HOISINGTON —New Pastors Steve and Jennifer Hopkins moved to Hoisington last August and have begun ministering at Living Joy Community Church, 354 W. 1st. They have taken over the position from Dale and Cheryl Curtis, who are preparing for retirement.
The couple is enthusiastic about their new position as the pastors and want to start some new some programs.
“The gospel message never changes,” Steve said. “All that changes is the presentation and delivery.”
The family came from Udall, from a church that was actually started by Steve’s father and uncle and where Steve was the associate pastor. Jennifer, also from Kansas, grew up in Mulvane.
One program the couple would also like to start a fifth quarter program for area youth and also to keep up with the times.
“We’re changing the culture (of religion) from a relationship with religion to a relationship with Jesus,” said Steve.
The family and all of their children are music lovers and play instruments and sing, including  Braeden, 10; Bryce, 9; Bradley, 7; and Hannah, 4. Steve plays guitar and piano and sings and
Jennifer also sings during service. The congregation had been using taped music in the past, but recently began live praise and worship and would be glad to accept any help.
They also both teach adult classes and children’s classes. Steve also preaches.
The church also has a banner ministry which is an outward expression of faith and dance for the kids.
They have attracted 27 children to children’s program.
“Our children’s ministry is a success because of our children,” said Jennifer.
In addition, Steve is employed full-time as a salesmen of industrial supplies in western Kansas. However, the goal is to be in full-time ministry.
The Hoisington church was started in May, 1985 and the Hopkins will be the fourth pastors. One plus is that the building is now debt free.
After the family moved to Hoisington in August, the four kids  enrolled in the Hoisington School District where, according to their mother, they are doing quite well.
The Hopkins have been in ministry for 15 years in various areas including children, mens’ and womens’ and are of the Foursquare denomination. Steve said that its closest cousin would be the Assembly of God church.
“We want to be a resource for the community,” said Steve. Plus, “Come as you are.”