Kirk was born and raised in Fairport, NY - a suburb of Rochester. He is a graduate of Cedarville College (BA-Pre-Seminary Bible, 1990), Grace Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity, 1993) and Biblical Theological Seminary (Doctorate of Ministry, Advanced Missional Leadership, 2010).
Kirk has served and led the local church since 1994 in various roles. He has 2 years of experience in church planting, 14 years in leading as an associate pastor in a large church of 3,000 and has served as Lead Pastor of Hope Community Church since 2011. He also is an Adjunct Professor at Lancaster Bible College/ Capital Seminary.
Kirk’s greatest joy in life is living rightly and helping others live rightly. He says, “What else can be more fun and provide more joy than having the right attitude, the right response, and doing the right thing in all the challenges and circumstances of life. Life is hard and there is nothing better than doing it rightly. I believe that rightness is revealed in Jesus, whom I have discovered through serious questioning, searching, and reflection in the Bible and other works of history. I've discovered him to be "the Way, the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6).
Kirk enjoys backpacking, trout fishing, hunting, working in the garden and spending time with his wife Valerie, their 5 children (and their spouses) and 2 grandchildren.
Email him at Kirk@hopechurchonline.org for any questions or to set up an appointment to meet with him.
Joe was born and raised in Phoenixville, Pa., just outside Valley Forge National Park - a suburb of Philadelphia. He attended Millersville University and began his commercial insurance career when he was invited to attend a local church by a friend. He met his wife and best friend, Betsy, after playing volleyball at the church ice cream social in 1991. They were married in October 1992 and eventually moved to King of Prussia, Pa. Joe completed his master's degree at Cairn University and comes to us after working for over 13 years in pastoral ministry.
Joe says, “My purpose in life is to experience God’s presence, faithfully allowing God to use me as a transformational influence, inspiring others to maximize their God-given potential.” His passion comes Jeremiah 9:23-24; Romans 12:1-2; John 10:10. He says nothing compares to living with purpose, on purpose and helping others do the same.
Joe and Betsy live in Mount Joy. They have two grown children; a daughter and son-in-law who live in Georgia and a son who lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia. In his spare time, Joe enjoys playing golf, running, watching sports (especially Eagles football), reading, going to the beach, and spending time with his family.
Email him at joe@hopechurchonline.org for any questions or to set up an appointment to meet with him.
Sam was born in California and lived there until he was nine, when he moved to Mount Joy, PA. He attended Lancaster Bible College and a few months after graduating, was introduced to his wife, Taylor, by a mutual friend at a worship night. They got married in 2017 and soon after moved to Payson, AZ, where he served as Recreation and Program Manager at a year-round Christian camp. After five years of serving there – and a lot of prayer and consideration – Sam and Taylor felt God calling their family back to PA to serve in church ministry.
Sam shares, “My purpose is to show people Christ and help them grow in their understanding of who God is so they can walk faithfully and purposefully with Him.” Matthew 11:28-30, Matthew 28:18-20, and Colossians 3:15-17 have always been sources of encouragement and inspiration for him as he walks with the Lord and allows Him to help him leads others.
Sam and Taylor have two young boys who are hilarious, sweet, and social little guys! In his spare time, Sam loves playing ultimate frisbee, watching sports (Go Giants!), playing games, and spending time with his family.
Contact Sam by emailing him at samuel@hopechurchonline.org.
Becky was born and raised in Lancaster county and graduated from Lancaster Bible College. She has been involved in Children's Ministry for 20 years and has served as the Children's Ministry Director at Hope since 2006. She and her husband live in Elizabethtown with their one son. Some of Becky's hobbies include reading, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite verse is Isaiah 40:31- "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Email her at Becky@hopechurchonline.org for questions specifically related to Kingdom Kids (ages birth to 5th grade).
Kris was born and raised in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania where she still lives with her husband Jerry and their four sons. Brought up at the Hershey Evangelical Free Church, she started attending Hope with her young family in the spring of 2001. Kris has been involved in multiple ministries within the church and currently works in Kingdom Kids and the Awana program.
In her free time Kris enjoys baking, gardening, doing historical crafts and volunteering on the board of three non-profits. Her favorite verse is Galatians 2:20 which she first memorized while on the Bible quiz team in middle school. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
