Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Hess.
Hi Jacob, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Oregon and became a Christian at a young age. God has continued to display His faithfulness to me throughout my life; a journey deeper and deeper into grace. I received a Master of Divinity from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon and have ministered at local churches across the country with my wife and fellow Bible nerd. I am currently a pastor at Christ Church KOP and am enjoying life on the east coast.
In addition to ministry, I really enjoy creative writing. My years in school grew my passion for writing and reading, but I always had a love for stories, whether they’re told with pen and page or the rhythms and rhymes of song. I agrees with J. R. R. Tolkien when he writes, “the Pot of Soup, the Cauldron of Story, has always been boiling, and to it have continually been added new bits, dainty and undainty,” (On-Fairy-Stories, p. 45). As humans we simply cannot seem to escape a need to tell stories, a desire to reach beyond ourselves and connect to the deeper truths of who we are and what it means to live a life of meaning. This has led me to write my own science fiction series in my spare time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I went through many struggles along the way. After graduating with my masters, I took a job at a church in Indiana, but I lost that job because the church ran out of funds. I was left wondering what was next when I landed another job at a church in North Carolina where I met my wife! God used the seeming setback to put me right where he wanted me. After getting married, we moved out to Seattle, Washington to work at a church. That season was filled with more setbacks when my fellow pastors started leaving one by one. I was left the only remaining full-time staff member, wondering how to love people well, while taking care of my own family. I eventually left that church and found a position in King of Prussia, closer to my wife’s family. It’s turned out to be a great transition and I am thankful for how, through all the ups and downs, God continues to show his faithfulness.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m most known for my work as a local pastor in my preaching, teaching, and care for members, but I also have a real creative bent. In my free time I enjoy writing fiction and non-fiction, exploring big ideas and diving deep into interesting characters. I’m just about to put the finishing touches on the final book in a science fiction series entitled The Bright Abyss.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
The most important thing to me is my relationship with Christ. Not only has he delivered me from all my sin and mistakes through his death and resurrection, but through the ups and downs of life, he has continued to provide and sustain me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jacobehess.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacob.hess.758
- Twitter: https://www.christchurchkop.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacobhess946
- Other: https://evergospel.substack.com
