Samford University has named Paul Hoffman as director of the Preministerial Scholars Program in Howard College of Arts and Sciences. A seasoned pastor, educator and author, Hoffman brings more than 20 years of ministry and academic leadership to the role.
Hoffman will also serve as an associate professor in the Department of Biblical and Religious Studies.
A native of Maine, Hoffman began his ministry as an ordained church planter with the Conservative Baptist Association, now known as the Venture Church Network, in Denver, Colorado. He most recently served for 18 years as senior pastor of Evangelical Friends Church in Newport, Rhode Island. Hoffman is ordained in both the Conservative Baptist Association and the Evangelical Friends Church tradition.
He holds degrees from Gordon College, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and earned his PhD from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.
An accomplished author, Hoffman has written or coauthored three books: Reconciling Places, Preaching to a Divided Nation and AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep. His academic interests include homiletics, ecclesiology, reconciliation, urban mission and the ethics of artificial intelligence.
“I’m excited to nurture within students a love for Scripture,” Hoffman said. “This involves helping them see their significant role in God’s story and plan ‘to reconcile all things’ to Himself. I also want them to discover their identity in Christ and hear God calling them to be His reconcilers and bridge builders in our diverse, complex world.”
Hoffman views the Preministerial Scholars Program as a vital part of preparing students for lifelong ministry.
“I hope and pray the program prepares students for all the good things the Lord has planned for their lives,” he said. “It is my desire to be their mentor and friend—not just during their time at Samford, but for life.”
With pastoral experience and a global perspective, Hoffman is eager to help students thrive.
“I just concluded an 18-year pastorate, so I know what it takes to serve a congregation faithfully over time,” he said. “I also hope to offer a vision of Christianity that reaches beyond America, learning from the global Church—especially the Majority World, where faith is growing rapidly.”
Hoffman and his wife, Autumn, have been married for 26 years. They have two sons, Landon, 19, and Kelan, 15. In his free time, he enjoys reading, traveling, exercising, spending time with his family and following Premier League soccer.
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