In early April, the Nevada-Utah Conference extended a call to Pastor Darriel Hoy to serve as their Children’s Ministry and Youth Director. After a month of prayer, fasting and weighing pros and cons, Pastor Hoy accepted their invitation and is now based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Born in Yazoo City, Mississippi, Hoy grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She is one of six siblings and has a host of beautiful nieces and nephews. Hoy holds a bachelor’s degree in public policy from Duke University as well as a certificate in African-American studies with an emphasis in Civil Rights Movement history. She earned a master of divinity degree at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University, where she was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and became the first female elected president of the Black Student Association of the Seminary.
Hoy believes that “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people.” As the former director of community and youth ministries for Central States Conference, she assisted congregations with sharing the love of Jesus in practical ways. She also serves as a consultant for churches and nonprofit organizations across America, specializing in grant writing, holistic ministry and youth leadership development.
“While I’m excited for the new opportunity, my heart aches every time I think about leaving my Central States family,” says Hoy. “This has been my home for the past eight years and I’ve been blessed as a person, pastor and leader. It’s been a joy and a privilege to minister, pray, serve, agree, fight and make up with you. I think the world of each of you and pray God’s very best for you! Thank you for giving so generously of your time, talent and love, and investing in our children, youth and young adults.”
Hoy’s ministry is rooted in God’s mandate for social justice and call to serve the least of these. Before joining the Central States team, Hoy advocated for children and lobbied for legislation to help impoverished children as the Southern Regional Field Organizer of the Children’s Defense Fund. We wish her a warm farewell on her new journey as she continues to lead with passion for young people.
“I love you,” says Hoy, “and you will continue to be in my prayers.”
