Hosanna Church
Oxford, Maine 04270
207 539-2295

• Education: Oxford Hills High School class of 1972. Started Bible college against my parents wishes. Dropped out to work. Finally earned my Bachelor of Bible Theology from International Bible College in 1985. Did post-grad work through the New England Campus of California Graduate School of Theology, until the campus closed. Concentration in Church Growth.
• Experience: I became volunteer Youth Pastor and Worship Leader in 1978, and Added adult Small Group house pastor in 1981. I was set in as an elder in January of 82 and ordained as a full time pastor in June of that year. In 1984, the other pastor and I began functioning as co-pastors (rather than one being an associate), and we have worked together that way ever since. (update: Dallas is now retired and I function as a solo pastor.) I have written several songs and anthems that have been published nationally, and have served in several pastors’ groups.
• Comment to those looking at my sermons: I pray that they will help you bless many people and steer people closer to the Lord. Please use freely.
• Sermon or series that made a difference: What it Means to be Part of a Genuine New Testament Church by Owen Carey- 1982 (in eight parts) The Biblical Preaching Seminar with Dr. Stephen Olford. (1982) Ephesians 4 series on Church Body Life (Dallas Henry) 1978 Tons of others, too many to sort out. I still keep lots of old sermon tapes and series on hand.
• One of my favorite illustrations: The Frog in the Kettle, which got cooked because the kettle heated slowly around it.
• Family: I, (Pastor Eric J. Hanson) have been married to Nancy for 45 years in 2021. We have raised three wonderful kids who are all married now. We have eight grandchildren at this time. Nancy’s Mother is still living, I honor her here by mentioning that she and Nancy's Dad were missionaries to England for seven years after retirement. Then her dad drove many miles every other week to preach in a very rural little church here in Maine, till a stroke ended that. Their reward is in Heaven.
• What my parents think of my sermons: Dad never heard one. He died in 1973, but did warn me against being a preacher. He predicted that it leads to poverty. Mom liked them, but asked many doubtful questions. She finally made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ in 1986, after 14 years of careful, measured witnessing. She lived her last 4 years as a member of this church.
• What my spouse (really) thinks of my sermons: Nancy loves them, but will let me know if there is any problem such as anger (not often) or dwelling on any topic overmuch. Or too long. She is my surest sounding board; a woman of wisdom. Her input has helped my preaching immeasurably much. She likes it better if I just preach right out of the Bible, rather than writing a full manuscript.
• Best advice given to me about preaching: Don’t expect everyone to love you. Don’t expect them to be able to articulate logically why they disagree with some well reasoned point. Just present the word with integrity, and then leave it up to God to deal with people’s hearts. Also: Preaching is important. Prepare well and don’t bore them. Become excellent at it!
• Books that have had an impact: Church Aflame by Jerry Falwell & Elmer Towns (The story of the Thomas Road Baptist Church) The Purpose Driven Church (Rick Warren) Prayer Shield (C. Peter Wagner) The Spiritual Man (Watchman Nee) Why I Believe (D. James Kennedy) How Now Shall We Live (Colson/Pearcy) Many others: Too many to name
• Hobbies: For fun, I used to write an automotive column in the local paper. (Automusings in the Advertiser Democrat) Nancy and I love to take road trips, eat a picnic by the sea shore, and visit family. I love to sing and play instruments; mostly in worship settings now. For decades I gave music lessons as a small town bi-vocational pastor. (bi-vocational since the big split here in 1996). I have taught Bible, history, and Government at Oxford Hills Christian Academy in times past. I would do a lot of boating if we had any money to do so.
• If I could Preach one more time, I would say...: Time is short. Repent of all known sin and follow Jesus without making excuses. Nevertheless, don’t imagine that you can earn merit in God’s eyes. Jesus Christ is our righteousness. Cling to Him, remembering his suffering and death on the Cross. Ask him to be Lord and savior.
• Something funny that happened while preaching: One man got snoring so loudly that everyone was cracking up laughing. Someone woke him up...He was snoring loudly again in less than five minutes!
• What I want on my tombstone: He stood firm in faith to the end. His trust is in Jesus Christ