Eric was born and raised in Ohio, in a devout and loving Catholic family. From a young age, he felt a call to ministry, a tug that only grew stronger over time. His spiritual journey led him to attend a Lutheran college, where he became deeply involved in a non-denominational campus ministry. After graduating, Eric moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked with Youth With a Mission from 1987 to 1990. During this time, he dedicated himself to urban ministry, feeding the homeless and coordinating a Congressional Staff Fellowship. In the early 1990s, he transitioned to serve as Executive Director of Love and Action, a ministry that supported men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS. While pursuing his seminary education at Eastern Baptist (Palmer) Seminary, Eric served two congregations: Washington Community Fellowship (Mennonite) and Shiloh Baptist Church (ABC). It was during this time that he found his spiritual home within the American Baptist family. After seminary, Eric pastored the First Baptist Church of Jamestown, Ohio, for two years before accepting a call in 1997 to pastor Oaklyn Baptist Church in New Jersey, where he faithfully served for 20 years. Throughout his tenure, Eric was actively involved in the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey (ABCNJ), serving as both Moderator and Secretary of the Greater Delaware Valley Association. He played a key role in organizing the S.M.A.S.H. Youth Ministry and was instrumental in the 2002 merger of two ABCNJ associations. Outside of ministry, Eric and his wife, Jennifer, have been deeply involved in their local chapter of the Autism Society of America. Jennifer, a retired Professor of Philosophy at Camden County College, specialized in Biomedical Ethics. Together, they are proud parents of two adult sons. Rev. Hoheisel has a keen interest in prayer, spiritual formation and in leading retreats. As an artist he finds great joy in establishing connections between spirituality and the fine arts. "I am thankful," he says, "for the privilege to serve all of the churches of our region as they seek to go deeper with God and live as generous witnesses to Christ in our world."