that such uniformity comes into being,”
Wyoming Rescue Mission executive director requests state funding for homeless shelter in Fremont County
The executive director of the Wyoming Rescue Mission in Casper issued a challenge to state legislators last week, asking them to help fund a shelter for the unhoused in Fremont County. “(There are) some pretty drastic needs there,” Brad Hopkins told the Joint Judiciary Committee during a meeting last week in Douglas. “We’re still trying to learn what’s going on.” Numbers upThe number of Fremont County residents utilizing the Rescue Mission in Casper has more than doubled this year, Hopkins said, increasing from about 13 per month to “in excess of 30-plus the last four months,” including “a lot of single moms and kids connected to the (Wind River) Reservation.” (County 10; 11/7/23) READ MORE>>>>>
The executive director of the Wyoming Rescue Mission in Casper issued a challenge to state legislators last week, asking them to help fund a shelter for the unhoused in Fremont County. “(There are) some pretty drastic needs there,” Brad Hopkins told the Joint Judiciary Committee during a meeting last week in Douglas. “We’re still trying to learn what’s going on.” Numbers upThe number of Fremont County residents utilizing the Rescue Mission in Casper has more than doubled this year, Hopkins said, increasing from about 13 per month to “in excess of 30-plus the last four months,” including “a lot of single moms and kids connected to the (Wind River) Reservation.” (County 10; 11/7/23) READ MORE>>>>>
Brad Hopkins receives award for work with Wyoming Rescue Mission
CASPER, Wyo. — The impacts of restoring hope and transforming lives are two of the main goals the Wyoming Rescue Mission works toward every month. For 10 years, those goals have been embodied by Brad Hopkins, who will be recognized for his service with the Tony Cate Award on May 25. The Tony Cate Award was created in 2016 by the Wyoming Community Foundation’s Casper Area Local Board to honor nonprofit leaders. Those selected for the award approach their work with care, integrity and a goal to build a better community. (Tommy Culkin/Oil City News 5/11/23) READ MORE>>>>>
CASPER, Wyo. — The impacts of restoring hope and transforming lives are two of the main goals the Wyoming Rescue Mission works toward every month. For 10 years, those goals have been embodied by Brad Hopkins, who will be recognized for his service with the Tony Cate Award on May 25. The Tony Cate Award was created in 2016 by the Wyoming Community Foundation’s Casper Area Local Board to honor nonprofit leaders. Those selected for the award approach their work with care, integrity and a goal to build a better community. (Tommy Culkin/Oil City News 5/11/23) READ MORE>>>>>
Nov 28, 2022: Christian Post: Wyoming’s largest homeless shelter secures right to hire only Christians, settles lawsuit"
As a Christ-centered organization, if you reject Him, then we just don't see that as a best fit when we're trying to communicate His loving message of care and kindness to the people that we serve," said WRM Executive Director Brad Hopkins, as reported by Wyoming News Now in September.
"We serve everybody regardless of belief or background, personal experience but through the years, our entire history, we hire folks on our staff who share a common faith in Jesus Christ and have the ability to communicate that faith as well."
As a Christ-centered organization, if you reject Him, then we just don't see that as a best fit when we're trying to communicate His loving message of care and kindness to the people that we serve," said WRM Executive Director Brad Hopkins, as reported by Wyoming News Now in September.
"We serve everybody regardless of belief or background, personal experience but through the years, our entire history, we hire folks on our staff who share a common faith in Jesus Christ and have the ability to communicate that faith as well."
