Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Hooper, Pastor
Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Hooper is the newly appointed 19th Senior Pastor of St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church in Newark, New Jersey. As a man of vision, faith and action, he is working toward bringing St. Luke to new levels in service and ministry. Dr. Hooper serves as a member of the General Board, which governs the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Always seeking opportunities for growth, Dr. Hooper also continues to work closely with elected officials to promote growth in the community. Prior to his appointment to St. Luke, Rev. Hooper has served as Pastor of St. Paul AME Church East Orange, New Jersey from 2013-2015. During his tenure at St. Paul AME, East Orange, Dr. Hooper implemented a new sound system, renovated four boardrooms and under his leadership, many souls were saved and the membership and attendance soared.
Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Hooper is an energetic preacher, dynamic teacher, mentor and friend. Always in great demand to preach and to teach the gospel, this anointed man of God has a message to serve the present age. Dr. Hooper’s pastoral ministry spans over twenty-five years includes previously, serving as the pastor of Bethel AME Church, New Haven, Connecticut from 2009-2013. During his service at Bethel many souls joined the church and he returned the zeal to church. He also initiated the Street Ministry and restructured the Executive Board for the Community Outreach Center. Dr. Hooper has also served as the Pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in New Brunswick, New Jersey from 2001-2009. While serving there he established affordable housing in the community and served as the Police Chaplin among many other City positions. Presently, he still serves the New Brunswick community as Police Chaplin and is also on the Board of Ethics and Human Relations.
He received his Bachelor’s of Arts degree from The College of New Rochelle and a Masters of Divinity degree from New York Theological Seminary. He later received his Doctorate of Ministry in May 2005 from the New Brunswick Theological Seminary and currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.
A native of Bronx, New York he accepted the call to the ministry in 1992. He is the proud father of one daughter, and two sons. And is happily married to First Lady Theresa Y. Hooper.
His favorite scripture which governs his life daily is “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths”.