Hogan's Journey
About The Hogans
Jim and Debbie Hogan are co-founders of Standing Stone Ministry, whose journey together spans over five decades of marriage, ministry, and profound transformation. Their story began in 1969, marked early by tragedy when Debbie lost both her parents and godparents in a plane crash at age 19. Through this crucible of loss, and with Jim’s steadfast support, they learned invaluable lessons about faith, resilience, and God’s faithfulness that would later become foundational to their ministry.
More About The Hogans
Ambassadors for Christ
Jim’s path led from successful businessman to ministry leader, while Debbie’s journey took her from USC graduate and teacher to becoming a vital force in women’s ministry. Their complementary gifts became evident during their years of church leadership in Orange County, where Jim served as elder board chairman and executive administrator of one of the nation’s largest churches, overseeing 150 employees including 15 associate pastors. During this same period, Debbie spent 11 years as a teaching leader and Titus Mom for MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers), mentoring countless young mothers and later becoming a sought-after speaker throughout Southern California.
Their vision for ministry to pastors crystallized after Jim’s completion of The Master’s Program under Bob Shank and Debbie’s parallel journey through The Partner’s Program. In 2002, they launched Standing Stone Ranch in Southwest Colorado, offering week-long retreats for ministry couples. This initiative expanded in 2011 into Standing Stone Ministry, reflecting their deep commitment to shepherding those who shepherd others. Their 2013 book, “Shepherding Shepherds: The Standing Stone Story,” captures their remarkable journey and ministry philosophy.
Together, Jim and Debbie bring unique strengths to their role as Field and Retreat Shepherds. Jim’s business acumen and leadership experience combine with Debbie’s gift for hospitality and intuitive understanding of ministry family dynamics to create transformative experiences for the couples they mentor. Debbie’s legendary cooking skills and warm presence complement Jim’s strategic vision and passion for helping others discover their calling as ambassadors for Christ.
Parents to two married sons and grandparents to six grandchildren, the Hogans model what it means to balance family life with kingdom impact. Their own marriage journey, including its trials and triumphs, provides authenticity and depth to their mentoring relationships. Through Standing Stone Ministry, they continue to invest in strengthening ministry leaders and their spouses, leaving a legacy of restored marriages, renewed purpose, and refreshed hearts in His service.
Based in Orange County, California, Jim and Debbie remain actively engaged in their calling to support those who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Their partnership in life and ministry demonstrates the power of discovering and embracing one’s true purpose – moving from success to significance, from merely doing to truly being ambassadors for Christ.
Latest Book Highlights:
“What Do You Want to BE When You Grow Up?” : “A Journey from Doing to Being!”
Personal Journey: Jim’s candid account of his transformation from a success-driven businessman to a purpose-filled ministry leader.
Identity in Christ: Explores the profound difference between “doing” and “being,” encouraging readers to find their true identity as ambassadors for Christ.
Life Lessons: Shares valuable insights gained from both business ventures and ministry experiences, offering a unique perspective on faith and leadership.
Practical Wisdom: Provides actionable advice for navigating life’s challenges and discovering God’s purpose for your life.
Ministry Leadership: Offers specific guidance for pastors and ministry leaders, addressing common struggles and offering solutions.
Inspiring Stories: Features testimonials from individuals whose lives have been impacted by Jim’s mentorship and Standing Stone Ministry.
Biblical Foundation: Grounds all teachings in scripture, providing a solid theological basis for becoming an ambassador for Christ.
Standing Stone Ministry Highlights:
Founded in 2002: Born out of Jim and Debbie Hogan’s personal experiences and desire to support ministry leaders.
Retreat Programs: Offers restorative retreats for pastors, missionaries, and their spouses, providing a safe haven for rest, renewal, and mentorship.
One-on-One Mentoring: Provides personalized support and guidance to ministry leaders facing various challenges.
Field Shepherds: A network of experienced mentors who offer ongoing support to ministry leaders across the country.
Preventative Care: Focuses on proactively addressing common issues in ministry to prevent burnout and moral failures.
Holistic Approach: Addresses spiritual, emotional, and practical aspects of ministry life and leadership.
Global Impact: Has served thousands of ministry leaders from around the world, strengthening churches and ministries globally.
Confidential Support: Offers a safe, confidential environment for leaders to share their struggles and find healing.
Couples Ministry: Recognizes the importance of strong marriages in ministry and provides specific support for pastoral couples.
Resource Development: Creates and distributes valuable resources for ongoing ministry health and leadership development.
Successful Leadership Transition: In 2022, Jim and Debbie Hogan passed the baton of leadership to Dr. Jeramy and Jerusha Clark, ensuring the ministry’s continued growth and impact for future generations. This smooth and intentional transition demonstrates Standing Stone’s commitment to sustainable, long-term ministry support.
Expanding Vision: Under the Clark’s leadership, Standing Stone continues to innovate and expand its reach, building on the strong foundation laid by the Hogans while bringing fresh perspectives and approaches to ministry care.
