A Message to the Converge Family
From John K. Jenkins, Sr., President
Dear Converge Family,
It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that I share the news of the unexpected passing of our dear brother and colleague, Dr. Bruce Hopler, who faithfully served as Vice President of Church Strengthening.
Since joining Converge in 2015, Bruce brought with him a profound passion for the spiritual formation of God’s people and a lifelong commitment to the mission of Christ’s Church. He was, at his core, a missional pastor—one who believed deeply in the ministry of reconciliation and the call for every believer to grow in intimacy with God, to live out a healthy identity in Christ, and to walk authentically with others in community.
Bruce’s life of ministry was marked by faithful leadership, visionary thinking, and a heart to see lives transformed. For nearly two decades, he served as the founding pastor of Cornerstone Community Church in Columbia, Maryland, shepherding a community where many came to faith and grew in their walk with Christ. His leadership extended across coaching church planters, developing leaders, and strengthening churches, always with a focus on holistic spiritual growth and the advancement of the Kingdom.
In his role with Converge, Bruce poured himself into strengthening our churches and leaders with wisdom, humility, and grace. He was a trusted voice, a faithful shepherd, and a man who deeply loved both the Church and the people he served. Many pastors, church planters, and ministry leaders across our movement worked closely with Bruce, and in this moment of grief, I want you to know that we see you. Bruce loved you deeply and counted it a privilege to serve alongside you. In times like these, we are reminded of our calling to bear one another’s burdens and strengthen one another in Christ. To me personally, Bruce was more than a colleague. He was a brother in ministry. He loved serving his community, sharing the gospel, and caring for people well.
While we mourn this significant loss, we also give thanks to God for Bruce’s life, his calling, and his unwavering dedication to Christ’s mission. As Scripture reminds us, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15).
Memorial Service Information
Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Canoe Creek Christian Church
4080 Pine Tree Dr.
St. Cloud, FL 34772
(View service livestream)
Thursday, June 25, 2026
First Baptist Church of Glenarden, MD
Following the close of the Converge Together Conference
(Time to be determined)
In this time of grief, I ask that you join me in lifting up Bruce’s beloved wife, Terri, and their entire family in prayer, asking the Lord for His peace, comfort, and abiding presence in the days to come.
With prayerful sympathy,
John K. Jenkins, Sr.
President, Converge