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.
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 Prayer Room, our growing creative community and lead worship.
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.
Tyler Batten
Communications and Associate Worship Pastor
I am a musician who loves the Gospel, my wife Kinsey, 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
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.
Kassi Kingsland
Elementary Service Coordinator
I am a passionate, invested, loyal sister, daughter and friend. My heart is to serve the Lord and my church. I love being challenged, meeting new people and connecting on a deeper level. My job here at Hope is to assist Pastor Mark in our children’s services, through creating a warm, welcoming and safe environment for our children as well as equipping them to succeed in their walk with Christ.
Aaron Edwards
Student Pastor/Guest Services
I am married to my best friend, I love community, food and coffee. I enjoy being active and love all things outdoors. I oversee the student ministry and am passionate about building the next generation of leaders into the truth of their identity as Saints!
Tim Burgio
Associate Student Pastor
My heart is to see each student seek the Father through prayer and relationship. As one of the Student Pastors, I have the privilege to connect with students and parents each week and encourage growth by focusing on opportunities that are available for everyone that walks through our doors.
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.
Gina Phillips
Director of Hope Intro and Life Groups
Helping people get connected and find their place in the body of Christ is one of the best parts of my job at Hope. I work primarily with our Life Groups, Hope Intro, and Hope Roots classes but also help with various activities and events throughout the year.
Brandon Cottey
media Pastor
Have you ever been impacted by media? Maybe a video or image has changed your thought pattern, resulting in a new culture that you now walk in every day. Media is a beautiful tool for us to use for the kingdom of heaven. It’s my desire that every form of media that Hope Church produces will be done with excellence and eternity in mind. I have the honor of leading like-minded individuals and together we are cultivating the culture of heaven on earth.
Cheree Whaley
Outreach Pastor
As Outreach Pastor at Hope, I help provide opportunities to get our Hope church body outside the four walls of the church and show the hope and love of Jesus to those in our community. Utilizing my social work background and ministry focus, I love to blend ministry and compassion with meeting practical needs and feel that this is an important component of our walk with Christ as a believer.
Ciera Agee
Administrative Assistant
I am married to my best friend and I’m a momma of two powerful littles. There’s nothing I love more than pouring out my life for the sake of the Kingdom. I’ve been leading worship for Hope Student Ministries with my husband since we were students ourselves. 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 Administrative Assistant, so do I.
Margie Bartlett
Hospitality Coordinator
I am a part of the body that is the bride of Christ. I love being a wife, mom, grandma and value my relationships both new and old.
At Hope, I cook and serve the Wednesday night meal, banquets, meetings and home delivered meals for those needing that service.
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.
Jason strother
Facilities Manager
I am interested in experientially knowing our Father and the mysteries of His Kingdom through our divine union with Christ. My desire is that every soul would awake to the remembrance of the completeness of who they are in Him and walk in the full stature of Christ proving the good, acceptable and perfect will of our Father over all that is seen and unseen. I am pursuing the full revelation of this reality with my charming wife and our two vibrant children. At Hope I’ve been given responsibility over the facility. The fulfillment of this position creates a foundation for every event we have here and my aim is to continually operate in this role at a level of excellence that ensures that the knowledge of the glory of God radiates throughout Hope Church illuminating our city, our region and all of creation.
Greta Jantz
Kidcare Coordinator
I was fortunate to marry my best friend, Ben. We have four amazing, occasionally ornery, children. I love working with the kids at Hope. Their honesty and individual personalities makes every day interesting, fun, and memorable. I’m so thankful for what he has done, is doing, and what’s to come. God is good!
Melissa Williams
Hope Kids - Service Coordinator
I am happily married to my better half and we have three amazing, beautiful children. We have attended Hope for over ten years and have been volunteering in the Prekids area for the last two years. I love seeing your children grow, thrive and develop their own relationship with Jesus!
Sable Foster
Hope Kids - Service Coordinator
Being born and raised in the mountains of Alaska, I never thought I would find myself in the middle of the “lower 48” in the Ozark Mountains. Thankfully, God’s plan is better than mine, and I would not want to be anywhere else. My husband, Jordan and I have been blessed with three children: Daniel, Daisy, and David. Jordan and I were newlyweds when we started attending Hope Church and we are so thankful that the Lord called us here to build a solid foundation.
