About Kristina Hockersmith

I had the blessing of growing up in a household filled with worship music, Scripture, and prayer. I still remember lying in bed, praying for Jesus to be my Savior. Church was like a second home to me, and I think the only trophy I ever received was for memorizing Scripture in Awana. I was immersed in the evangelical culture of the ’80s and ’90s, but beyond the traditions were real, intimate moments with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I can still recall times as a child when I was held in Jesus’ arms, heard His voice, and experienced His fatherly love.

These experiences continued beyond childhood. As a teenager, I wrestled with what it meant to make my faith my own and to live out a life of discipleship. After high school, I pursued a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Biblical Studies. I got married, and for the most part, life unfolded as I had hoped—until we tried to start a family. The heartbreak of loss and the fear of never becoming a mom was devastating. I began to wonder if my heartbreak would destroy my faith. Would I walk away from God? Wrestling with that fear opened my eyes to see God’s relentless pursuit of me. I had experienced His presence throughout my life, but I had believed I was the one choosing Him. What I had missed was that He had been choosing and pursuing me all along.

God did answer our prayers, and we now have three amazing children. Through motherhood and many other experiences, the Spirit revealed how perfectionism, moral striving, and judgment had a hold on me—robbing me of joy and freedom. God tenderly met me where I was and invited me to let go of those heavy burdens. As He restored me, judgment was replaced with compassion and empathy. Strongly held beliefs surfaced, leading to questions and uncertainty. This process of deconstruction was unsettling, and at times I feared I might lose my faith altogether. Yet His pursuit never wavered. In the midst of mystery, He gently invited me to walk with Him—not in search of certainty, but seeking His wisdom.

My family and I began attending DSBC in 2021. This church body has given me the freedom to wrestle and to stand in a place of mystery rather than certainty. I’m honored by the opportunity to join the CSL team and look forward to serving alongside the leadership and congregation as we seek to love others well and draw near to Christ. I am humbled by the chance to walk with others on their journey of faith, whether they are in seasons of doubting, questioning, discovering, or growing. My prayer is that I would reflect the same comfort, presence, and love that Christ has so graciously shown to me.