Ministry Took Stephen Hokuf Back to His Roots

Editor‘s note: This is part of a two-part series: Going Home: When Ministry Returns Us to Our Roots (Part 1)

Pastors often long for longevity at the church they lead, where they can love and serve their people and community well. Stephen Hokuf has pastored First Baptist Church of North East for 44 years, where he still loves preaching God’s word.

Becoming the pastor of FBC North East was also “going home” for Hokuf, as it was his childhood church. “My mother brought me to FBC North East when I was about three years old. Our family received an invitation to a tent meeting at the church.” God was at work in the heart of the family, with his father coming into a saving relationship with Christ at the tent meeting and God stirring Hokuf‘s heart for ministry at the age of twelve while attending summer camp at Camp Wo-Me-To.

After high school, Hokuf went on to attend Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, followed by Grace Theological Seminary in Indiana. Those ten years were the only time FBC North East was not his home church. He fondly recalls God’s timing, “Shortly after graduating from seminary, my wife, Janet, and I traveled home to see our parents. That same week, the pastor of FBC North East resigned. I offered to fill the pulpit until they could find someone. Because it was in my own town and my own church, I wondered how it would work. I thought of Jesus’ words in Matthew 13:57, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.’ But it did work. FBC North East was behind in the mortgage on the church and the parsonage; we struggled to pay bills. By the end of the first year, we had turned it around, and the church asked me to stay.” His title changed from Interim pastor to senior Pastor, and God has continued to provide financially. Today, the church gives over 21% to missions.

Listening to Pastor Stephen and his positive outlook is encouraging. This does not mean life has been without challenges, but he prefers to see the hand of God, the support from his family, and the backing from the church. “I have been able to preach with freedom. We have done forty mission trips over the decades, we built an education wing, and we went on mission and served.” During those years, Pastor Stephen pursued his doctorate through Dallas Seminary’s satellite school in Philadelphia, an endeavor that took ten years. He drove round-trip almost daily for classes while ensuring he spent quality time with his three teenagers and wife. “I am blessed my children grew up loving the Lord. Being able to involve your family in ministry is a beautiful thing.”

With over four decades under his belt, Stephen reflected on how life and culture have changed through the years. “The church has changed dramatically. Many who were the pillars of the church and served faithfully are no longer able. We are trying to raise young couples to lead, and they are starting to take the reins. It is exciting.” His heart is apparent as he states, “I want to make disciples. I do not want to just get people saved, but I want to see them become leaders, preachers, Sunday School teachers, deacons, and missionaries; and not necessarily here, but wherever, as God’s kingdom is big.”

With his longevity in ministry, one cannot help but ask Stephen, “How would you encourage a new pastor?” He beautifully replied, “If you love your people and preach the Word, then do not give up. Satan is good at discouragement. Most pastors do not make it past the first seven to ten years, which is when you are making progress in ministry. Get out of the box — take people on mission trips, as there are plenty of needs. Jesus said to make disciples. I have also had twelve associate pastors who have moved on as missionaries or pastors. My goal was always to disciple them to ensure they moved on to do the work; most are still serving in ministry.”

At a recent BCMD Annual Meeting, Steven was recognized for his long tenure at FBC North East, but his work is not finished. “I feel invigorated, rejuvenated, and my mind is sharp. I think! God is not finished with me yet. I am still seeing people saved. I am enjoying this stage. It is wonderful. I plan on being like Dr. David Jeremiah or Chuck Swindoll and going into my eighties.”

Michelle Mackall is a freelance writer and serves as the administrative assistant for CrossLife Community Church and the Mid-Maryland Baptist Association.