==devon & Dawn Horning=====
Adventists Confront Christian Nationalism at Religious Liberty Summit
This is not an endorsement of the teachings of Seventh Day Adventism, but just a note on how they are dealing with Christian Nationalism. --ZR
On November 15, 2025, three Adventist scholars made the case that our theology still has something vital to say about religious liberty, but also that the current administration poses real dangers to the separation of church and state. The Religious Liberty Summit—hosted by the Church State Council—was a reminder that our roots and prophetic identity were always meant to prepare us for precisely this moment. The moderated panel featured Steve Allred, Alan Reinach, Laura Wibberding, Devon & Dawn Horning, and Randall Waring, chair of the Paradise Adventist Church board. Reinach and Allred discussed the dangers of promoting material produced within movements whose aims Adventists cannot ethically support. Allred warned that organizations like Turning Point USA have become influential conduits for dominionist theology and that many Christians are being drawn in by nationalistic rhetoric disguised as spiritual revival. “Religion is a fertile ground for exploitation. Churches are,” Allred said. “One of the things I see with Christian nationalism is that they’re using a lot of the words[…]things that Christianity is into, and yet when you look at the underlying substance, when you look at the actual values that we’re promoting, we’re being selective.” “Christian nationalism seeks power, not influence,” Allred said. “We should be influential—but never seek dominance.” Adventists are called not to rule culture, he emphasized, but to witness within it. Reinach: “If you’re going to reject a person because of their political beliefs, then you’re putting your politics ahead of your faith. You know, that’s where you think that[…]Jesus is a Republican or Jesus is a Democrat, and if you don’t believe the way I do, it’s Mark of the Beast, us versus them thinking. So it’s fine to disagree about politics, but do we ostracize and demonize the other because they believe differently?” (Source: Spectrum;“A Counterfeit Kingdom”: Adventists Confront Christian Nationalism at Religious Liberty Summit; 11/25/25
This is not an endorsement of the teachings of Seventh Day Adventism, but just a note on how they are dealing with Christian Nationalism. --ZR
On November 15, 2025, three Adventist scholars made the case that our theology still has something vital to say about religious liberty, but also that the current administration poses real dangers to the separation of church and state. The Religious Liberty Summit—hosted by the Church State Council—was a reminder that our roots and prophetic identity were always meant to prepare us for precisely this moment. The moderated panel featured Steve Allred, Alan Reinach, Laura Wibberding, Devon & Dawn Horning, and Randall Waring, chair of the Paradise Adventist Church board. Reinach and Allred discussed the dangers of promoting material produced within movements whose aims Adventists cannot ethically support. Allred warned that organizations like Turning Point USA have become influential conduits for dominionist theology and that many Christians are being drawn in by nationalistic rhetoric disguised as spiritual revival. “Religion is a fertile ground for exploitation. Churches are,” Allred said. “One of the things I see with Christian nationalism is that they’re using a lot of the words[…]things that Christianity is into, and yet when you look at the underlying substance, when you look at the actual values that we’re promoting, we’re being selective.” “Christian nationalism seeks power, not influence,” Allred said. “We should be influential—but never seek dominance.” Adventists are called not to rule culture, he emphasized, but to witness within it. Reinach: “If you’re going to reject a person because of their political beliefs, then you’re putting your politics ahead of your faith. You know, that’s where you think that[…]Jesus is a Republican or Jesus is a Democrat, and if you don’t believe the way I do, it’s Mark of the Beast, us versus them thinking. So it’s fine to disagree about politics, but do we ostracize and demonize the other because they believe differently?” (Source: Spectrum;“A Counterfeit Kingdom”: Adventists Confront Christian Nationalism at Religious Liberty Summit; 11/25/25
==dennis horton======
Dr. Dennis Horton is from Grand Prairie, Texas. He is a Baylor graduate (B.A., Religion and Greek), and holds graduate degrees from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Baylor University (Ph.D). He is married to Sara, from Conroe, Texas, and the Hortons have two sons (Josh and Joel). Dr. Horton is a former youth minister and pastor, having served churches in Texas, Indiana, Hong Kong, and Georgia. He has taught at Hong Kong Baptist University (1993-1995), Yonok College in Thailand (1995-1996), Brewton-Parker College in Georgia (1996-2001), Howard Payne University in Texas (2001-2005), and Baylor University (2005-Present).
New director appointed at Kyle Lake Center for Effective Preaching
Professor of religion and director of ministry guidance Dr. Dennis Horton is one of six co-principal investigators for the grant project. Horton said there has been a strong demand among students regarding preaching, and the communication ministry course, which includes preaching, always has a long waitlist. “Part of it is just the subject itself — that our ministry students know that they need to be able to deliver meaningful messages and in a way that will be communicated clearly and will reflect the message from the Bible,” Horton said.
. (Abigail Gan/Baylor Lariat 11/13/23)
Read More>>>>>
Professor of religion and director of ministry guidance Dr. Dennis Horton is one of six co-principal investigators for the grant project. Horton said there has been a strong demand among students regarding preaching, and the communication ministry course, which includes preaching, always has a long waitlist. “Part of it is just the subject itself — that our ministry students know that they need to be able to deliver meaningful messages and in a way that will be communicated clearly and will reflect the message from the Bible,” Horton said.
