15: An Interview with Pastors Deb Hopper & Jenna Surratt
Chosen has become much more than a conference. It’s a celebration of women finding God’s purpose in their lives, a community, and a sense of belonging.
The Chosen Women’s Conference began under Pastor Deb Hopper’s leadership with a small team and no budget. With each passing year, Chosen grew, and in 2018, the leadership mantle of Seacoast Sisterhood passed to Pastor Jenna Surratt, who continues to help thousands of women find God and grow in their faith.
We hope you enjoy this interview with Pastors Deb and Jenna in honor of our 15th Chosen!
The Chosen Women’s Conference began under Pastor Deb Hopper’s leadership with a small team and no budget. With each passing year, Chosen grew, and in 2018, the leadership mantle of Seacoast Sisterhood passed to Pastor Jenna Surratt, who continues to help thousands of women find God and grow in their faith.
We hope you enjoy this interview with Pastors Deb and Jenna in honor of our 15th Chosen!
Deb Hopper
I am a daughter of the King, positioned by him to love and be loved. It is my great joy to walk alongside my daughters: Katie Walters, Jess Connolly, and Caroline Hopper, as they pursue their callings. Discipling others, whether teaching from Bible studies or my book Simply Pray, is where I feel God’s pleasure. I also serve as CEO of SEEN Moms, where I partner with a team making kingdom moves. As a proud Nonny, my favorite days are spent celebrating my 11 grandchildren, gardening, reading, cold-plunging, and painting watercolors.
How did God’s light first shine into your life?
Growing up in a traditional church in the 1970s, our youth group was introduced to new ways of developing a relationship with Jesus: worship with a guitar (instead of an organ and choir), taking walks with Jesus in the woods, and journaling our prayers. Our youth director used these experiences to introduce me to Jesus as my friend, and it ignited a fire in my heart at the age of 15, when I made a decision to follow him.
Did you always want to be involved in women’s ministry?
At 16, I felt called into ministry. But when I talked to my pastor about seminary, he indicated the only paths available for me were children’s or music ministry. I didn’t feel called or equipped for either of those, so I gave up on seminary and got a degree in Business Administration.
That degree provided for my family during my single mom years and served me well decades later in ministry: managing budgets and mining databases to know the women we were serving.
That degree provided for my family during my single mom years and served me well decades later in ministry: managing budgets and mining databases to know the women we were serving.
When has God shone his light into your life through friends?
In my thirties, I had three friends who longed as much as I did for more Bible study and teaching beyond Sunday mornings. This was before video studies, online Bibles or devotions, so we began attending Joyce Meyer conferences in various cities. We’d drive long distances, share a hotel room, and process what God was teaching us late into the night and on the drive home. We bonded as we grew in the Lord, and 30 years later, we remain connected by this sisterhood.
How did you become involved in women’s ministry?
Long before small groups were the norm, the church I attended in North Carolina asked me and another woman to start a group to reach younger women. We met on Saturdays for breakfast and studied women of the Bible. Soon, there were 50 women attending this group. Not only did we grow in our knowledge of God but also in support and encouragement of our various roles as women.
In the early 2000s, I became involved in women’s small groups at Seacoast and served as a coach with Pastor Betsy Smith. Although I was working full time in a corporate job, Pastor Betsy asked me to apply for a role as her assistant. When she retired, I began leading the women’s ministry in 2010.
In the early 2000s, I became involved in women’s small groups at Seacoast and served as a coach with Pastor Betsy Smith. Although I was working full time in a corporate job, Pastor Betsy asked me to apply for a role as her assistant. When she retired, I began leading the women’s ministry in 2010.
What concerns did you have in creating the Chosen Conference?
Though I had experience securing speakers for small events, a conference for the women of Seacoast seemed to require a level of national influence I did not possess.
Fortunately, Pastor Greg Surratt was 100 percent behind the idea, and he had the network to get speakers who would understand the needs of our women. I never worried about maintaining it, since God was leading us to start it.
Fortunately, Pastor Greg Surratt was 100 percent behind the idea, and he had the network to get speakers who would understand the needs of our women. I never worried about maintaining it, since God was leading us to start it.
How did you decide on “Chosen” for the name of the women’s conference?
In 2011, several women in Sisterhood began dreaming about the possibility of creating a women’s conference. Our central question was: What do women most need to hear? Despite numerous suggestions and brainstorming, nothing resonated—until the day I happened to read Isaiah 61.
The Sovereign Lord has filled me with his Spirit. He has chosen me and sent me to bring good news to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to announce release to captives and freedom to those in prison (Isaiah 61:1 GNT).
The answer came back clearly then: “Tell them they are Chosen.” There it was. Chosen. Period. No question mark. It suddenly seemed so obvious. Women needed to know they were chosen by God.
