Pastor couple earns third degree together
The Hoytes are pictured as they received their Yoke Fellow Award from Masters International University. This is awarded to couples in special recognition of the unity and bond shared both in study and ministry. (Photo Credit: First Assembly of God)
Senior Pastor Reverend Wayne Hoyte and Co-Pastor Joycelyn Hoyte of First Assembly of God Church in the British Virgin Islands have accomplished a historic three-peat graduation feat, with the award of their Doctoral degrees from Masters International University in Melbourne, Florida.
On February 11, Dr Wayne Hoyte graduated with a Doctoral Degree of Divinity – Old Testament, New Testament and Theology.
Dr Joycelyn Hoyte obtained her Doctoral Degree in Biblical Studies, with an emphasis on Biblical Counselling.
She spoke about the significance of the accomplishment. “This graduation is special because it represents the third time that we are graduating together as a couple from the same institution. In addition, it is the fulfillment of a life-long dream for both of us to have achieved this level of academic excellence in our respective ministries.”
The couple completed an Associate Degree in 1987 from the Barbados Baptist Theological College; a Master of Arts Degree in 2012 from Masters International University; and the Doctoral Degree from Masters International University this year.
Furthermore, Dr Joycelyn Hoyte noted: “For the second time, both at the Masters Level and at the Doctoral Level, we received the ‘Yoke Fellow Award’ in recognition of the unity and bond shared both in study and ministry. For us, this is indeed a remarkable achievement, considering the existing demands and responsibilities we share together in ministry, yet we were able to achieve this milestone.”
The Hoytes are pictured with President of Masters International University Dr Denis Frey following their graduation ceremony on February 11, 2017. (Photo Credit: First Assembly of God)
The completion of the Doctoral degree has provided an opportunity for the two pastors to become more versed and knowledgeable in their subject disciplines.
They believe the next step in ministry is according to God’s will for their lives, and they are looking forward to sharing their ministry with the wider British Virgin Islands community and beyond.
Dr Wayne Hoyte explained: “In the area of Biblical Counselling, we would especially like to teach Christians how to apply the scriptures to areas of weakness and challenges in their life, and how they can profit from the truths of the Bible. Since learning is a lifetime journey, we will continue to remain current with advances in our areas of discipline, so that we can be the best that God wants us to be.”
He added: “We definitely plan to share our testimony through inspirational and spiritual literature, and we want to find more effective and modern ways of reaching lives for Jesus. Building the ministry at First Assembly of God will remain a focal point of our attention as we purpose to be faithful to the call of God on our lives.”
In addition to their respective roles as senior pastor and co-pastor at First Assembly of God Church in Lower Estate on Tortola, the Hoytes are hosts of the Radio Broadcast ‘Family Life’ on ZKING 100.9 FM. The programme is broadcast on Tuesdays at 8pm.
The Hoytes are also proud parents of three – Gabrielle, Brent and Charis.
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