. (Abigail Gan/Baylor Lariat 11/13/23)
Read More>>>>>
==tony hoss======
Tony Hoss graduated from David Crockett High School in Jonesborough, Tennessee and attended the DeVry School of Technology in Atlanta, Ga. He received his 2 year diploma in (Biblical Studies) in 2005 and 3rd year diploma in (Apologetics) in 2006 from the Tri-City School of Preaching & Christian Development in Elizabethton, Tennessee. He currently preaches and works for the Centerview Church of Christ in Elizabethton, Tennessee where he has served as an elder since 2019. Previously Tony preached and served as an Elder for the Valley Church of Christ in Kingsport, Tennessee for seven years.
Tony Hoss
To His disciples Jesus said in John 8:31-32, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free”. Jesus declares that his disciples can know something very special; “the truth.” The key to knowing the truth is “continuing in His word”. According to Jesus, the knowledge of these truths is accompanied by a special blessing. It is what makes men “free.” Of course, the freedom in question is freedom from the burden of sin. But there is so much more that His Word allows us to know the truth about. Heaven is one of those blessings. Consider what the Lord’s Word reveals that we need to know about Heaven. First, Heaven is where we are to lay up treasures. Jesus said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matthew 6:19-20 KJV). For most people in the world, the only treasure they are concerned with are those of a physical nature. Jesus assures us that the spiritual blessings play a far greater significance in our lives than the physical ones. --Tony Hoss; Centerview Church of Christ 12/7/23
Tony Hoss
According to Mathew 28:19, this one Spirit is a member of the Godhead. The Holy Spirit was present when the world was created (Genesis 1:1-2). His presence is eternal; according to (Hebrews 9:14). The writer of Hebrews said, “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Throughout the Bible the Holy Spirit of God is referred to by many different names. He is known as the “Comforter” in (John 14:26), “the Spirit of truth” in (John 16:13), “the Spirit of grace” in (Hebrews 10:29), and “God” (Acts 5:3-4). He is referred to as the Spirit of Glory in (1 Peter 4:12), the Lord in (2 Corinthians 3:5), the Spirit of Glory in (1 Peter 4:14), and the Eternal Spirit in (Hebrews 9:14). The Holy Spirit is and always been involved in the lives of men. We learn in (Hebrews 3:7-11), that the Holy Spirit continues to speak today. His method of speaking today is through the “Word of God,” the Bible. This Word of God is referred to by Paul as “the sword of the Spirit.” The people of God are commanded to listen to the Spirit as He speaks through the Word (Bible). We recall that in the letters sent to the seven churches in Asia (Revelation 2-3), Christians are given this admonition: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” -Tony Hoss; Centerview Church of Christ
===phil hotsenpiller======
Trump’s Religious Right Propagandists Smear ‘No Kings’ Rallies'
Christian-right media outlets, which function as an unofficial public relations operation for President Donald Trump, set out this week to smear in advance the ‘No Kings’ protests being held across the country on Sat. June 14 to protest Trump’s authoritarianism and defiance of the law and Constitution. “As America prepares to honor the birthday of President Donald J. Trump on June 14,” began a screed that ran on the right-wing “America Faith” platform and was republished by the Pentecostal-oriented Charisma News—not even bothering to sustain the official fiction that Trump’s military parade is more about honoring the armed forces than a presidential exercise in self-glorification. The diatribe was written by right-wing southern California pastor Phil Hotsenpiller, who founded American Faith after Trump was defeated in the 2020 election.
(People For the American Way 6/14/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Christian-right media outlets, which function as an unofficial public relations operation for President Donald Trump, set out this week to smear in advance the ‘No Kings’ protests being held across the country on Sat. June 14 to protest Trump’s authoritarianism and defiance of the law and Constitution. “As America prepares to honor the birthday of President Donald J. Trump on June 14,” began a screed that ran on the right-wing “America Faith” platform and was republished by the Pentecostal-oriented Charisma News—not even bothering to sustain the official fiction that Trump’s military parade is more about honoring the armed forces than a presidential exercise in self-glorification. The diatribe was written by right-wing southern California pastor Phil Hotsenpiller, who founded American Faith after Trump was defeated in the 2020 election.
