Ross Hoover: Creative Arts and Worship Director |
Ross'Where did you grow up? I grew up right here in the thriving metropolis known as Altoona. (I believe Altoona is a Native American word, but according to Pastor John, it was named after a guy named Al who owned a rather large fish market along Plank Road.) How did you become a Christian? Well, like Timothy, I am thankful for a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother (affectionately nick-named "Hartie") who raised me in the Christian 'Way', (whether I wanted it or not) and the family of believers at First Church who never gave up on me. (Needless to say they had the patience of the saints.) I can't say I ever had a 'Road to Damascus' experience, but I look down the road that I have travelled and I see God's hand in my life all along the way. I also feel that I am still becoming the follower of Christ that God wants and expects me to be. Tell us about your family I have a gorgeous, wonderful, intelligent wife, Beth, (they say opposites attract) and I am the father of 4 boys. The oldest, Steven, is attending Johnson Bible College in the Youth Ministry/Preaching program. Brendan is 10, Ethan is 7 and Micah John is 4. My parents, Wayne and Kay Hoover, attend First Church. My Grandmother, Kathleen Hamer, lives in Valley View Home and just celebrated her 93rd Birthday! How did you get into the ministry? I have always been a musician. As far back as I can remember. From the children's choir when the church was located at 6th Avenue and 9th Street, and playing in the elementary school band, until today leading worship at First Church, music has always been my passion. |
In high school, a group of us teens from First Church formed a singing group call
the "Sounds of Praise". We travelled all over the eastern United States, from
New York City to Louisville, KY performing for small churches to national conventions.
This group was together for two years. After that I spent quite a few years in both the secular and Christian music scene. I was more or less a 'gun for hire'. Although my heart was in my roots as a Christian artist, at the time I needed an income. I tried to balance earning a buck with singing for Jesus and it was good for a while. I toured with both my band, the "Classic Cats", and with Julie Nevel's supporting band , "The Journeymen". I was also playing a supporting role in the First Church praise band. That all changed in the fall of 2004. The position of worship leader at First Church opened up and I applied. This is where I really wanted to use my talents (music that actually meant something) and after a six month interim appointment, I got the job! What's your greatest desire for your ministry here at First Church? Just this: Not for my story, but for His glory. I want to die to myself and not seek fame and recognition. I want to decrease so He may increase and those who truly worship Him will find communion with Him. I want to help people find the throne room of God, to enter the Holy of most Holies, to have a face to face encounter with God. My whole ministry is about Christ and Him crucified, and about the wonder of His resurrection and the glory of His coming again. Anything else you would like to say? Yes. Along with my many interests, I am an avid supporter of vegetable rights and peace. |