Rev. Ashley B. Hoover

Pastor | Preacher | Community Builder | Servant Leader

Rev. Ashley B. Hoover is a passionate and purpose-driven pastor dedicated to faith, service, and community transformation. With a ministry grounded in Romans 8:28—_“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose”—_Rev. Hoover brings energy, compassion, and creativity to every aspect of his calling.

Rooted in Faith, Called to Lead

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Rev. Hoover grew up at Hughes Memorial United Methodist Church. For over 40 years, he faithfully served in various roles—including Lay Leader, Trustee Chair, usher, choir member, and acolyte—before answering the call to ordained ministry in 2001 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Benjamin Kevin Smalls.

His journey led him to serve as Youth and Young Adult Pastor before joining Westphalia UMC in Upper Marlboro, MD in 2011. That same year, he received his first appointment to lead Cherry Hill UMC in Baltimore, where his heart for outreach and innovation came alive.

At Cherry Hill UMC, Rev. Hoover launched impactful ministries including a Feeding Program (Soup Kitchen, Food Pantry, and Monthly Food Distribution), a Young Adult Ministry, and a Combined Choir. He also introduced creative expressions of worship such as spoken word, dance, dramatic skits, and altar visuals to connect hearts and minds to God in fresh, engaging ways.

A Ministry of Service

Since 2019, Rev. Hoover has served as Pastor of Jerusalem-Mt. Pleasant UMC, faithfully leading the congregation and surrounding community with a spirit of joy, integrity, and deep spiritual care. His ministry continues to bridge generations, grow disciples, and center the church as a hub of hope and healing.  We look forward to renewing our commitment to ministry in this, the church’s 190th year.

Education & Professional Background

Rev. Hoover is a graduate of:

  • Eleanor Roosevelt High School (1986)

  • North Carolina A&T State University – B.S. in Industrial Engineering (1991)

  • Brenau University – MBA (1995)

  • Wesley Theological Seminary – Master of Divinity (2008)

  • Currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate at Wesley, studying the life and theology of Howard Thurman.

In 2019, he was commissioned as a Provisional Elder in the United Methodist Church. In July 2025, he celebrated 37 years of federal civilian service with the Department of the Navy, where he works as a Project Manager.

Life Beyond the Pulpit

Rev. Hoover is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Pi Upsilon Lambda Chapter), an active member of the North Carolina A&T Alumni Association (Washington, D.C. Chapter), and a vocalist with HIS 4, a male gospel quartet. He also enjoys genealogy, teaching, preaching, and traveling.

He is the proud son of educators, Gwendolyn Hoover and the late Lloyd W. Hoover, and the oldest of two sons (Wesley) and a nephew, Tristan. Rev. Hoover is married to the dynamic Dr. Josie Hoover—a gifted dancer, teacher, and preacher.  Together, they live in Washington, D.C.

Church Office: 301-309-0464Pastor & Lady Hoover

Email: jmp1umc@aol.com

Office Hours: By appointment only