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.
Diego & KasidI ViAnna
Interim Student & 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.
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
Pastoral Staff
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.
MAdi Friend
HopeKids Assistant
Taylor Bacon
HopeKids Assistant
Betsy Jacobs
Communications Director
Ciera Agee
Project Manager
I am married to my best friend and I’m a momma of three powerful littles. There’s nothing I love more than pouring out my life for the sake of the Kingdom. I’ve been attending Hope Church for 18 years, it is my second home. I can quote any movie I’ve ever seen, I’ve mastered the art of being an outgoing introvert, and I have an unconventional love for pens and color coordination. I strongly believe that God cares about the little details and as the Project Manager, so do I.
Ian Crombie
media coordinator
Originally from Fort Worth, TX. I moved to Branson in 2019 for a video editing job. In 2020, a friend invited me to Hope Church where I became involved by volunteering to run the camera’s for Sunday morning live streams. My desire for Hope Church is that all the media will be produced professionally and bring honor to God. I love storytelling and I’m thankful for the like-minded people around me who desire to tell the story of Hope Church, and most importantly, the Gospel of Christ. Go Patriots!
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.
Nick Metz
Kitchen Manager
I am a proud father of one truly amazing son. God has given me such a passion for food and fellowship. I began my food journey learning from grandmother’s. Over the years I was honored with teaching at a culinary school. Hospitality is a deep expression of God’s heart to bring us together. A safe place to be fed and to build deeper relationships with one another and Jesus. God has invited us to His feasting table. It is my hope and my passion to join with The Father’s heart as he leads this community to His table. As we give Jesus the seat of honor I know our hearts will burn within us all.
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.
Julianna reaves
Office Coordinator
My amazing husband is the one who introduced me to Hope. We have a giant, fluffy dog named Dorothy and we are all about the little things. My faith and devotion to Jesus has grown exponentially since I’ve been at Hope and my goal as the Administrative Assistant is to make everyone feel as welcome as I did when I was visiting for the first time!
