Eric J. Hall, DTh. APBCC
A story is told by my family that when I was four years old, I would line up my stuffed animals and preach to them. This was part of a service I would celebrate complete with water and crackers representing communion. It seems as though I always knew or felt a call to ministry. But make no mistake I was no angel of a kid! But I cannot deny that I felt God’s presence in my life.
I was ordained on September 7, 1996. I had completed my Master of Divinity and a Masters in Scripture from Seton Hall. Later I would study for a Doctorate in Chaplaincy and in Spiritual Care from Capstone University. It was not all about study. My journey brought me to the poor in Wilmington DE., to caring for church families in the Bronx, NY. My steps have taken me through being very involved in Alzheimer’s disease as I was the founding chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. I currently serve as president and chief executive of HealthCare Chaplaincy Network and the Spiritual Care Association. My life resembles everyone else’s – God, family, work, responsibilities and obligations.
Eastchester Church has been my spiritual home for 24 years now. I was called to be pastor when I was not looking. The church was to be closed. Only 7 or 8 people on a Sunday. No money, no resources, and no people could lead one to believe there was no hope. You will notice that we use a quote from Mark’s gospel, “With God all things are possible.” For this church family these words are not just a promise – it is a testimony of our experience.
We struggled for years. Finally, we just let go. We trusted that this was God’s house. He wants it then He has to keep it open because we could not. We decided instead of worrying that we were going to be of service to the community. Find some way we can help our neighbors. Lincoln Academy was created as a ministry for our town. It has become a program that has over 100 children on our property daily. We nurture them, teach them, and care for them. We also provide financial assistance to families in need. This ministry now provides the resources to maintain our campus, buildings and yes – keeps the church open.
However, the church is more than the building or the people that gather. Eastchester Church has had as many as 1.5M online viewers a month. People from all over the world consider Eastchester their spiritual home. They find inspiration, courage and strength from our virtual services, uplifting music and social media postings. People know that they – everyone – are welcome. We are all imperfect. It is the one thing we all have in common. Eastchester Church is about Good News – we are loved in spite of ourselves and together we try to experience the presence of God and bring that experience to all we do and all we meet.
Is the story too incredible? Don’t look at me! I didn’t do it. God is my boss. We all are just trying to listen and learn from Jesus. I guess God wanted the church to remain open for a while longer. What do you think?
I am a member of Eastchester Community Church and have been for many years. I now live in Myrtle Beach, SC but Rev. Hall is my inspiration each and every day.
Solid Biblical teachings… I always walk out challenged to read the word more. Rev. Hall and his wife are so easy to speak with and so personable.
Pure gospel. Preacher & worship leaders ushered us into the presence of God. More people should worship here.