A graduate of Beloit College and Chicago Theological Seminary, Jim joined Salem’s staff in 1986 as Associate Pastor and later as Senior Pastor in 1988. Jim, his wife, Abby, and their two sons live in Plymouth. His interests include writing music, history, and following the Packers.
“From the earliest memories on, I have felt a strong connection to both the story of God’s love for humanity and the church’s desire to embody that love–in acts of mercy and justice–to the world around us. Throughout my formative years I had many opportunities for participation in the work of the church, each of which affirmed a growing awareness that this might well be the direction for my own life’s work. Those affirmations continued throughout my college years, as I had more opportunities to participate in experiences of worship and service, leading me to pursue theological education after my graduation from college. The field experiences I had in seminary (and most notably, a full-year internship that I served between my second and third years of academic work) left me with the strongest sense that parish ministry was the place where my gifts, my desire to be a part of God’s work, and human need all came together.” Reverend Hoppert