Leadership
Our team
Gary hay
Senior 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.
Josh Thompson
Associate & Worship Pastor
I am a husband of one fiery redhead, father of 3 beautiful red-headed girls, love God, love hanging with people, and absolutely love to drink coffee and read! I lead worship, speak, lead the young married community, lots of leadership stuff and do even more behind the scenes.
Charity Herrmann
Creative Arts / Administrative 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.
Tyler Batten
Associate Worship Pastor/Communications
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
Vickie Melton
Early Childhood Director
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.
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 succeed in their walk with Christ.
Aaron Edwards
Student Pastor
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 Youth 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.
Jsason 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!
Gina Phillips
Director of Hope Intro/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
My job is to effectively communicate with our church family and our city everything that is happening at Hope Church. Doing my job well means every time you see, or come in contact with anything associated with Hope Church, you’ll be able to see the heart of this church. People passionately in love with Jesus.
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.
Andrea Barber
Administrative Assistant/Guest Services
I moved to Springfield in 2011 and knew Hope was home as soon as I stepped in the doors. I am so thankful to the Lord for giving me this awesome church family while living so far from home.
My role at Hope is leading our Guest Services team at the front desk.
I am anchored in the truth that God is faithful and can be trusted. It is my passion that all would know that there is true joy and hope found in Him.
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.
Melissa Williams
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.
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.