The Sovereign Lord has filled me with his Spirit. He has chosen me and sent me to bring good news to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to announce release to captives and freedom to those in prison (Isaiah 61:1 GNT).
The answer came back clearly then: “Tell them they are Chosen.” There it was. Chosen. Period. No question mark. It suddenly seemed so obvious. Women needed to know they were chosen by God.
What were some stand-out moments for you in Sisterhood?
There were close to 30 women who prayed for years for an evening Bible study. Their prayers were answered when we formed Sisterhood Evenings. Prior to that, only morning groups had been offered, and there were few options for women working during the day.
When have you thought: “This is why I’m doing this”?
I love seeing women begin to follow Jesus and grow out of a consumer mentality as they serve and step into leadership roles.
Describe the way you and your team selected the Chosen theme
each year?
each year?
We prayed and asked God what our women needed to hear and where they needed breakthrough. After the first year of knowing we were “chosen,” it followed that we needed to drill down into our true identity: Daughters of the King. Then, we knew that once identity is established, the enemy would come for us as daughters of the King, and we needed to be ready: For Such a Time as This.
How long did you serve as Seacoast’s women’s pastor?
I was on staff for ten years, but in the role of women’s pastor for eight.
What was it like leading a ministry and being on staff while your spouse served as a high-capacity volunteer?
Leading a ministry was only possible because my husband, Gibson Hopper, believed in my calling and supported it 100 percent. He never resented the long hours or many nights/weekends I spent at church or performing weddings and funerals. He was Sisterhood’s greatest supporter.
It was tricky to find a balance and required constant communication. We developed rhythms that worked with my weekend schedule. For example, Seacoast had Saturday night services then, and Gibson would have dinner and a movie ready when I got home at 8:00 pm, so we could still have priority time together before being at church for most of Sunday. On Sisterhood Evenings, he led a men’s group at the church, so we’d sometimes grab dinner beforehand.
It was tricky to find a balance and required constant communication. We developed rhythms that worked with my weekend schedule. For example, Seacoast had Saturday night services then, and Gibson would have dinner and a movie ready when I got home at 8:00 pm, so we could still have priority time together before being at church for most of Sunday. On Sisterhood Evenings, he led a men’s group at the church, so we’d sometimes grab dinner beforehand.
When and how did you know you were ready to transition out of being the women’s pastor?
When I turned 60, I knew the time was approaching when I needed to be more available for my marriage and family. Over the next couple of years, the Lord gave me a dream to do something new, and led me to transition off staff in May 2018.
What did you think was most important for Jenna to understand when she took over leadership as women’s pastor?
The most important leadership quality in ministry is to stay close to God and hear his voice, then cast vision to those who are listening and following. There was no doubt that Jenna had this kind of walk with the Lord.
What is it like being at Chosen and seeing over 2,500 women in attendance plus hundreds online?
It’s a manifestation of Ephesians 3:20, that is spoken every week at Seacoast. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…”
What have been some of your biggest takeaways and epiphanies as a pastor?
Going through hard seasons always gives us more compassion for others who are struggling. This past year, grieving the traumatic and sudden death of my husband has given me a fresh understanding of the impact of any loss on a believer’s life. It also has made me hyper-aware of utilizing scripture purposefully and effectively. As a result, I am slower to speak a scriptural promise or trite phrase over someone’s situation.”
What are you working on now?
A few years ago, I felt called to start a small gathering for single moms. God used the hardship of my years as a single mom in the ’80s to meet a current-day need. That small gathering became a non-profit organization called SEEN Moms that serves 75 moms and over 100 children at 3 different chapters in the Lowcountry. Seacoast Mount Pleasant is our newest chapter. Check them out!
What do you think is the most important reason women need each other?
We are made to be in relationship, and women especially need community. But in the context of Christian relationships, women need accountability in our faith walk so that other responsibilities don’t overtake our souls. Growth happens exponentially when we commit to being discipled together and point one another back to God’s Word.
Jenna Surratt
I’m wife to my best friend, Jason, mama to four of the most incredible humans on the planet, and I have the honor of serving as the Sisterhood Pastor at Seacoast Church. I’m passionate about reading God’s Word, staying active, and encouraging women to step out of their comfort zones and into their calling. I enjoy a variety of adventures and simply being in God’s creation. I experience God’s presence and peace most through scripture, sunsets, saltwater, and shark tooth hunting.
Has ministry always been a calling for you?
Growing up, I wanted to be an amazing defense attorney, just like Matlock. I wanted to investigate, uncover the bad guy, and bring freedom to those wrongfully accused. Being called to ministry was a great surprise! I feel like I am serving in a role where I have the opportunity to bring truth to those who are believing lies—just a little like Matlock.
