About Poor Bishop Hooper
It didn’t take us long to start writing, recording, and performing together after our marriage in 2013. What began as a duo, weaving together a patchwork of melodies atop an upright bass and a guitar, has since blossomed into numerous, multi-faceted expressions of music and art, all based on the scriptures. We’ve been blessed with the opportunity to share our ministry in many different ways - ranging from full band, heavy mood moments like that of The Golgotha Experience, to stripped and simple collections of traditional Hymns, to the expansive EveryPsalm project.
We’ve shared these ministries with thousands around the country, in concert halls, prisons, and living rooms, focusing our live efforts on underserved communities whenever we can. Our hearts for the Creator and for his endless and bountiful inspiration are ever growing. In turn, our creative work follows his lead. We’re thankful for all that we’ve been able to experience, and for all those who support what we’re doing! We currently reside in Grandview, MO (just outside Kansas City) with our three children.
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What We Do
Our ministry operates in three primary ways:
Scripture-Based Music
We delight in presenting the LORD’s enduring word through song. Whether it’s writing word-for-word scripture memory songs from Philippians, or exploring what it was like to be Peter in the moment he denied Christ, the beauty of God’s word is worth our creative efforts! We write and record all of the music in our home studio, and share it freely.
Written Resources
We love to accompany our musical works with visual art and written resources, expanding the scope and impact of the songs. From Psalter books full of chord charts, to visually beautiful devotionals aimed at taking the reader into deeper relationship with God, we love to explore the union of art, music, and writing.
Live Events
There is no replacement for live music. And when we center that gathered musical experience on Jesus, He often does amazing things, both seen and unseen. Each year we dedicate a portion of our efforts to sharing our projects in churches, prisons, and other underserved communities around the country.
What's with the Name?
We’re often asked about our band name… The short answer is we desired a name that was unique, creative, and pointed to Jesus. Upon a dear friend’s suggestion (while reading Foxe's Book of Martyrs), we went with "Poor Bishop Hooper."
Bishop John Hooper was an Anglican Bishop in the early 1500s. A reformer, he was martyred in 1555 for being involved in the vestment controversy amongst other accusations. He was imprisoned and asked to recant of his positions numerous times, which he would not do. Finally he was burned at the stake. The event was particularly gruesome, with the fire going out multiple times in the process. It’s said to have taken his executioners far longer than normal to end his life.
We're amazed at his story. His devotion to Jesus and his faithfulness even unto death is extraordinarily admirable. In some small way we wanted to honor this man with our name. But we also desired a moniker that could lead to conversations about the better man, Jesus. Since the beginning, it has certainly done just that.
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