Rev. Tobias K. Houpe, Director of Operations for HoupeActs Learning Center LLC, holds a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Fine Arts (Drawing and Painting). Rev. Houpe is a dedicated missionary, minister, educator, and community servant. A native of Columbus, Ohio, Rev. Houpe was licensed to preach the Gospel of Christ in 2011 and ordained in 2017.
Ministry and Education
Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. C. Dexter Wise III at Faith Ministries Church in Columbus, Ohio, Rev. Houpe serves as an Assistant Minister. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The Ohio State University, where he studied extensively in the Department of Black Studies, participated in several Black student organizations, and represented the College of Fine Arts in Student Government during his senior year.
While attending The Ohio State University, Rev. Houpe began a Bible study for fellow college students and pioneered a ministry at the Training Institution of Central Ohio, a maximum-security juvenile facility. He also mentored young people and provided faith-based guidance to individuals seeking positive life change.
Campus and International Ministry
Rev. Houpe served for 10 years with Campus Crusade for Christ, including as Campus Director for Clark Atlanta University at the Atlanta University Center and as a staff member at Tuskegee University. He also completed an international ministry program of study in Bakersfield, California, through Agape International Training.
He is the Founder and Executive Director of the African American Christian Connection, a 501(c)(3) international ministry. With more than 35 years of missionary service, Rev. Houpe’s dedication to missions has been shaped by a quote from missionary C. T. Studd: “Some want to live within the sound of church and chapel bells, but I want to run a mission…”
Missionary Service and Travel
In 1989, while serving with Campus Crusade for Christ, Rev. Houpe made his first international mission trip to South Africa during apartheid and a national state of emergency. In 1994, he relocated to Cape Town, South Africa, during the nation’s first all-race election. During that time, he also worked as an investigative journalist and columnist for the Call & Post and Columbus Post newspapers and appeared on several radio broadcasts and a local television talk show.
His missionary service has included extensive international travel throughout South Africa, Turkey, India, Italy, England, the Dominican Republic, and several nations across Africa. In 1995, he partnered with a Christian Native American missions team and later participated in 14 summer mission projects on Navajo reservations in Arizona and New Mexico. He was also honored to have a Native American child named after him.
Public Service and Educational Support
In 2003, Rev. Houpe was invited by then-Ohio Senator Ray Miller to serve as a Legislative Assistant at the Ohio Statehouse before returning to journalism. From 2008 to 2010, he served as Youth Pastor at Maple Street United Methodist Church in Lancaster, Ohio.
Current Ministry Leadership
Rev. Houpe currently leads Faith Ministries International Ministry and serves as Special Assistant to the President, Rev. Dr. C. Dexter Wise III, of the International Fellowship of Faith Ministries, which has chapters in 50 nations and continues to grow. He has also been appointed Director of Missions for Tel International, a missions agency located in Dallas, Texas.
Writing Projects and Family
Rev. Houpe is currently authoring three books, including an autobiography focused on his experiences as an African American missionary. He is also developing a book and lecture series.
Awards and Recognition
• Columbus Association of Black Journalists (CABJ): Recognized for accurate and professional coverage of African American and minority communities.
• Police Officers for Equal Rights: Outstanding Journalism Award.
• The Ohio House of Representatives, 12th General Assembly: Recognition for exceptional talent and leadership skills.
• Outstanding Young Men of America: Honoree.
• Training Institution of Central Ohio (TICO): Citations for volunteer work, including coordinating sports competitions between incarcerated youth and Ohio State University athletes.