How did you become involved in women’s ministry?
When I first accepted Christ, I didn’t have a foundation or community, and the enemy used that to pull me away from the Lord. Several years later, God brought some incredible women into my life. They helped me learn how to have an authentic relationship with the Lord. To create that same opportunity for others, I started leading a young women’s small group.
I became more involved with leadership in women’s ministry and, several years later, when a part-time position opened up, my husband encouraged me to apply. I’m not sure if he saw the calling on my life, or if he wanted me to get paid for what I was already doing. Regardless, I was offered the position in women’s ministry.
I became more involved with leadership in women’s ministry and, several years later, when a part-time position opened up, my husband encouraged me to apply. I’m not sure if he saw the calling on my life, or if he wanted me to get paid for what I was already doing. Regardless, I was offered the position in women’s ministry.
What was your initial staff role at Seacoast?
I started as a Sisterhood Small Group Coordinator, and then at the end of 2016, I told a friend, with great trepidation, that I felt God calling me to go through the Seacoast Staff Pastoral Training. I pursued that goal in early 2017.
How did you step into the role of director for women’s ministry?
In early 2018, I was skiing in West Virginia when I felt like God said, “I have another mountain for you to climb this year.” I was so excited; I started researching what it would take to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro!
I am pretty sure this made the Lord laugh. I was shocked when, within weeks, Pastor Deb told me she was stepping down and wanted me to consider filling her role. This felt WAY harder than climbing Kilimanjaro! I had all the concerns—four young children, little confidence, and relatively no vision.
But the Lord reminded me of the passage in Exodus 18 when Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, tells him that he is going to wear himself out, trying to lead alone. He needs to seek out people to help bear the burden. So, I asked the Lord for wisdom and clarity, and he showed me some women to ask to form a Sisterhood Lead Team. Leading alongside these women is one of the greatest joys and honors of my life.
I am pretty sure this made the Lord laugh. I was shocked when, within weeks, Pastor Deb told me she was stepping down and wanted me to consider filling her role. This felt WAY harder than climbing Kilimanjaro! I had all the concerns—four young children, little confidence, and relatively no vision.
But the Lord reminded me of the passage in Exodus 18 when Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, tells him that he is going to wear himself out, trying to lead alone. He needs to seek out people to help bear the burden. So, I asked the Lord for wisdom and clarity, and he showed me some women to ask to form a Sisterhood Lead Team. Leading alongside these women is one of the greatest joys and honors of my life.
What was it like planning your first Chosen Conference as the director of women’s ministry?
It felt intimidating for sure. Pastor Deb was always so visionary! She could see not only what was to come in the next season, but years beyond. I started to figure out how to not operate in my own strength and to gain confidence in the Lord.
The Chosen Lead Team has been a vital part of my personal spiritual growth and an incredible catalyst for the growth of the conference. This team seeks hard after God, prays fervently over every detail, and honors the strengths and gifts within each other in the most beautiful ways.
For the conference, it has always been our intention to be a river, not a reservoir—meaning: we want women to come in, experience God, taste community, but leave connected to ongoing community. We want them to find the Living Water that continues to flow. I’ve tried to emulate what we want to see grow in Sisterhood and to be creative in cultivating that connection and hunger for community.
The Chosen Lead Team has been a vital part of my personal spiritual growth and an incredible catalyst for the growth of the conference. This team seeks hard after God, prays fervently over every detail, and honors the strengths and gifts within each other in the most beautiful ways.
For the conference, it has always been our intention to be a river, not a reservoir—meaning: we want women to come in, experience God, taste community, but leave connected to ongoing community. We want them to find the Living Water that continues to flow. I’ve tried to emulate what we want to see grow in Sisterhood and to be creative in cultivating that connection and hunger for community.
What motivates you about women’s ministry?
Changed lives! I absolutely love when women’s hearts hunger for God’s Word. I love to hear about them encountering God through personal revelation. I love to see them strengthen one another and step into their God-given callings.
How did Sisterhood Mornings and Evenings start?
Seventeen years ago, I attended my first Sisterhood Mornings, though it was called Dive Deeper then. We came together for worship and had a menu of studies from which to choose. I was so excited about a space where I could go with childcare, coffee, and adult conversations about Jesus!
Under Pastor Deb’s leadership, we also started Sisterhood Evenings, and it continues to evolve. Mornings or evenings, this sisterhood time is a sweet way to be a part of something bigger, while still maintaining the intimacy that only a small group can provide.
Under Pastor Deb’s leadership, we also started Sisterhood Evenings, and it continues to evolve. Mornings or evenings, this sisterhood time is a sweet way to be a part of something bigger, while still maintaining the intimacy that only a small group can provide.
