Staff

For email contact please see the Contact Us page.

Leadership Team

Tim Ralston, Director
Susan Burdick
Dwight Carter
Loren Ensz
Nick Martineau
Herk Russell
Matt Shepherd
Brian Truskett
Stephanie Ward
Steve Weldon

Steve Weldon - Senior Pastor

Steve was asked by Hope's founding families to be the planting pastor of Hope Community Church back in 1988, and he continues to teach before the body most Saturdays and Sundays, as well as leading a Bible study in his home and other classes or events from time to time. Steve has a passion to reach those who don't know Jesus, wherever and whoever they are, and tell them how much God loves them. His desire to teach and learn more about God’s Word has taken him to faraway places such as the Philippines, Israel, Egypt, India, China, Tanzania, Ghana, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

Tom Howland - Pastor of Pastoral Care

Since coming to Hope in 1998, Tom has been a steady hand in many areas of ministry. He currently oversees Pastoral ministries such as the Stephen Ministry and Burden Bearers at Hope. He believes God gave him a desire to see people come to maturity in Christ, and he helps in that process through teaching, exhortation, ministry development and administration. Tom is also involved with the Butler County Sheriff’s Department as a reserve officer and chaplain.

Bill Beahm - Pastor of Ministries and Administration

Pastor Bill came to Hope from the National Center for Fathering originally in a part-time role. But his valuable experience soon thrust him into a full-time position overseeing the adult, children, and youth ministry staff members. His work involves him in teaching adult classes, building and encouraging home churches, bringing in guest teachers to Hope, and coordinating special conferences and teaching events. With his passion for seeing adults grow wise and strong in their walk with Jesus, he’s certain God led him to Hope in His perfect timing. Bill also teaches a Religion course at Butler Community College.

Eric Hauck - Pastor of Worship Arts

Eric came to Hope in 2010 after serving as the worship leader of the contemporary service at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, OH. He is a classically trained celloist and performed in the DePauw Symphony Orchestra. He has written and recorded 3 CDs of original music. In 1997, he toured and played in singer/songwriter Rich Mullins’ band. He has also toured with various Christian artists including Rebecca St. James, John Michael Talbot and Mitch McVicker.

Nick Martineau - Pastor of College and Young Adults Ministries

Nick is bringing young adults together to learn, worship and build relationships in their own unique ways. Using service projects, retreats and lots of fellowship opportunities to reach out to young adults, his ministry has brought many young adults into livelong relationships with each other and God. Before coming to Hope, he served as a senior pastor at a small “cowboy church” in Texas. He also has a heart for missions, and directs the iloveorphans.com organization.

Mark Hershey - Pastor of High School Ministry

Mark earned his BA in Pre-Seminary from Cedarville University in 2007, then his Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 2010. He has served in a number of positions at churches and youth centers including Youth Pastor, Youth Ministry Intern, Sermon Researcher, and Worship Director. Mark has known he was being led to serve in ministry since he shared his testimony at a post-football game party in high school. He believes it is essential to be committed to discipleship within the church, and that performance, programs and size all need to take a backseat to discipleship.

Shane Friesen - Pastor of Middle School Ministry

Shane, who has been working with the youth of Hope since 1995, has long had a passion to see young people begin to make an impact on their world and culture. He likes to help kids cultivate their gifts, engage the culture, and leave some Jesus behind because of the way they lived their lives. Shane stays connected to the kids by immersing himself in all things middle school – music, movies, games. It helps to have five children of his own.

Roanne Gale - Pastor of Children’s Ministries

Roanne oversees all of the children’s programs: Sunday School, Kids’ Night, Vacation Bible School and Junior Camp; age infants through 5th grade. And if you’ve ever seen what a beehive of activity there is around Hope with these kids, you know how big a job that is. She helps adapt or create curriculum for the classes, and develops parent communications. Roanne took on this role full-time in 2000 after serving on a part-time basis since 1991.

Pam Howland - Pastor of Elementary Ministries

Gifted with a love for teaching, Pam works tirelessly alongside Roanne Gale and the many volunteers involved with Kids of Hope. Her passion is helping children understand God's love for them, and guiding them into a relationship with His Son. She believes 1 Timothy 4:13-17 sums up why she serves at Hope. And, yes, she is Pastor Tom’s wife.

Sharon Weldon - Director of Bullfrogs and Butterflies Preschool

Sharon loves taking polliwogs and caterpillars and watching them become Bullfrogs and Butterflies. Her passion for teaching young children is evident in her credentials: more than two decades of early childhood teaching experience; BA in social work; Child Development Associate Degree by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition; and is a member of the Wichita Association for the Education of Young Children.

Joel Ybarra, MS, LMFT - Individual, Couple and Family Therapy Counselor

Joel is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Kansas. He graduated with a Master of Science in Family Therapy from Friends University. He lives in Andover with his wife and two daughters. For more information, visit Counseling.

Laurie Blaha - Office Administrator

When you call the Hope offices, you’ll most likely hear Laurie’s cheerful voice saying, “Hello!” Laurie and her husband Paul, and 3 sons have been longtime Hopesters.

Larry Cox - Director of Facilities

Larry puts his hands-on skills to use directing the maintenance of the Hope campus, and leading a ministry of volunteers who assist in all of the maintenance tasks.

Katherine Cox - Director of Publications/Events/Volunteers

Katherine takes the lead on planning for the many events held at Hope during the year. She also coordinates many volunteer opportunities, and coordinates production of newsletters and various printed communications.

Angie Friesen - Controller

Angie's accounting background brings a great benefit to Hope, as she manages all budgets and watches for trends and opportunities. Angie also helps direct Hope’s Orphan Care ministry.