(People For the American Way 6/14/25) READ MORE>>>>>
==cynthia hotton======
Cynthia Hotton (born 17 January 1969) is an Argentine politician, former National Deputy and candidate for Vice President. Hotton began her political career with Ricardo López Murphy's party, Recreate for Growth, which merged with Republican Proposal. In March 2009, she launched the Valores para mi país party, formally breaking from the Republican Proposal in August of that same year. Hotton promoted the conservative party as being the emphatic opposition to the legalization of abortion. In May 2010, she was one of the primary opponents to same-sex marriage in Argentina in the Chamber of Deputies, leading demonstrations against the passing of same-sex marriage in July.
May 2, 2023; Sight Magazine: Argentine election: As politicians look to woo evangelicals, experts say their votes may have little impact on results
That is the case of Cynthia Hotton’s 'Más Valores' ('More Values'). A Christian leader of Australian descent, Hotton came to public attention in Argentina as a conservative politician who opposes same-sex marriage and abortion. Her party received only 2.9 per cent of the ballots in 2021 and did not secure a seat in Congress.
'Una Nueva Oportunidad' ('A New Opportunity') is another political party directly associated with evangelicals. It is part of 'Juntos por el Cambio' and is present in several Argentinian provinces.
That is the case of Cynthia Hotton’s 'Más Valores' ('More Values'). A Christian leader of Australian descent, Hotton came to public attention in Argentina as a conservative politician who opposes same-sex marriage and abortion. Her party received only 2.9 per cent of the ballots in 2021 and did not secure a seat in Congress.
'Una Nueva Oportunidad' ('A New Opportunity') is another political party directly associated with evangelicals. It is part of 'Juntos por el Cambio' and is present in several Argentinian provinces.
Demonstrations against abortion bill held in Argentina
In an email to ACI Prensa, former congresswoman Cynthia Hotton said that by this abortion bill "the national government intends to put [the issue] on the agenda to divide society and distract. The president is hiding the failure of the public health system, poverty and the economy behind this initiative." "People are fed up with the lies and the political manipulation of everything: from the pandemic and the land seizures, to the farewell given to Diego Maradona. The outcome is always the same: following the incompetency, the people are the ones who suffer the most. With abortion, the same thing happens. People are tired of the green neckerchief as the panacea to all the problems of women and of society."
(Alberto Fernandez/Catholic News Agency 11/30/20)
READ MORE>>>>>
In an email to ACI Prensa, former congresswoman Cynthia Hotton said that by this abortion bill "the national government intends to put [the issue] on the agenda to divide society and distract. The president is hiding the failure of the public health system, poverty and the economy behind this initiative." "People are fed up with the lies and the political manipulation of everything: from the pandemic and the land seizures, to the farewell given to Diego Maradona. The outcome is always the same: following the incompetency, the people are the ones who suffer the most. With abortion, the same thing happens. People are tired of the green neckerchief as the panacea to all the problems of women and of society."
(Alberto Fernandez/Catholic News Agency 11/30/20)
READ MORE>>>>>
==jason howard======
Vance appears at event hosted by hard-right Christian nationalist
On Saturday, Vance sat down with Pastor Jason Howard to talk about drug addiction and answer questions from pre-selected audience members. He described his faith journey and political beliefs as he courted the crowd in western Pennsylvania, promising the audience that the Trump administration would enact policies guaranteeing that if they “work hard and play by the rules, you can afford a good life in this country.” Polls show former president Donald Trump and Harris neck and neck in the crucial swing state.
(Washington Post 9/29/24) READ MORE>>>>>
On Saturday, Vance sat down with Pastor Jason Howard to talk about drug addiction and answer questions from pre-selected audience members. He described his faith journey and political beliefs as he courted the crowd in western Pennsylvania, promising the audience that the Trump administration would enact policies guaranteeing that if they “work hard and play by the rules, you can afford a good life in this country.” Polls show former president Donald Trump and Harris neck and neck in the crucial swing state.
