Inside Out: Beginning on a personal note, where were you born and raised?

Jeremiah Lopez: Tucson, Arizona.

IO: Did you go to College? And, if so, when and where?

JL: ExCeLL through Texas Bible College, Leadership Training Center, and my Pastor’s “Conner’s Boot Camp”.

IO: Do you work a secular job outside of ministry? If so, where, and how does that affect your ministry?

JL: I drive a school bus. Though not the grandest of jobs, this helps out great with my schedule as a Youth Pastor and Youth President.

IO: Tell us about your family?

JL: My beautiful wife, Marie, is from Phoenix, AZ; we met at a youth convention here in Tucson. We have two handsome boys: Solomon (5), Jonathan (2), and one more boy (Paul Marcus) on the way, due August 4th.

IO: What is your favorite food?

JL: Carne Asada Tacos and Rib eye Steak

IO: If you could have dinner with one person that is alive today and that you have never met, who would it be?

JL: George W. Bush

IO: Who is your historical hero?

JL: Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Urshan

IO: Do you have a hobby?

JL: Basketball

IO: What is your favorite book?

JL: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

IO: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

JL: Hawaii

IO: If someone wrote a biography of your life, what would be the title?

JL: La Vida Loca, “The Crazy Life”, of Jeremiah Lopez

IO: Has there ever been a time when you felt like you didn’t know God’s will?

JL: Yes, many times. In one particular time of my life, all my peers were taking off in their ministry, and I was going nowhere with mine. I learned to let God in His perfect timing unfold His plans for my life.

IO: Today’s youth are dealing with issues that no other generation has had to face; what do they need to survive?

JL: A made-up mind to serve God no matter how many times you fail—to understand no matter how many times you fall short, all God asks for is repentance. Saul failed, but was not quick to repent when Samuel the Prophet pointed out his sin. David failed, but was quick to repent when Nathan the Prophet pointed his sin out.

IO: When did you first know you were called to preach?

JL: I was 17 and felt God tugging at my heart. As I was reading one day the first chapter of the book of Jeremiah I felt from God his confirmation to me for ministry.

IO: Is it what you imagined?

JL: No, I have learned preaching is only 20% of the ministry and 80% percent is work. Ministry is all about servant-hood.

IO: What do you think about your position as Arizona Youth President?

JL: Wow! Truly never thought I would be in such a position to serve in a million years. A huge responsibility, yet honored to be serving and wouldn’t trade my time as the AZ Youth President for anything.

IO: What would you say to a teenager that wants to become a district youth president?

JL: Serve! Learn to be a team player and always stay submitted to your pastor and elders.

IO: What makes Arizona special?

JL: Truly our young people, but definitely not the 100 degree weather! J