Our Team

The leadership team provides vision, oversight and organization to God's purposes at Hopewell.

Leaders include paid pastoral staff and volunteer elders. Our staff handle the myriad of administrative details necessary to successfully fulfill our mission.

Meet Our Pastors

Gary Buck

LEAD PASTOR & LEAD ELDER

BA in Bible, and a Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies from Lancaster Bible College.

I was not born into a Christian home, but at the age of 8 I began asking questions about Jesus. I wanted to know who He really was. My parent's best friends had recently become born again believers, and I asked them if I could start going to church with them. My parent's friends were kind enough to pick me up each Sunday morning, and I just absorbed hearing the good news of Jesus Christ in my Sunday School class. I don't remember saying a prayer of salvation. I just knew I believed in Jesus, and I repented of my sins. I remember coming home from church each week, telling my parents all about what I had learned, but of course, I was not able to fully explain what Christianity was to them. Fortunately, after lengthy conversations with their believing friends, my parents both put their faith in Christ around the same time as each other, and we started attending church together. Not long after that, we discovered Hopewell, where we immediately felt at home.
I am married with four children.
The best time to reach me in the office is Tuesday through Thursday and occasionally on Mondays.
Outside of the office, I like to watch soccer, write music, read history books, and write.
Do you have any pets? We have one dog and too many reptiles.
My favorite worship song is Beautiful Exchange. It is a powerful ballad that poetically captures the depths of what God has done for us. "You were near though I was distant, Disillusioned, I was lost and insecure, Still mercy fought for my attention, You were waiting at the door, Then I let You in, Trading Your life for my offenses, For my redemption, You carried all the blame, Breaking the curse of our condition, Perfection took our place." And for fun, I enjoy listening to film scores, U2, Rich Mullens, and I still keep DC Talk in the rotation.
What movie can you rewatch over and over and not get bored? I love just about any sword and sandal movie set in the time period of ancient Rome or the Middle Ages.
What book do you recommend people read? If you like your theology heavy and rich, I recommend The Cross of Christ, by John Stott.
Favorite dessert? Chocolate and peanut butter anything.
My last meal would be a genuine Philly cheesesteak.
My favorite verse is Colossians 1:28-29. "We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me."
What's a random, fun fact about yourself? I was planning on being a Disney animation artist before deciding to go to Bible College.

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Rick Taylor

PASTOR OF CARE & ADMINISTRATION & ELDER

BS in Communication and Media from SUNY at Fredonia, NY.

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Kobi Martin

ASSISTANT PASTOR
Children’s Ministry
Double major with Bible and Pastoral Ministry and minor in Children & Family Ministry from Lancaster Bible College

I have grown up in church. My dad was in ministry for most of my life. Middle school is when my faith began to become my own and high school is when I started taking my relationship with God more seriously.
I am joyfully married to my wife Kirsten and we very much enjoy our little girl.
Outside of the office, I like to read and play board/video games. Be outside. Spend time with my family. Listen to music.
What book do you recommend people read? I have really been enjoying everything Brandon Sanderson writes (fiction). But for non-fiction, Side by Side: Walking with Others in Wisdom and Love by Ed Welch is a great book about who we are and how God wants to use us.
Favorite dessert? I love fresh fruit pies! Chocolate and peanut butter are amazing. Making them into ice cream is even better.
My favorite verse is Romans 5:8. "But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
What's a random, fun fact about yourself? For a long time, my only allergy was to preservatives in contact solution. Then one year, I drove the tractor to cut the hay at the family cabin, and discovered a brand new, and very fearsome, allergy to hay.

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Nick Koehler

ASSISTANT PASTOR
Family Ministry
Master's of Divinity in Theology and Apologetics at Liberty University. Certified marital and premarital coach and trainer through Prepare/Enrich and a certified marriage mediator through XO Marriage.

