Joe Bouch

When did you become a Christian and why?

I grew up in the church and always believed in God, but it’s hard to pinpoint a single moment when I “became” a Christian. My faith was shaped early by Sunday morning church with my parents, choir practices, church camping trips, and the countless examples of people who lived their faith in real, tangible ways. Those early experiences planted seeds of belief, but faith remained largely inherited rather than deeply personal.

“I discovered that His [God’s] love is not just for certain moments of life, but for the entirety of it.”

The turning point came later, in the halls of Alcoholics Anonymous. In those moments of honesty, brokenness, and dependence on something greater than myself, my faith shifted from something I knew to something I lived. I came to understand grace not just as a concept, but as a lifeline. The unearned, transforming love of Jesus that shapes every choice and every chapter of life.

Why did I become a Christian? Because I realized that faith is not about perfection, titles, or routines. It’s about relationship. It’s about surrendering to God’s guidance, finding hope in His presence, and living in a way that reflects His love to others. Looking back over seventy years, I see that every stage of my life, the joys, failures, trials, and triumphs, has been framed by the lessons, community, and grace I experienced through church and a personal encounter with Jesus. Faith became real for me because I needed Him, and in responding, I discovered that His love is not just for certain moments of life, but for the entirety of it.

How does Christianity compare to what you thought it was like before you became a believer?

Before I truly came to know Jesus personally, I thought Christianity was mostly about rules, routines, and trying to be “good enough.” I saw it as a set of expectations – Sunday services, prayers, moral behavior that defined whether someone measured up. What I didn’t fully understand was that Christianity is really about relationship, grace, and transformation.

Becoming a believer showed me that faith is less about perfection and more about dependence on God. It’s about surrender, trust, and living in a way that reflects His love in every part of life. Christianity, as I’ve experienced it, is vibrant, messy, joyful, and deeply personal. It’s not just something you believe; it’s something that shapes every choice, every relationship, and every season of life.

What would you say to someone who is curious about biblical Christianity?

I would say: start with the story of Jesus. Don’t worry about getting everything right at first. Just focus on His life, His teachings, His death, and His resurrection. Christianity is less about rules and more about a personal relationship with God, one that transforms how you see yourself, others, and the world. Read the Bible, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to wrestle with doubt. Faith grows in the midst of curiosity. Most importantly, look for the grace of God in every part of life; it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being loved, forgiven, and invited into a lifelong journey with Him.

How have you seen God work in your life, and how is God working in your life lately?

I’ve seen God work in my life in profound ways, beginning with my journey through alcoholism recovery, where His grace became real and tangible. Over the years, His hand has been evident in countless ways: through my wife and family, the mentors and friends who shaped me, and the communities I’ve served in church and ministry. Today, I see God working in my life through the simple and the significant: sharing Scripture in Zoom Bible studies with my son, writing books that explore faith and grace, and reflecting on decades of serving as a teaching elder. God’s presence continues to guide, sustain, and inspire me, reminding me that His work is ongoing and often found in both ordinary and extraordinary moments.

What is your ministry?

“Ministry has shown me that faithfulness often looks quiet and patient: showing up, loving others, speaking truth, and trusting that God will do the transforming work in His timing.”

My ministry is about sharing the grace and truth of Jesus in ways that meet people where they are. In my life that has manifested itself in many forms. Writing books that explore faith and Scripture. Leading Bible studies (both in person and online). Mentoring others. And speaking about the lessons God has taught me through life’s challenges and joys. At its heart, my ministry is about helping others see Jesus in everyday life, equipping them to live with faith, hope, and love, and pointing people to the transformative power of God’s grace.

How did you get into ministry?

I don’t think I ever really “got into ministry.” Ministry got into me. Over time, I felt the quiet, persistent call of the Spirit guiding me to serve, teach, write, and lead in ways that point others to Jesus. It wasn’t a plan I made. It was a response to the invitations God placed in my life, and I learned to listen, obey, and follow where He was already at work.

What has ministry taught you?

Ministry has taught me that it’s never really about me. It’s not about my abilities, my plans, or even my ideas of what should happen. My role is simply to listen, respond, and follow the guidance of the Spirit. Over the years, through teaching, writing, leading Bible studies, and mentoring, I’ve seen that when I step back and let God work, His hand moves in ways far beyond what I could imagine. Ministry has shown me that faithfulness often looks quiet and patient: showing up, loving others, speaking truth, and trusting that God will do the transforming work in His timing.

How can people support you and your ministry?

People can support me and my ministry in several meaningful ways. First and foremost, through prayer. Prayer for God’s guidance, wisdom, and impact in everything I do. They can also support by holding me accountable to live out the faith I teach, encouraging me to stay faithful and humble. More tangibly, one of the most helpful ways is by helping get my books into the hands of those who can benefit from them – children, young adults, Christian parents, Sunday school teachers, homeschool teachers, pastors, and anyone seeking to grow in faith. I’m not motivated by profit; my hope is that these books serve as tools to share the message of Jesus and inspire a love for Scripture across generations.

Open Forum – Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I’d just like to say that my journey has been one of grace, learning, and continual growth. Faith is not about perfection or having it all figured out; it’s about walking with Jesus, being honest about our weaknesses, and trusting His guidance every step of the way. I’m grateful for the people, experiences, and communities that have shaped me, and my hope is to give back. To encourage others, share God’s Word, and help people see Jesus in every part of their lives. Ultimately, ministry for me is simply about pointing others to the grace that has carried me through every season of life.