Biography

The Citation of Thomas Joel Hitchcock on having been conferred the Degree of
Doctor of Divinity – Honoris Causa – January 28, 2010

At the young age of 8, Evangelist Joel Hitchcock became aware of the call of God upon his life, where after he received the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was gloriously filled with the Holy Spirit.  He preached his first sermon at the age of 12 and read through the Bible.   This was the beginning of his lifelong pursuit after God.

After completing his theological ministry education at the Berea Theological College, he continued his studies at the University of South Africa and was licensed to preach by the Full Gospel Church of God in Southern Africa. In 1990 he entered the full time ministry—first as a chaplain in the South African Defense Force, and then as an international evangelist. Having moved to the United States, he became an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee.)

Many multitudes have attended his international mass crusades, where multiple thousands of souls have made a decision for Christ. The gifts of the working of miracles, healing and the prophetic have been very prevalent in his ministry. He has a passion for revival and for spiritual awakening in the USA and abroad. Brother Hitchcock emphasizes the importance of having a very real encounter with God by experiencing the Holy Spirit.

In 1995, he married Heidi Souder from Delaware, USA. Together they have spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ all around the world.  Joel and Heidi are blessed with four lovely children:  Anthony, Rebekah, Timothy and Trey, and teach them to love God and the ministry.

Brother Hitchcock has written several books that have been a blessing to the Body of Christ. He is Kingdom focused, practical, and purpose driven. In the words of the Apostle Paul, he has become all things to all men, that he might win some for Christ! This gifted orator and exegetical teacher has kept Jesus Christ at the center of his message during this post modern age.

Brother Hitchcock’s ministry has reflected a demonstration of the Spirit and of power during 20 years of faithful, full time ministry. Therefore, upon the nomination of the Reverend Dr. Mark A. Swiger, and in recognition of his efforts in world evangelism, his local contributions and academic achievements, The School of Bible Theology Seminary & University is hereby proud to confer upon Thomas Joel Hitchcock the Honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree. This degree reflects the highest esteem for Brother Hitchcock’s consistent Christian lifestyle, his love for God and humanity, and for his uncompromising ministry of the eternal verities of the Holy Bible.