From Rome to Revival: The Journey of Faith Leading to the POPI Choir and the Legacy of Dr. Ludie L. Hoffman
A Historical Narrative from the Catholic Church to the Protestant Reformation, the Azusa Street Revival, COGIC, COTLG, the House of Prayer (Notasulga, AL), Foundations of Faith, and the Priests of Praise International Choir (POPIChoir.net)
Christian history moves like a great river—flowing from ancient roots through reformations, revivals, holiness movements, and modern expressions of worship. The spiritual lineage culminating in Foundations of Faith and the Priests of Praise International Choir (POPIChoir.net) is part of this timeless river, but it is also the deeply personal story of Dr. Ludie L. Hoffman. His family heritage, spiritual experiences, and divine calling form a tapestry woven by God Himself.
This article traces that journey—from Catholic origins to Protestantism, from Azusa Street to Pentecostal and holiness traditions, into southern sanctified churches, and ultimately into the creative, Spirit-led ministry of Foundations of Faith and the POPI Choir.
1. The Catholic Church: The Western Foundation of Christian Structure
For centuries, the Catholic Church served as the core institution of Western Christianity—shaping doctrine, preserving Scripture, and sending missionaries across the world. Its liturgical structure laid the groundwork for reformers to build upon.
2. The Protestant Reformation: A Return to Scripture and Faith
The 16th-century Protestant Reformation challenged the church to return to:
Biblical authority
- Salvation by grace through faith
- Christ-centered teaching
- Simplicity in worship
- The movement expanded into America, giving rise to Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and other denominations. This diversity prepared the soil for future revivals.
3. The Azusa Street Revival: The Outpouring That Shook the World
In 1906, William J. Seymour led the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles. The Spirit fell in such power that:
People spoke in tongues
- Miracles and healings broke out
- Racial and social barriers dissolved
- Holiness and sanctification were emphasized
- A new sound of praise emerged
- Azusa Street became the foundation for modern Pentecostalism and deeply influenced all holiness denominations that came after.
4. COGIC & COTLG: The Rise of Holiness-Pentecostal Identity
COGIC – Church of God in Christ
Bishop Charles Harrison Mason’s COGIC movement combined holiness teachings with Pentecostal fire, producing strong preaching, prayer culture, and iconic gospel choirs.
COTLG – Church of the Living God
COTLG upheld apostolic doctrine, sanctification, Spirit-filled worship, and the operation of the gifts. This holiness tradition preserved the spirit of Azusa within southern communities.
5. The House of Prayer (Notasulga, Alabama): A Southern Fountain of Holiness
In Notasulga, Alabama, the House of Prayer Church carried forward holiness traditions, spiritual discipline, and expressive Pentecostal worship. It shaped generations of believers—teaching them to pray, worship, fast, and seek God earnestly.
6. The Spiritual Heritage of Dr. Ludie L. Hoffman: A Family Built by Many Streams
Dr. Hoffman’s heritage forms a powerful blend of the major Christian traditions still influencing worship today.
Methodist Roots Through Paternal Forefathers & Grandmother
His paternal family walked in Methodist faith—United Methodist, AME Zion, and Wesleyan holiness. His paternal grandmother reinforced:
Personal holiness
- Education and discipline
- Hymn-based worship
- Order and structure in ministry
- Baptist Roots Through His Maternal Grandmother
His maternal grandmother added the strength of Baptist tradition:
Strong preaching - Scriptural study
- Community influence
- Faith-centered family culture
- Pentecostal Roots Through His Mother and Great Aunt
From his mother and great aunt came the power:
Prayer and fasting - Holy Ghost worship
- Prophetic utterance
- Miracles, healing, and faith
- His Own Discovery of Non-Denominational & Interdenominational Ministry
As he searched the Scriptures, Dr. Hoffman embraced:
Relationship over denomination - Unity among believers
- A Bible-first ministry approach
- Worship unrestricted by tradition
- This blend prepared him for a unique calling from God.
7. The Anointing: Fasting, Prayer, and the Divine Transfer
Throughout all his heritage, Dr. Hoffman understood one truth:
History alone cannot produce a movement—only the anointing can.
The Bible teaches:
“Desire spiritual gifts…” (1 Corinthians 12:31)
“And yet I show you a more excellent way—love.” (1 Corinthians 13)
Driven by this Word, Dr. Hoffman fasted, prayed, and earnestly asked God to magnify the anointing on his life—specifically to organize, unify, and manifest choirs for the glory of God.
He did not seek fame.
He did not seek position.
He sought the anointing.
The Impartation Moment: The Georgia Mass Choir Concert
During a Gospel concert featuring the Georgia Mass Choir and led by Dr. Milton Biggham, the Holy Spirit moved in an unforgettable way.
In the midst of the service, Dr. Biggham was uniquely led by God to single out Dr. Hoffman from the crowd.
Before the entire assembly,
Dr. Biggham laid hands on him.
At that very moment,
Dr. Hoffman felt what he later described as a real and undeniable transfer of the anointing—a commissioning to do what God had placed in his spirit:
organize choirs,
- write music,
- lead singers,
- impart worship,
- and build a sound that would bless the nations.
- From that altar moment forward, the anointing for choir ministry did not simply increase—it ignited.
8. Foundations of Faith: The Unified Expression of Many Streams
Foundations of Faith Missions International comesingle stand together in a single stands as the ministry where all these influences—family heritage, biblical study, denominational exposure, and supernatural anointing—merge into one calling. The ministry reflects:
Catholic structure - Protestant reform
- Methodist holiness
- Baptist preaching
- Pentecostal power
- Non-denominational openness
- Interdenominational unity
- Anointing born through prayer and impartation
9. Priests of Praise International Choir (POPIChoir.net): The Sound of a Heritage and an Anointing
The POPI Choir is more than a musical group—it is a manifestation of everything God poured into Dr. Hoffman:
the order of Methodist choirs
- the scriptural strength of Baptist worship
- the fire of Pentecostal praise
- the freedom of non-denominational creativity
- the unity of interdenominational fellowship
- and the anointing imparted during the Georgia Mass Choir concert
- This choir is the sound of legacy + prayer + impartation + calling.
It is the sound of purpose.Thecome together in a single
Conclusion: A River, a Calling, and an Anointing
From the Catholic Church to Protestant reform…
From Azusa Street to holiness traditions…
From rural Alabama to global worship…
From Methodist, Baptist, and Pentecostal roots…
To a supernatural impartation of anointing…
To Foundations of Faith and the Priests of Praise International Choir…
The journey of Dr. Ludie L. Hoffman proves one truth:
When history and heritage meet the anointing, a movement is born.