What are some stand-out moments for you in Sisterhood?
There are so many stories! But it’s always about the “one.” When one person discovers the hidden gems in God’s Word, when one person is healed or set free from years of baggage. When one person finds a safe refuge of community, when one person is moved to get baptized. When one person walks in obedience to what God is calling her to do—especially when it’s hard and scary.
What are some stand-out moments during Chosen?
In 2015, I met Lauren Goulette at the end of the Chosen Conference. Almost immediately, I knew we would be friends, but I had no idea she would become one of my strongest ministry partners. I’ll never forget Chosen 2023—Deeper—when our team felt so strongly that there would be a lot of baptisms. Yet, going into the last session, there were only a handful of women signed up.
As our Response Time began that night—a time that gives people space to actively connect with the Lord— Lauren came up to me and said she had our first baptism: it was her! Her stepping forward first broke the dam. Hundreds of women were baptized that night and reborn in Christ.
As our Response Time began that night—a time that gives people space to actively connect with the Lord— Lauren came up to me and said she had our first baptism: it was her! Her stepping forward first broke the dam. Hundreds of women were baptized that night and reborn in Christ.
Describe the way you and your team select the Chosen theme each year?
I ask the Lord, and he begins to put things on my heart and in my spirit. Then, he confirms it with his Word and with the team through pictures and scriptures. Sometimes, its SUPER obvious. Sometimes, it’s more of a slow burn. But it’s always so amazing!
While planning Chosen over the years, what might have started as a challenge, but turned out better than you imagined?
Deeper—2023—was my hardest Chosen. Leading up to the conference, I experienced enemy attacks and spiritual warfare to a degree I didn’t realize possible: division between the closest friends and teammates, extreme challenges in marriage, confusion, sadness, and exhaustion.
A couple days before the conference, I called Pastor Julie Hiott, a long-time Seacoast staff member whom I respect greatly. We went to battle together in prayer. Then, I walked out to the ocean and baptized myself. I felt release, freedom, and breakthrough. It was a prophetic act, a precursor for what the Lord was going to do through baptism for so many women in the coming days at the conference.
A couple days before the conference, I called Pastor Julie Hiott, a long-time Seacoast staff member whom I respect greatly. We went to battle together in prayer. Then, I walked out to the ocean and baptized myself. I felt release, freedom, and breakthrough. It was a prophetic act, a precursor for what the Lord was going to do through baptism for so many women in the coming days at the conference.
How do you encourage and develop the gifts of your team?
I enjoy seeing the strengths in people and calling them out before they think they are ready. I develop our team through one-on-one meetings, retreats, and group training sessions. Oftentimes, it’s about bringing in people who are way better than me in specific areas and asking them to do trainings or to impart their wisdom to us.
How do you balance family and ministry?
Family is always first, but I’ve learned there are some things that only I can do, so I try to do those and make myself available for my children and husband as often as they need me. As our children have gotten older, the physical demands have shifted to more emotional needs, and often, I feel like I am doing ministry from sunup until well past sundown. But I love it and wouldn’t trade it for anything!
With both you and your husband on staff, how do you support each other as you serve?
One of my daily prayers is that God would help me respect and delight in Jason, noticing him, preferring him, and treating him with loving concern, treasuring him, honoring him and holding him dear (Ephesians 5:33). Sometimes, it is really challenging, but we both help to strengthen, encourage, and pray for one another.
I often say “Jason is the BEST Chosen husband.” He is all in on Chosen week, whether running errands, buying me flowers, listening to my speaking run-throughs. He is there for it. And I strive to do the same for him when he has important things going on.
I often say “Jason is the BEST Chosen husband.” He is all in on Chosen week, whether running errands, buying me flowers, listening to my speaking run-throughs. He is there for it. And I strive to do the same for him when he has important things going on.
How have you grown as the pastor for women? What have been some of your biggest takeaways and epiphanies?
I have grown in confidence of who I am in Christ and what he has called me to do. I consider this calling to be one of the greatest honors. My biggest epiphany is understanding that I could never do this alone. I try to focus a lot of my energy on empowering women to do what God has called them to do and encouraging them along their journeys.
What ideas and plans do you have for Sisterhood in the future?
I’m dreaming here. I’d love to take a Sisterhood group to Kauai, Hawaii and do an adventure retreat. Anyone in!? Seriously though, I try to stay in step with the Lord and go where he is guiding. I feel as if there is great value in smaller retreats, getaways, and gatherings. We’re trying some things to determine what the Lord has next for us.
What do you think is the most important reason that women need each other?
We need to spur one another on to grow closer to God, bear one another’s burdens, and enjoy this life! Pain shared is pain divided. Joy shared is joy multiplied.
