Leadership
Our team
Josh Thompson
Lead Pastor
I am a husband to Kristi, and dad to our 3 beautiful daughters. I love people and I’m passionate about Jesus. I enjoy reading, mowing, good coffee, and lots of laughing! We came to Hope in 2002 and I’ve been the Worship Pastor until stepping into the Lead Pastor role in June of 2019. I love the church and I’m committed to seeing transformation take place in the lives of people, families and our city.
Gary hay
Founding Pastor
The last thing I ever envisioned would have been doing what I do today. Yet, one encounter with God changes everything. I am persuaded that in the fall of 1993 the Lord began to soften my heart to the prospect of leaving the ministry I loved so much in a great church in Phoenix to return to my hometown… Springfield, Missouri. The thought of leaving the significant role I played in that ministry was extremely unappealing and the prospect of planting a church was even more so! But in the end it became a joy and a dream that continues to this day. Starting with four committed families and no money, we have seen miracle after miracle as the Lord has built an enduring and awesome church family. I am eternally thankful that the Lord invited me to accompany Him on this journey we now know as Hope Church!
The unfolding revelation of who He is will fascinate us for the rest of our days and beyond. I want to teach, equip and lead as many people as possible, here and abroad, to know, to love and to serve the Lord and those for whom He died.
Paul Harris
Associate and Connections Pastor
I am husband to Cindy and dad to Emily and Payton. We have attended Hope since 2007 and absolutely love being part of this body. I am passionate about Jesus and connecting His people with their identity in Christ. I am driven to help others align their God given passions and dreams with God’s desires to bring His Kingdom to Earth. I’m excited to see all God will do through all of us to impact our homes, our neighborhoods, our world.
Charity Herrmann
Worship and Creative Arts Pastor
I love Jesus, my amazing husband, my beautiful daughters, a close community of family and friends, a strong cup of coffee, a well-crafted song and a good laughing fit. At Hope, I oversee the Worship and Creative community.
Vickie Melton
EArly Childhood and Administrative Pastor
I am a wife and mother who values my family and my faith. My desire is to see my own children and the children of Hope be all that God has called them to be. At Hope, I oversee infant – 5 year old ministries along with an amazing team of people who are committed to sharing the love of God with your child.
Mark Johnson
Children’s Ministry Pastor
My relationship with Jesus has revolutionized my life and my heart’s desire is to help others, especially kids, experience the true joy which only comes from knowing and following Him. I strive everyday to facilitate and empower kids and families to develop lifelong relationship with Christ.
Steve Rahn
Hope Student's Pastor
I am a husband to my amazing wife Brooke and dad to 4 kids! We love traveling, the outdoors, great coffee, and a well written book! Our heart is to empower the next generation, form the next wave of missional disciples, and partner with the move of God in our time.
Diego & KasidI ViAnna
Young Adult Pastors
We are passionate about Jesus, people, and food! Our favorite place to be is around the table with friends and family. A few things we really enjoy are traveling, reading, hanging outside, going on walks, playing music or just sipping a gold ol’ cup of coffee somewhere hipster. Our family’s cry for our generation is wrapped up in Psalm 34:8, “Oh, taste and See that the Lord is good!”
Kristi Thompson
Women's Pastor
I have an amazing husband, 3 beautiful girls and I get to do life with a lot of great people. My desire is that every woman is able to be a part of encountering God, no matter what season they are in. Amazing things happen when we gather together to connect and share. We become whole, healthy and free.
Dan & Sharon Kuert
Seniors pastor
Sharon and I moved to Springfield, Missouri in 2016 and thought we were retiring. However, God had other plans. We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve. We absolutely love serving the 55+ age bracket at HOPE.
Psalm 92:14 “ They will still yield fruit in advanced age, they will be full of sap and very green. The best is yet to come.
Tyler Batten
Associate Worship Pastor
I am a musician who loves the Gospel, family, friends, adventure, and food. I love the community of Hope Church and I do anything and everything I can to make Hope a place where people can experience the transforming Power of our Heavenly Father.
Ephesians 4:4-7
Aaron Edwards
EQUIPPING PASTOR
I am married to my best friend and am a proud father to my amazing son! Community, food, and great coffee are all things that I love as well as being active and all things outdoors. I am passionate about seeing everyone walk in wholeness with our body, soul & spirit. It is a joy to help equip the church body to walk in its fullest measure of what we are called to be. God has invited us all to participate in seeing his Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven!
Denée Fay
Local Outreach Director
Originally from Ontario, Canada, I moved to Springfield in 2008 to attend Bible college. During that season, I met my husband Alan. We settled down in Nixa and have two young kids Ellie and Jordan. I love hosting people in our home for dinner, playing card games, play dates at the park, and cheering for the Cowboys. Many of our vacations are spent in Florida visiting family and taking our kids to Disney World.
My faith is at the heart of everything I do – it’s what compels me to serve and share what I have with others. My role at Hope is to provide opportunities for you to serve our local community as God’s hands, feet and voice to those who need to discover how much He loves them.