Jim Hogan is a husband, father, author, speaker, and the co-founder of Standing Stone Ministry, dedicated to supporting and mentoring Christian leaders. His life journey is a powerful testimony to God’s transformative work and the pursuit of true significance.
Early Years and Business Career:
Born into a challenging family environment marked by his father’s struggle with alcoholism, Jim learned resilience and adaptability from a young age. These early experiences shaped his character and instilled in him a deep empathy for others facing life’s struggles.
Jim’s professional life began in the business world, where he achieved considerable success in various ventures, including insurance and manufacturing. His entrepreneurial spirit and keen business acumen led to the creation of several successful companies, including Heads Up Inc., which grew to over $3 million in annual revenue.
Spiritual Awakening and Ministry Calling:
Despite his professional achievements, Jim felt a growing sense that there was more to life than material success. A series of personal challenges and spiritual encounters led him to a profound realization: true fulfillment comes not from what we do, but from who we are to be in Christ.
This epiphany set Jim on a new path. Alongside his wife Debbie, he began to explore ways to use his gifts and experiences to serve God’s kingdom. Their journey led them to Colorado, where they built a log home that would become the birthplace of Standing Stone Ranch.
In 2002, Jim and Debbie founded Standing Stone Ranch with a mission to support and strengthen ministry leaders. Drawing from their own life experiences and guided by their faith, they created a haven where pastors, missionaries, and their spouses could find rest, renewal, and mentorship.
Under God’s leadership, Standing Stone grew from a small retreat center to a nationwide network of support for ministry leaders. The ministry’s impact has touched thousands of lives, strengthening churches and ministries around the world.
Author and Speaker:
Jim’s experiences in business and ministry, combined with his passion for helping others discover their true calling, led him to write his book, “What Do You Want to BE When You Grow Up?: A Journey From Doing to Being”. This powerful memoir and guide challenges readers to look beyond mere doing and to embrace their identity as ambassadors for Christ.
As a speaker, Jim has inspired audiences across the country with his authentic, down-to-earth style and profound insights on faith, purpose, and leadership.
Legacy and Transition:
In 2022, Jim and Debbie successfully transitioned the leadership of Standing Stone Ministry to Dr. Jeramy and Jerusha Clark, ensuring the ministry’s continued growth and impact for future generations. This transition exemplifies Jim’s commitment to stewardship and his trust in God’s ongoing work through the ministry Debbie and Jim founded.
Personal Life:
Jim has been married to Debbie for over 55 years. Their partnership in life and ministry is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the power of a shared vision. They are proud parents of two sons with wonderful wives and six grandkids, finding joy in family and continuing to serve as mentors and encouragers to many.
Today, Jim continues to write, speak, and advocate for ministry leaders, embodying his lifelong commitment to being an ambassador for Christ and empowering others to do the same.
–
Support Jim at Standing Stone Ministry
Debbie Hogan is a woman whose life exemplifies faithful service, intentional mentoring, and transformative ministry leadership. As co-founder of Standing Stone Ministry with her husband Jim, she brings over two decades of ministry experience and deep wisdom gained through profound loss and abundant joy. After losing both her parents and godparents in a tragic plane crash at age 19, Debbie’s journey led her to discover a personal relationship with Jesus that would shape her entire life’s purpose.
A graduate of USC and former teacher, Debbie’s gift for nurturing others found powerful expression during her 11 years as a teaching leader and Titus Mom for MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers). Her involvement in numerous women’s ministries and charities in Orange County has created a lasting legacy of transformed lives and strengthened families.
Throughout her marriage to Jim since 1969, Debbie has modeled what it means to be a true partner in both life and ministry. When Jim served on the elder board and later as executive administrator of one of the nation’s largest churches in Orange County, Debbie gained a firsthand understanding of the unique pressures facing ministry families. This experience, combined with her completion of The Partner’s Program (the spouse track of The Master’s Program), prepared her for their future calling to shepherd ministry couples.
In 2002, Jim and Debbie began operating Standing Stone Ranch in Southwest Colorado, hosting ministry couples for week-long retreats designed to establish lasting mentor relationships. Their vision expanded in 2011 with the founding of Standing Stone Ministry, and in 2013, they captured their journey in their book, Shepherding Shepherds: The Standing Stone Story.
At Standing Stone Ministry, Debbie’s intuitive understanding of ministry life and her gift for hospitality create safe spaces where authentic mentoring can begin. Her legendary cooking skills complement her commitment to prayer and empathetic listening, providing both physical and spiritual nourishment for the women and couples they serve.
As the mother of two married sons and grandmother of six grandchildren, she understands the delicate balance of family life and ministry. Her life is a testament to God’s faithfulness and ability to work all things together for good, even in times of life’s deepest sorrows.Through Standing Stone Ministry, she fulfills her calling to strengthen those who strengthen others, leaving a legacy of restored marriages, renewed purpose, and refreshed hearts to those she serves.