CM Hoecherl, known as Pastor Mike, is loving a Husband, Father and friend who is currently Pastoring in South Texas. His wife Timmie is his best friend and faithful ministry partner. Timmie works in the central office of a local school district and leads the women's ministry at their campus, as well as partnering in many other ministries with her husband. Pastor Mike has two Children: Son Kennedy and Daughter Payton. Kennedy who is himself married to the lovely Mackenzie works as a welder and is pursuing God in their marriage. Payton is a senior in high school, looking to major in early childhood education and serves as a singer on the worship team and campus social media director. 

Pastor Mike grew up in some of  the toughest neighborhoods of Racine, WI, raised by divorced parents who, caught in the chaos of their own struggles, often handed him off to one another when they grew weary of responsibility. Raised in poverty, Pastor Mike quickly found himself on a destructive path, acting out in increasingly violent ways. At just 11 years old, he fell in with older kids from the neighborhood and began stealing. By 17, he had been in and out of juvenile detention and even served time in a boys' prison.

His life took an even darker turn after a theft involving firearms during his senior year of high school, leading to his conviction and time in a men’s prison, where, as a young man, he faced tremendous challenges. Struggling with anger and the loss of his freedom, Pastor Mike spiraled out of control. He was charged with battery against two guards, resulting in an additional 15 years in prison and placement in administrative solitary confinement.

After two and a half years in solitary confinement, Pastor Mike had a profound encounter with Christ, resulting in his surrender to Jesus as savior and king. Years later after a lengthy appellate process which resulted in losing his appeal, he accepted that God wanted to use him where he was. But just ten months later, the unexpected happened: the circuit court judge revisited his case. A letter from a guard—one who had witnessed Pastor Mike's transformation—helped sway the judge, who reduced his sentence from 24 years to 10. After serving 11 years and 3 months, the next morning Pastor Mike was released.

This moment marked the beginning of his journey of redemption in ministry. Since his release, Pastor Mike has devoted his life to serving Christ. He began his ministry career while still incarcerated in 2000 as part of a Discipleship Training Program, later facilitating future classes. In 2007, after his release he entered full-time vocational ministry and began formal Christian education at Trinity International University. Over the years, Pastor Mike has held several leadership roles, including Youth Pastor in Wisconsin, Campus Director at Youth for Christ SEWI., Executive Director at a Christian camp in Idaho, and is currently the campus pastor of BT Church Kingsville in southern Texas. He has also volunteered with organizations like Christian Camping and Conference, Youth Specialties, NYWC and Planet Wisdom, as well as serving as a teacher, speaker, and missions leader.

Today, Pastor Mike is passionate about sharing his story of redemption, grace, and transformation. As a prayer warrior, evangelist, and disciple of Jesus Christ, he continues to serve and inspire others with God’s testimony through his life. Romans 1:16; Matthew 5:16