DAVE HOSKINS
LEAD PASTOR
Some people think that pastors live on a different plane of existence than “regular” folk. I’d like to let you in on a secret. I am painfully ordinary. I am just a man who has been transformed by an encounter with a loving and gracious God. As a teenager, I knelt at an altar and surrendered my life to Jesus. That one decision has made all the difference in the world. As I experienced the grace and beauty of Jesus, I became consumed with the desire to share the love and forgiveness that I had found with as many people as possible. That was the birth of God’s call on my life.
In 1990, I made one of the smartest decisions of my life (second only to my decision to follow Jesus). It was the decision to marry my wife, Julie, and I’m still not sure how I tricked her into marrying me. Julie has become my confidant, my encourager, my shoulder to cry on, and my partner in ministry. After twelve years of marriage, we didn’t think we were going to be able to have any children. But in 2002, we were “surprised” by the birth of our oldest daughter, Erin. Our youngest daughter, Abby, arrived nearly four years later. Being a husband and a father has taught me more about God’s love than all of the books I have read put together.
My family and I are on a quest to know Jesus deeply and to follow him wholeheartedly. That journey has led through Missouri, Kansas, Idaho, Nevada, and South Carolina. In 2018, the road took another turn as we felt the leading of God to move to Marion to become the pastor of Restoration Life Church. I can’t think of anything that would bring more joy into my life than leading this great church into the future that God has planned for her. I invite you to join us on our journey. It may not always be easy, but it will be worth it.
What’s your favorite hobby?
Photography. I especially enjoy it when I can combine photography with my family. Everyone in the family has their own camera and we go on “photo walks” together. I love it!
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
That’s a tough one because I love to travel, but I think I’d like to travel in Europe. I’m fascinated by history and would love to walk in some of the places I’ve read about. (And yes, I know that makes me a geek.)
What do you like to watch on TV?
Almost anything sports related. I love the drama of competition. I also enjoy some of the crime dramas like Criminal Minds. Although, I have to admit that since I am the only male in our household, I sometimes get outvoted and end up watching something unmanly, usually related to princesses or mermaids (but don’t tell anyone).
What is the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?
Nice try.
What keeps you motivated?
Hope. I have a strong belief that there are no “throw-away” people and God wants to use our church to make His message of hope and forgiveness known to people who are hurting. I really believe that the best is yet to come and if we’ll keep pressing into Jesus, He will do something beyond our wildest dreams.
JASON JOHNSON
ASSOCIATE PASTOR
I have been involved in student and children's ministries for over 18 years. After being called into the ministry at youth camp, I began my ministry as the children's director in Marion, AR. I attended Central Bible College where God deepened my love for Jesus and prepared me to serve in ministry. I have been used in many areas of ministry including children, youth, and music. Called back to Marion, with my wife, Mary Beth, and three kids, Allie, Mollie, and Keagan, I am determined to see students and children become worshipers of the Lord by focusing their hearts and minds on the one true God and responding to Him in a positive way. My mission is to strengthen the family unit as a whole, equip parents in discipling their children and create opportunities where God’s love is shared.
What’s your favorite hobby?
One of my greatest passions in life is to play music. I enjoy playing many different instruments, although God did not think it was a good idea for me to have the ability to sing. But God did however give me a wife with the greatest voice.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
The only thing on my bucket list: ISREAL
What do you like to watch on TV?
I like anything really. It needs to make me laugh.
What is the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?
When I have to read out loud.
What keeps you motivated?
One of the great stresses in ministry is that you can’t please everybody. Wanting to please people or even ourselves will make me a slave. Putting my focus on what pleases God will make me a servant. This my best motivation.
MARY BETH JOHNSON
WORSHIP PASTOR
From singing “I am a Promise” at age five for her church family to leading her youth group in worship, Mary Beth Johnson has been involved in music ministry nearly her entire life. She was involved in the Arkansas Assemblies of God All State Youth Choir, Arkansas Assemblies of God Fine Arts Festivals, National Assemblies of God Fine Arts Festivals, and was awarded a music scholarship to Evangel University, where she was accepted into the top concert choir and received training in voice and church music. Now a mother of three, Allie, Mollie, and Keagan and married to her youth group sweetheart, Pastor Jason Johnson, Mary Beth has the privilege of leading the RLC Worship Team in ministry. Worshiping God through music is her passion and calling from The Lord. She is beyond thrilled to be back in her home church doing what she loves most for the One she loves most.