MONICA MOELLER
PreKids Director
I am married to the man I have loved my whole life and we have a beautiful daughter Oliviah. We began attending Hope in the fall of 2016. Here we have grown in love, grace, and revelation of God’s heart. I have a passion to see children and families do the same. My heart is to assist children in walking through the doors that God has open for their lives as they come to know His character. I am honored to work alongside a group of people who are dedicated to seeing people the way that God sees them.
sarah soriano
Prekids coordinator
I am married to the love of my life, Matt, and we have 4 beautiful children. We have called Hope our home since 2017. I love working back in the Prekids area each week, watching all our little ones grow in their love for Jesus and truly seeing them experience God’s love! My role in Prekids allows me to use my gifts in creativity and joy to make sure every child knows that they are seen and loved.
In my spare time you will find me doing anything crafty whether that be cricuting, making cakes, party planning, or hosting! I also love to laugh and sing!
Amber Cron
Prekids Leader
I assist with crafts and the special needs ministry, ensuring that kiddos have fun and feel safe at Hope Church. I love long walks talking to Father God; enjoying a good cup of coffee paired with a homemade dessert and deep conversation, and hanging out with my best friend husband. God has blessed me with an amazing family. Weekly we take time to adventure in nature together to explore the beauty of God’s creation, have spontaneous worship parties declaring truth over the world, and end the week relaxing with a pizza and movie night. Oh, and I’m a minivan soccer mom. No bumper stickers…yet. In my spare time you will find me doing anything crafty whether that be cricuting, making cakes, party planning, or hosting! I also love to laugh and sing!
MAdi Friend
HopeKids Assistant
Taylor Bacon
HopeKids Assistant
Betsy Jacobs
Communications Director
Sydney Hammon
Communications manager
My desire is to minister to the heart of the Lord. I love Jesus, He has transformed my life and I am passionate to see Him do the same in others. I have grown up visiting Hope, and after completing ministry school in Northern California, I made the move to Springfield in the fall of 2022. Now I call Hope home. I love a good sense of humor, great coffee, and playing games. It is a joy to be on this incredible team, be a part of this incredible house, and watch Jesus do only what He can do.
Justin davis
Technical Manager
I am a husband to my beautiful wife Aston. I have been in Springfield my whole life and I have been attending Hope Church since 2019. Serving in several different positions over the years. I have a burning heart for this Church body. I love extending Hope Church’s influence through our city and online to all of the nations.
Maggie Brookman
Business Manager
As the Business Manager for Hope Church I handle the gifts you give through your generous donations as well as taking care of the church’s financial expenses, Human Resources and insurance needs. I am married to my wonderful husband, Randy Brookman and we have been a part of the Hope Church family since the second year of its inception.
Shawn Hammon
Kitchen Coordinator
As the Kitchen Coordinator, I have the opportunity to serve Hope Church in a really special way. As someone who has a heart for hospitality, serving, and loving people, I get to incorporate all of those things in my day to day work. Whether it’s working alongside our incredible volunteers to serve Wednesday night dinners to our busy church families or keeping the Coffee Bar stocked for our teams to serve coffee each Sunday morning, I believe Jesus uses all of it to help people feel seen, known and loved by Him.
Jon Cron
Facility Manager
My desire is that people would encounter Jesus in a way that changes their entire paradigm. I believe this life is best lived through radical obedience and servant leadership. I am confident the church is being actively equipped and uniquely designed to accomplish whatever mission God has for us. I believe this for every individual as they exist in their unique Great Commissional Sphere of Influence. I love living this life with my family. I enjoy coffee in the morning, being outside, walks with my wife, and any conversation that causes me to think.
Megan Hadinger
Executive Assistant
I am a wife to my amazing husband, Joey. We love life in the country and doing anything that gets us active and outside or involves food and coffee. I’ve attended Hope Church since 2019. What drew me here was the overwhelming sense of community and belonging that I felt almost immediately upon visiting. “Nothing is more appealing than speaking beautiful, life-giving words. For they release sweetness to our souls and inner healing to our spirits.” Proverbs 16:24
Misty Lokovich
Administrative Assistant
My husband, Chris, and I, along with our three children became a part of the Hope family in April 2017. We absolutely love this house and all that God is doing here! I believe that everyone has a story, but your story isn’t who you are. You are Sons & Daughters of the Most High. I am passionate about seeing others & meeting them exactly where they are at. I want to live my life as an extension of the hands & feet of Jesus. I am so honored that I get to live that out as an administrative assistant at Hope.
In my spare time, I enjoy baking, writing, reading, crafting, drinking coffee, playing games with my family, and cheering for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Nicole Campbell
Office Coordinator
Mother to 4 beautiful girls, and one handsome boy. I have a passion for family, friends, and people. I love a good, hot cup of coffee, deep conversations, and blankets! I am beyond grateful and know without a doubt God in His mercy brought myself, and my family here to comfort those in our community with the same comfort we have received. I love getting to serve this community, and long to see healing and hope fill the hearts of the brokehearted.