I came to faith out of a teaching about Paul and the confidence he had in walking out his Christian faith and heard the gospel for the first time when I was 15. I have continued to pursue a biblical faith, and I have been passionate about sharing my faith and teaching others to gain a deeper understanding of life in the Kingdom of God.
I have been married since 2011 to my wife, Melissa and we have two sons: Caleb (in High School) and Micah (in Middle School).
You can reach me in my office Monday - Thursday; however, my phone is set to forward calls to my cell.
Outside of the office, I like to work out, play guitar, and write and record music. I am a published author and I love reading and writing on the topics of practical theology and marriage and relationships.
Favorite lyrics: "Beautiful Exchange," by Hillsong Worship. "When only love could make a way, You gave Your life in a beautiful exchange."
What movie can you rewatch over and over and not get bored? I'm a big movie guy, and much to my wife's dismay, I can watch any good movie multiple times :)
What book do you recommend people read? I'm a big proponent of spending most of my reading time studying the Bible, but aside from that there are a few great books I love and would recommend including Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton, and Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel.
Favorite dessert? Apple crisp or apple pie with vanilla ice cream. Yum!
My last meal would steak and smoked brisket! If it were my last meal, I'd toast up some naan and slice up steak and do a steak and cheese melt with mushrooms. I'd have caprese on the side, some deviled eggs, and chicken wings with bleu cheese.
My favorite verse is Joshua 1:8-9, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
What's a random, fun fact about yourself? I am self-taught on 4 instruments, and I had a previous career prior to my call to ministry as a Certified Forensic Interviewer doing theft investigations in the private sector.

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Yanic Francis

ASSISTANT PASTOR
Youth Ministry
Bachelors in Pastoral Ministry with Biblical Studies from Lancaster Bible College

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I grew up in a Christian home going to church every Sunday. There was never a time where I thought there was not a God. However, even though I understood the idea of who Christ was, he was not the Lord of my life. I came to faith as a result of my realizing, through the Holy Spirit, that I cannot live for both myself and God and that God wanted all of my life laid down. Christ was and is lovingly continuing to grow me in my faith as I learn to abide in his goodness and what he has done through the Cross.
While part time I can best be reached in office on Mondays and Wednesdays
Outside of the office I like to hang out with friends and family, workout, eat /cook good food, and listen to a good podcast or sermon.
Favorite lyrics: “I’ve Tasted And I’ve Seen” by Caleb Bachtel.
“I love you Lord, With every single part of my heart mind and soul, Because I’ve tasted and I’ve seen, And you are better than my wildest dreams, From now on till eternity, Oh I’m not ever going back”
Favorite dessert? Almost anything, but sticky toffee pudding with ice cream is hard to beat.
My last meal would be… well my friends know me for having frequent food cravings, so whatever I am craving at that moment is genuinely my favorite food and last meal.
My favorite verse is Psalm 73:28 – But as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my refuge, so I can tell about all you do.
What’s a random fun fact about yourself? I am an Identical twin

Meet Our Elders

Kenny Christman

Elder

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Nathan Desch

Elder

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Tom Davenport

Elder

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Tim Gehman

Elder

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Tim Murray

Elder & Treasurer

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Jon Spahr

Elder

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Church Elders are men who provide primary leadership & oversight, teach, and care for the flock of God. 1 Timothy 3:1-5

A Biblical Elder is a shepherd who's primary responsibilities are:

To lead the church - 1 Timothy 5:17, Titus 1:7
Teach & preach the Word of God - 1 Timothy 3:2, 2 Timothy 4:2
Protect the church from false teaching - Acts 20:17, 28-31
Encourage & warn the church with sound doctrine - 1 Timothy 4:13, Titus 1:9
Visit the sick & pray - James 5:14, Acts 6:4
And judge doctrinal issues - Acts 15:6

Meet Our Staff

Administration

Mike Rapak

Communications Director

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I was raised in a semi-Christian home. We went to church, but faith wasn't the center of the family dynamic at home. My faith began to grow and develop when I attended a local youth group's Easter egg hunt and started attending the youth group. Through high school and college, my faith developed into something personal and real for me.
I married my wife Cristabelle in 2024 and support her work in brain injury advocacy through her nonprofit Hope Survives.
The best time to reach me in the office are typically Mondays - Thursdays.
Outside of the office, I like to play my stringed instruments and play board games and video games with my friends. You can also hear me on FM 90.3 WJTL on Sundays from 4 to 8 PM.
Do you have any pets? I have a cat named Eleanor Rigby after my favorite Beatles song. But I just call her Ellie.
Favorite band & lyrics: "Where I Belong," by Switchfoot.
"On the final day I die, I want to hold my head up high, I want to tell You that I tried to live it like a song, and when I reach the other side, I want to look You in the eye and know that I've arrived in a world where I belong."
My last meal would be an extremely well crafted bacon cheeseburger and fries.
My favorite verse is Psalm 51:17. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise."
What's a random, fun fact about yourself? I played banjo on stage with David Crowder during one of his concerts.

