About Author

Elder Mark Hoke is an ordained Elder and graduate of Aenon Bible College, the official school of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., in Indianapolis, Indiana. He has served as a minister and officiant throughout Indiana and beyond. His mission is to empower the next generation to grow in faith, character, and purpose, ensuring they are equipped to lead with integrity and vision.

I was baptised in February 1969 with the water baptism in Jesus name and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost, the Indwelling Spirit of God To be born again is the only way to become a part of God’s family.

I have been in the Ministry at my church for many years of service in many different areas inside the church, notably 44 years in the Sound Reinforcement and Video Media Ministry.  

Education

I have been in the Ministry at my church for many years of service in many different areas inside the church, notably 44 years in the Sound Reinforcement and Video Media Ministry.  

  • Ordination Credential for Eldership
  • Certificate of Ministerial Introduction
  • Documentary filmmaking
  • Photography Master Certification
  • Electrical Engineering
  • 2024
  • 2022
  • 2017
  • 1995
  • 1980

Speaking and Workshop Topics

Operation Close The Back Door

Roadmap to Ministerial Leadership:

  • "How to Lead Ministers with Vision and Purpose"
  • "Balancing Ministry and Personal Life"
  • "Developing Future Church Leaders"

Mentorship:

  • "Mentoring Young Men in Faith and Life"
  • "Building Character and Integrity in Young Christians"
  • "How to Foster a Mentorship Culture in Your Church"
  • "New Converts with convert retention and discipleship."

Workshop Curriculum

  • "Effective Ministry Leadership": A 3-hour workshop focusing on leadership strategies, managing church staff, and implementing church growth plans.
  • "Mentoring Young Men in Faith": A 2-hour workshop designed for church leaders on how to set up and run a mentorship program for young men.

Rooted & Rising: A New Convert: Understanding New Birth - Unlock the profound mystery of what it means to be truly born again and live in that reality daily.

A Calling to Ministry and Mentorship

From the time I first felt the call of God in my life, I knew ministry was more than a role—it was a responsibility. I have always believed that serving the Lord isn’t just about what happens in the pulpit or inside the church walls, but about reaching hearts and shaping lives for eternity. Whether I was preaching in a nursing home, teaching Sunday school, or sharing the gospel in someone’s living room, I learned that ministry is about people—souls that God loves deeply.

Over the years, one burden has grown stronger and stronger in me: the need to mentor. I’ve seen how a young man can be uncertain about his identity, his future, and his faith—but with guidance, prayer, and accountability, that same young man can grow into a leader, a man of responsibility and character, and an example for others to follow. That transformation is what fuels my passion.

To me, mentorship isn’t simply giving advice. It’s walking alongside someone, challenging them when they need it, encouraging them when they’re discouraged, and reminding them that God’s plan is bigger than their current struggles. It’s about building trust and watching lives blossom as they root themselves in Christ.

I mentor, I teach, and I preach because I believe every life changed for Christ is a victory worth everything. And I know that the seeds we plant today—in the lives of young men, new converts, and believers hungry for more—will grow into a legacy of faith that will carry on long after us. That’s why I remain committed to this calling: to see lives transformed, leaders raised up, and the Kingdom of God strengthened for generations to come

Building Men and Women of Character: Developing Your Pieces

In God’s Chess Game of Life, undeveloped pieces remain trapped in their starting positions, unable to fulfill their strategic potential. Character development is God’s method of moving each believer from their initial square into positions of maximum kingdom effectiveness.

From Potential to Power Every chess piece begins with inherent abilities, but those abilities mean nothing until properly developed. A bishop stuck behind pawns cannot influence the diagonal. A knight hemmed in by its own pieces cannot reach its target squares. Similarly, believers possess God-given gifts and callings, but without character development, these remain dormant potential rather than active power.

Strategic Positioning Through Trials Master chess players develop pieces through calculated moves that may initially seem difficult or uncomfortable. God uses a similar strategy in our lives. Financial pressures teach stewardship. Relationship conflicts develop patience and forgiveness. Leadership challenges build humility and wisdom. Each trial is a strategic move designed to position your character for greater kingdom impact.

Coordinated Development In chess, pieces are developed in coordination with each other, not in isolation. Character building happens best within Christian community. Iron sharpens iron as believers challenge each other toward holiness, accountability partners provide strategic support, and mentors guide younger believers through developmental moves they’ve already mastered.

Maximum Board Control Well-developed pieces control more squares, influence more territory, and create more opportunities for strategic advancement. Believers with mature character possess greater spiritual authority, influence wider spheres for God’s glory, and open doors that remain closed to undeveloped Christians.

The Ultimate Goal Character development isn’t about perfection—it’s about positioning. God isn’t trying to make you flawless; He’s strategically moving you into a position where your unique combination of gifts, experiences, and character can deliver maximum impact for His kingdom.

Strong character equals strong position. Strong position equals kingdom influence.

Buy now

Understand the new birth:

Discover the Power of the New Birth

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be “born again”? Understanding the New Birth is a clear, biblical guide for new converts and those searching for real answers about salvation. Grounded in the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles, this book explores repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost in a way that is simple, practical, and rooted in scripture.

Whether you are new to the faith or reaching out to unbelievers, this resource will help you share — and live — the Apostolic message with confidence.

Presented by Operation Close the Back Door, this book is more than information; it’s a tool to help keep believers strong, committed, and grounded in truth.

“One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.” (Ephesians 4:5)

shop now