MeET The Hedges

Aaron and Alicia Hedges come to Calvary after ministering as an assistant pastor in Portsmouth, Ohio for six years and most recently in Delaware, Ohio for nine years. This is their story.

I was born in Canton, Ohio and was led to the Lord at the early age of four. Following a service at the fall mission’s conference at my church at the time (Massillon Baptist Temple), I told my parents that I wanted to accept Christ as my personal savior. They took my forward and led me in prayer and I came to know the Lord as my savior that night. I continued to grow in the Lord throughout my education at a small Christian school, but a significant point in my life came when my father left my family. At the age of eight, I struggled with this especially when my older brother and only sibling left the house and I encountered the new responsibilities of being the “man around the house.” This was the point when I had to decide to give complete control to God. Though my earthly father left, my Heavenly Father would never leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). From that moment on, I have continued to try to live a life that is intentionally more dependent upon God.

Since then, God used me to be an example to others who were going through similar situations. Upon entering high school, my teachers, family, and friends seemed to see leadership qualities in me, and they encouraged me to consider going into the ministry. As a freshman in high school, I was counseled by my youth pastor and another godly man as I continued to pray and consider full-time vocational service for the Lord. In the fall of 1999, I went forward in my home church (now Canton Baptist Temple) to commit my life to service for Christ. My desire has been to use all of the gifts and experiences God has provided for me to use for whatever He leads me to do.

In the fall of 2000, my wife (Alicia) and I began dating and since then have desired to not only spend the rest of our lives together but to also strive together to serve the Lord wherever he leads us. Alicia and I were married on December 23rd, 2006 and have enjoyed partnering in ministry. In 2013, we began to form a conviction, based upon our best understanding of God’s Word, that parents (and grandparents) are the primary disciple makers in their children’s (and grandchildren's) lives. Since this time, our ministry efforts have been focused on not just exclusively working with certain age-groups, but working to equip each person (whether child, parent, or grandparent) to fulfill their biblical role. On April 8, 2014, Eleanor “Ellie” Michelle Hedges was born. She is our first-born child and a beautiful gift from God! Becoming parents has enhanced our ministry in many ways and we are grateful that God has given us the tremendous honor of raising Ellie in a manner that will bring glory and honor to Him!

In July of 2015, we were given the opportunity to enthusiastically carry a family ministry vision at Delaware Bible Church where we have had the privilege of ministering to a variety of ages and life stages. One year later, on July 3, 2016, we welcomed our son, Ethan, into the world and cannot imagine our family without him. In January of 2022, God surprised us with the news that we were expecting our third child. On August 25, 2022, we welcomed Evelyn into our family. God continues to use all three of our children to shape us into the image of His Son.