About Pastor Hosea Emmanuel Irving
Pastor Hosea Emmanuel Irving grew up in a Chistian home and is a third generation Church of God in Christ member. His linage stems from his grandfather, Pastor Leslie Irving of Corcoran California, and his parents Deacon Sylvester, and Missionary Virgie Lee Irving. Pastor Irving’s family history on both sides includes Bishops, Pastors, Elders, Ministers, Deacons, and Missionaries.
Pastor Hosea Emmanuel Irving graduated from Ravenswood High School, East Palo Alto, CA. He earned his Associate of Arts Degree from Charles Harrison Mason Bible College, San Jose Campus in 1991. He continued his training for ministry at the Evangelical Training Association, Los Altos, California in 1992, earning a Ministry Preparation Class Certificate in biblical teaching.
In 1981 Pastor Hosea Emmanuel Irving yielded to the call of God and began his walk with the Lord at Friendship COGIC, San Jose California under the leadership of Pastor Kelly Smith. Pastor Irving has always had a passion for outreach. After accepting the Lord in 1981, he began to go out to shelters and minister to those who were lost. Numerous lives were touched, healed, and delivered under his ministry.
The Irving’s joined Redwood City COGIC in 1992 where Elder Irving became even more involved in the operation of the church ministry under the leadership of Pastor Ula Kepney and was soon appointed Assistant Pastor. Elder Irving was installed as pastor under the leadership of Bishop Robert-Richard Carr after the homegoing of Pastor Ula Kepney. The outreach ministries continued to grow. A food giveaway was established through the San Carlos Foodbank. A partnership with the Family Giving Tree allowed for expansion of a holiday giveaway to meet the needs of the homeless, seniors and children. A weekly AA Meeting was established.
Pastor Irving is married to the love of his life Dr. Darnice Milton Irving. To this union they have three amazing children; two daughters, one awesome son, ten remarkable grandchildren and one adorable great granddaughter.
The Irving’s relocated from San Jose to Fairfield, California in 2001 and continued to be faithful to Redwood City COGIC, commuting weekly to Redwood City for over 21 years.
The Irving’s established a Rehabilitation home Balm in Gilead Ministry in their San Jose property for recovering addicts, battered women and the homeless. Pastor Irving was committed to sharing the gospel and traveled three times per week to pray and study the Word of God with everyone in the house. Countless lives were changed, healed, and set free of their addictions.
In 2022 Balm in Gilead COGIC was established in Fairfield, California, where Pastor and Lady Irving continue to serve the community and share the Word of God weekly in-person and on Zoom. In addition to regular church services, Pastor Irving spreads the Word of God on KDIA each Sunday at 2:30 pm and is committed to his weekly Balm in Gilead Podcast.
Pastor Irving is Superintendent of the San Jose District, and an active Executive Board Member of Greater Northern California Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction under the leadership of Bishop Johnathan D. Logan, Sr. Pastor Irving has a passion for teaching the Word of God and soul