Josh Hershberger

Josh Hershberger (Staff photo by Ken Ritchie)

Seth Grundhoefer
Courier Staff Writer

Almost since he can remember, Josh Hershberger felt he had two callings in life: Practice law and ministry.

At 26 years old, the Hanover resident is a lawyer in Madison and serves as worship pastor and youth minister at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Hanover. His father also was a minister.

“It makes for some interesting days. I’ll be working on some complex federal election issue, and then an hour later I’m trying to avoid Whoopee Cushions from the teenagers,” he joked, adding that it “keeps life in focus.”

Through his law office, Hershberger works as a general practice attorney but takes a special interest in First Amendment law and representing nonprofits – which he often does pro bono, or without a fee.

“A lot of my friends went into the legal business to make money, and I’ve told them from the beginning that that was not my point, which is why I dedicate hundreds of hours a year for free,” he said.

He began the practice in February, and this year alone, he’s passed the Indiana and Kentucky bar examinations. He had planned to run for a Hanover Town Council seat in November, but dropped out of the race because he and his wife moved out of the district he had intended to represent.

Hershberger accomplished two major professional goals, but he constantly has two personal goals in the forefront of his mind: Give back to the community and inspire the youth.

He said he strives to lead by example and teach children that hard work and courage pay off.

Hershberger knows something about hard work, too. Just look at his resume. He earned a scholarship to Pensacola Christian College for his undergraduate studies. There, he played basketball and graduated summa cum laude. He also received a full scholarship to Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Michigan, where he graduated magna cum laude.

“I think a personal example with (the kids) goes a long way, because they can see through the facade real quick,” Hershberger said. “So, I’m trying to show them courage and hard work … and just to really grasp those things that you believe are your calling.”

Courtesy of the Madison Courier

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