Staff

Joan Hoffmann
Pastor, Community Life and Single Adults

Ten years ago, Joan Hoffmann, fueled by her own frustrating experience as a divorced, single mother trying to find acceptance and community in church, asked God to show her how to be part of the solution to her problem. He answered her with a call to ministry, and today she leads a thriving ministry that helps singles of all ages and backgrounds connect with God and others.

“Single Vine is outreach oriented; we’re looking for singles in our area that want to belong but are hesitant to enter the doors of the church for worship. We offer a community that affirms singles and their worth to the body of Christ.”

This year Joan's role has expanded to include leading the Community Life Team, a mix of talented pastors and directors who strategically develop and manage Fairhaven's healthy array of ministries where adults connect, grow, and serve.

With degrees from the University of California and Alliance Seminary, learning still plays a big part of her life and reading is one of her favorite hobbies. “I home schooled my four children for sixteen years which gave me such an appreciation for being a life-long learner. I also believe that God’s transformational work is ongoing as I study and seek to apply what I learn to my faith and relationships.”

Her marriage in 2009 to Thomas Hoffmann not only gave her a new partner in ministry but also expanded their collective brood to five children: Christopher, Matthew (wife Allison), Claire (husband David), Quentin, and Michael.

Why do you work at Fairhaven?
I came to work at Fairhaven in 2007 because lead pastor David Smith has an uncommon heart for single adults! Because he shares my passion for incorporating single adults into our community of faith, the Single Vine ministry and I receive tremendous support, encouragement and resources. I continue to serve at Fairhaven not only because I love being here but also because the staff is such an eclectic mix of outstanding leaders that consistently challenge me to grow in my faith and ministry.

Your Faith:
Without a relationship with Christ, I would have given up on life long ago. With Christ, I am inspired to face each new day, wondering what challenges lie ahead that I will only be able to face and master with His help.

I was raised in a traditional Christian home where I was immersed in the word thanks to my loving parents and consistent church involvement. At a very early age I became aware that I was a sinner and repented, accepting the salvation that Christ offered through his death on the cross. I grew up active in sports and church programs, fully intending to be a physician until marriage and a desire to stay home and raise my children changed my plans. Instead, I devoted myself to loving, enjoying and home educating my kids; they are simply marvelous and unique individuals.

Even though I was active in church and strong in my faith, it wasn't until my divorce process that I came to realize how totally dependent upon God I am. It was during that time, while participating in a Christian twelve-step program for codependency, that I gave control of my life completely over to Him. Yes, I still try to take control back from time to time, but I have found great freedom and joy in trusting in His plans for my life. My future and hope now lie in Him, not in my own strength. My desire is to please Him in all that I say and do.

Three years into my recovery process, God called me to minister the word to others. For seven years I have served in singles ministry, the past two here at Fairhaven with a remarkable staff. I have tremendous passion and commitment to this ministry even though God recently blessed me with a new husband. Singles have much to contribute to the vitality of our church body! It is my goal to see each one of them committed to Christ and in community with other believers.

Life Verse:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6