(Washington Post 9/29/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==richard howell======
‘Most lonely breed on earth’: Indian evangelical leader issues urgent call for counseling care for pastors
Rev. Dr. Richard Howell, former General Secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of India and the Asia Evangelical Alliance, warned at the All India Congress on Church in Mission (AICOCIM) that pastors often struggle in deep isolation and urgently need safe spaces to share their burdens. Speaking spontaneously after a session focused on mental health, Howell said pastors are “the most lonely breed on the face of this earth,” noting that many have no one with whom they can be fully vulnerable. He stressed that without intentional care, pastors risk moral failure, strained marriages, and emotional collapse. “Who is shepherding the shepherd?” he asked delegates. “Hardly any.” (Christian Daily International 9/17/25) READMORE>>>>>
Rev. Dr. Richard Howell, former General Secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of India and the Asia Evangelical Alliance, warned at the All India Congress on Church in Mission (AICOCIM) that pastors often struggle in deep isolation and urgently need safe spaces to share their burdens. Speaking spontaneously after a session focused on mental health, Howell said pastors are “the most lonely breed on the face of this earth,” noting that many have no one with whom they can be fully vulnerable. He stressed that without intentional care, pastors risk moral failure, strained marriages, and emotional collapse. “Who is shepherding the shepherd?” he asked delegates. “Hardly any.” (Christian Daily International 9/17/25) READMORE>>>>>
==josh howerton======
Josh Howerton is the Senior Pastor of Lakepointe Church, a multisite (and multilingual) church with 6 campuses in Dallas, TX. Before Lakepointe, he graduated with a degree in Biblical Studies from Union University before heading to Southern Seminary and pastoring The Bridge Church in Nashville, TN for ten years.
Southern Baptist megachurch pastor returns to misogyny as a text
Apparently, Josh Howerton must be getting jealous of JD Vance taking all the limelight for sacralized misogyny because he’s back in the news again with a new sermon series called “Fight For Your Family.” Earlier this year, the pastor of Dallas megachurch Lakepointe made headlines when he told women to crown their abusive husbands as kings in order to get them to act respectably and told women to “stand where he tells you to stand, wear what he tells you to wear, and do what he tells you to do” on “his wedding night.” Then he doubled down by dismissing the feelings of women, centering his own authority, and using Jesus to defend sexually coercive joking from the pulpit. And then we discovered his subsequent apology was plagiarized, while he was out at the Stronger Men’s Conference watching Mark Driscoll get kicked off the stage and listening to men preach about ascending the mountain of the strong king as they rode tanks, shot fake machine guns and dressed like superheroes smashing each other with chairs. (Baptist News Global 8/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Apparently, Josh Howerton must be getting jealous of JD Vance taking all the limelight for sacralized misogyny because he’s back in the news again with a new sermon series called “Fight For Your Family.” Earlier this year, the pastor of Dallas megachurch Lakepointe made headlines when he told women to crown their abusive husbands as kings in order to get them to act respectably and told women to “stand where he tells you to stand, wear what he tells you to wear, and do what he tells you to do” on “his wedding night.” Then he doubled down by dismissing the feelings of women, centering his own authority, and using Jesus to defend sexually coercive joking from the pulpit. And then we discovered his subsequent apology was plagiarized, while he was out at the Stronger Men’s Conference watching Mark Driscoll get kicked off the stage and listening to men preach about ascending the mountain of the strong king as they rode tanks, shot fake machine guns and dressed like superheroes smashing each other with chairs. (Baptist News Global 8/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Texas pastor's controversial sermons have driven 'hundreds' away from church
Mary DeMuth, a literary agent and prolific author of Christian books, attended Lakepointe Church in suburban Dallas for more than 23 years before leaving in December after she alleged senior pastor Josh Howerton began routinely revealing misogynistic beliefs during Sunday sermons. Amanda Cunningham, a former actor and model who went to Lakepointe for 12 years, cut ties with the megachurch in March after she said it apparently eliminated women's ministries, even while Howerton invited men to watch sports at Lakepointe's non-alcoholic tailgating events. And after Howerton told a now-infamous "old preacher joke" to the congregation about what women should do for their new husbands on their wedding nights. Melissa Ware got out of Lakepointe just last month after learning Howerton allegedly plagiarized his apology to the congregation for the joke from a similar apology by a Florida pastor—and after church staff reportedly tried to manipulate a traffic study to get a traffic light installed near its entrance. (MSN 6/25/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Mary DeMuth, a literary agent and prolific author of Christian books, attended Lakepointe Church in suburban Dallas for more than 23 years before leaving in December after she alleged senior pastor Josh Howerton began routinely revealing misogynistic beliefs during Sunday sermons. Amanda Cunningham, a former actor and model who went to Lakepointe for 12 years, cut ties with the megachurch in March after she said it apparently eliminated women's ministries, even while Howerton invited men to watch sports at Lakepointe's non-alcoholic tailgating events. And after Howerton told a now-infamous "old preacher joke" to the congregation about what women should do for their new husbands on their wedding nights. Melissa Ware got out of Lakepointe just last month after learning Howerton allegedly plagiarized his apology to the congregation for the joke from a similar apology by a Florida pastor—and after church staff reportedly tried to manipulate a traffic study to get a traffic light installed near its entrance. (MSN 6/25/24) READ MORE>>>>>
What can we learn from children about being liberated from Kendomland?
