Pastor & Mrs. Joseph Hawkins

Joseph Hawkins grew up in a broken home in Ohio. Church attendance was rare until his father began bringing him at around twelve years old. Though he attended for many years, he still lacked assurance of salvation — though his heart longed for it. During a week of revival meetings, Joseph became deeply aware of eternity without Christ. On April 22, 2007, he received Christ as his personal Savior, was baptized that very night, and surrendered his life to Him.

After salvation, Joseph sensed God had a specific plan for his life and began preparing for the gospel ministry, longing to one day pastor a church.

Esther Michael grew up in a pastor's home right here in Medford, Massachusetts. From a young age she was taught the importance of receiving Christ as her personal Savior. At seven, after hearing many Sunday-school lessons about the love of Jesus, she came to her mother asking about salvation — and was gloriously led to Christ that day. After graduating high school, Esther attended Fairhaven Baptist College, earned a bachelor's degree in education, and joined the staff at Fairhaven for several years.

In June of 2011, Joe and Esther were married and served together in Ohio at his home church for several years.

In 2016, God laid Medford on Joe's heart, burdening him to help his father-in-law's church. After much prayer, the family moved to the Boston area. In the spring of 2018, New England Baptist Church called Joseph to serve as its next pastor — where he continues to serve today. The Hawkins family has been blessed with five wonderful children.