Welcome to:
the personal ministry of Jim Hoipkemier
Hoppy
Hoppy
      I was born into a family with Christian parents. They felt it was their obligation to
    not only have us kids in church three times a week, but to involve us in other
    ministry activities as well. Dad led the singing and served as a deacon in the
    church I was born into in Oklahoma City.
        When I was six years old, my family joined Regency Park Baptist Church in
    Moore, OK. As they headed down the aisle to make that move, my mother
    turned to me and asked if I was going to go forward that morning. I assumed she
    meant to be identified as one of the family, so I told her I would be down the
    aisle. She was hoping for my salvation decision. The Spirit wasn't calling me at
    that time.
        My mother came into my bedroom one afternoon when I was eight years old
    and shared with me the plan of salvation how Jesus had come to die on the cross
    so that my sins might be forgiven and Jesus would be Lord of my life.
        Having been in Sunday School virtually every Sunday  of my life, I knew the
    story and had heard it preached as well. I understood what Mom was talking
    about as best as an 8 yr. old could, and at the foot of my bed, I asked God to
    forgive my sins and come into my life as Lord. He did exactly that.
        I haven't known any better than to be involved in church life three times a
    week and more if something was happening. I just knew that that was the way
    God intended Christians to be: studying, sharing, worshipping, and ministering
    together. Still believe that. So it was no big effort to accept God's call on my life
    for full-time church related vocation in 1974 while at Falls Creek Youth Camp.
        I have been in vocational ministry since 1977 when I became the Music
    Director for Calvary Baptist Church in Okemah, OK. My first full-time ministry was
    Minister of Music, Activities, and Youth for the First Baptist Church of Chelsea, OK.
    Afton, OK FBC was my first pastorate. I have served in music, youth, education,
    activities, associate pastor, pastor, multiple combination position of such, and
    now as a church planter.
        I have never really felt God limiting me to any one area of ministry. I have
    always pastored, just with different areas of concern. That's what God has gifted
    me to do and I don't know of any other way to do it. And I intend to serve the Lord
    as long as there is breath in my body. I pray that He will take me home if I ever
    become useless for the Kingdom work.
        I have been a member of the Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma for the past 19
    years. This has given me the opportunity to take the gospel to Latvia, Estonia,
    Russia, Hong Kong, China, Australia, Salt Lake City, Idaho Falls, and a multitude
    of Oklahoma churches, schools, and public venues. I have never sung a solo
    with the group (lucky for them). If not for the SCM, I would have never owned a
    tux.
        Floppo the Clown is another ministry that has given me opportunity to share
    across the country as well as in Australia. Not able to do the usual clown kind of
    things lent itself to the naming of my clown. Can't juggle. Don't do illusions.
    Limited repertoire of balloon creations. But Floppo can explain the plan of God's
    salvation using the colors of his costume. And Floppo makes 'em laugh. He  has
    done so in Sydney, Brisbane, Nashville, Idaho Falls, Falls Creek, Oklahoma City,
    Glencoe, and Olive.
        I have written a few dramatical things one of which was published. I also self-
    published a book of dramatic monologues.
     God has blessed me with many memories and many friends and cohorts. I truly
    am happy when they say, "Let's go to the House of the Lord"!
        Theologically, I guess I am conservative if you mean that I am so
    unenlightened as to think that God's word is infallible and the basis of all that I
    believe and do. I am saved and Southern Baptist, by my choice. No one has
    proven anything better.
        I believe that Jesus is the only way to a relationship with God. I believe there is
    a heaven to gain and a hell to avoid. I believe that God's Spirit resides in the
    lives of all followers of Jesus Christ and that the Holy Spirit has empowered and
    gifted every believer to be involved in the Kingdom work.
Personal Testimony of Jim Hoipkemier

September 1, 2009
30 years of marriage
to
Carol LeAnn Beck
Hoipkemier!

September 24, 2009
50 years of life!