April 2024 has been the month when the Kens of the Mojo Dojo Casa Churches came out in full force to flex their patriarchy power in preach-offs. It started with Josh Howerton telling women to crown dishonorable men as their kings and telling women to stand, wear and do whatever their husbands tell them on their wedding night. Then Howerton claimed it was a joke and gave a joke of a plagiarized apology that promoted male power. Amidst these controversies, Howerton attended the Stronger Men’s Conference, which features men smashing cars with tanks, shooting fake machine guns, smashing chairs over each other’s heads while dressed up in superhero costumes and confronting one another from the pulpit. (Baptist News Global 4/30/24) READ MORE>>>>>
April 2024 has been the month when the Kens of the Mojo Dojo Casa Churches came out in full force to flex their patriarchy power in preach-offs. It started with Josh Howerton telling women to crown dishonorable men as their kings and telling women to stand, wear and do whatever their husbands tell them on their wedding night. Then Howerton claimed it was a joke and gave a joke of a plagiarized apology that promoted male power. Amidst these controversies, Howerton attended the Stronger Men’s Conference, which features men smashing cars with tanks, shooting fake machine guns, smashing chairs over each other’s heads while dressed up in superhero costumes and confronting one another from the pulpit. (Baptist News Global 4/30/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Megachurch pastor apologizes for 'careless words' after backlash to wedding night joke
A megachurch pastor apologized for what he characterized as "careless words" when he joked that women should do whatever their husbands want on their wedding night, even though he insisted that his remarks were taken out of context. During service on Sunday, Josh Howerton, pastor of Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, Texas, addressed comments he made during a Feb. 26 sermon that generated backlash online. "A couple of weeks ago … the week after Marriage Night, I tossed out a joke," he said. (Christian Post 4/10/24) READ MORE>>>>>
A megachurch pastor apologized for what he characterized as "careless words" when he joked that women should do whatever their husbands want on their wedding night, even though he insisted that his remarks were taken out of context. During service on Sunday, Josh Howerton, pastor of Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, Texas, addressed comments he made during a Feb. 26 sermon that generated backlash online. "A couple of weeks ago … the week after Marriage Night, I tossed out a joke," he said. (Christian Post 4/10/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Southern Baptist megachurch pastor returns to misogyny as a text
Apparently, Josh Howerton must be getting jealous of JD Vance taking all the limelight for sacralized misogyny because he’s back in the news again with a new sermon series called “Fight For Your Family.” Earlier this year, the pastor of Dallas megachurch Lakepointe made headlines when he told women to crown their abusive husbands as kings in order to get them to act respectably and told women to “stand where he tells you to stand, wear what he tells you to wear, and do what he tells you to do” on “his wedding night.” Then he doubled down by dismissing the feelings of women, centering his own authority, and using Jesus to defend sexually coercive joking from the pulpit. And then we discovered his subsequent apology was plagiarized, while he was out at the Stronger Men’s Conference watching Mark Driscoll get kicked off the stage and listening to men preach about ascending the mountain of the strong king as they rode tanks, shot fake machine guns and dressed like superheroes smashing each other with chairs. (Baptist News Global 8/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Apparently, Josh Howerton must be getting jealous of JD Vance taking all the limelight for sacralized misogyny because he’s back in the news again with a new sermon series called “Fight For Your Family.” Earlier this year, the pastor of Dallas megachurch Lakepointe made headlines when he told women to crown their abusive husbands as kings in order to get them to act respectably and told women to “stand where he tells you to stand, wear what he tells you to wear, and do what he tells you to do” on “his wedding night.” Then he doubled down by dismissing the feelings of women, centering his own authority, and using Jesus to defend sexually coercive joking from the pulpit. And then we discovered his subsequent apology was plagiarized, while he was out at the Stronger Men’s Conference watching Mark Driscoll get kicked off the stage and listening to men preach about ascending the mountain of the strong king as they rode tanks, shot fake machine guns and dressed like superheroes smashing each other with chairs. (Baptist News Global 8/18/24) READ MORE>>>>>