Denise Emmick

Office Manager

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Jonathan Redford

Minister of Worship

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My parents were raised and married in the Mormon church, but were born again when I was five years old. Thus, I was raised in faith through First Evangelical Free Church (Chuck Swindoll’s home for many years). Baptized in Junior High, I have remained in faith throughout my life, though not without challenging seasons. My personal walk with God grew most seriously when I was 19 years old, living in Berlin, Germany. I spent time in the Word daily and really embraced the one on one relationship that God offers. I led worship in Hollywood, California for many years, but found the entertainment industry "rat race" to be too unbearable to continue investing in, so I moved to PA for work in 2009. I made a home church in Chester Springs for many years until “virtual” services were in vogue, which then propelled me to seek a new community. All thanks to God, Hopewell has become that home.
I am best reached by email, but will have office hours Tuesday and Thursday.
Outside of the office, I like to play golf, garden and spend time with my son Caden.
Do you have any pets? Goldfish, for now
Favorite band & lyrics: “Across the Universe,” and, “Let It Be,” by The Beatles. I think of God’s love when I hear these lyrics:
"Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns. It calls me on and on across the universe.”
“And when the night is cloudy / There is still a light that shines on me / Shine until tomorrow / Let it be.”
What book do you recommend people read? The Bible! Too obvious?
My favorite dessert: Ice cream. Any time, any place.
My last meal filet mignon, BBQ chicken, pulled pork, buttered popcorn and ice cream.
My favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
What's a random, fun fact about yourself? I speak German

Anita Wissinger

Administration Assistant

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Allison Swartley

Administrative Assistant & Receptionist

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Anna Martin

Production & Events Coordinator

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I was blessed to be raised in a Christian family, and am, as Brooke Fraser penned, “walking on these shadowfeet toward a homeland I’ve never seen.” My family life and youth group were tremendously influential to my faith, specifically in developing a heart of compassion for vulnerable people. Service and missions are close to my heart.
I am a wife to a creative and industrious aircraft mechanic, mom to five terrific children, and mother-in-law to two more amazing humans.
You can reach me in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Mondays and Wednesdays I can be reached via email.
Outside of the office, I like to be outside, create, make things beautiful, spend time with my family, Guatemala and Maine.
Do you have any pets? Milli and Pippi are our floppy puppies. We finally taught all of our children to pick up after themselves… and then got dogs…
Favorite artist & lyrics: Setting Up the Pins and The Long Defeat by Sara Groves
What movie can you rewatch over and over and not get bored? Anne of Green Gables
What book do you recommend people read? The Hospital by the River by Catherine Hamlin
My favorite dessert: Apple pie with cinnamon ice cream
My last meal would be spaghetti and homemade meat sauce with parmesan, a caprese salad, and, since it would be my last meal, an entire loaf of warm, homemade bread with butter.
My favorite verse is Philippians 4:4. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
What's a random, fun fact about yourself? Once I ate a roasted guinea pig. It tasted just like chicken.

Children & Youth

Katrina Myers

Pre-School Ministry Director

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Hannah Kieffer

Children's Ministry Assistant

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I was born and raised in a Christian home but didn’t take my relationship with the Lord personally or seriously until I was 13 while on my first youth retreat. I was on fire for the Lord and wanted to serve Him however I could. If the church was open, I was there! I have seen the Lord’s hand over my life since I was a child and it is my life’s pursuit to glorify Him in all that I do.
I am married to my husband, Benjamin, and we will celebrate 7 years of marriage in August. We share 3 children: Noelle, Everly, Titus.
I can be reached any weekday from 8am-4pm via email or text. I plan to be in the office at least one day a week and I will be available until 1pm on Sundays.
Outside of the office, I like to do crossword puzzles, doing math for fun, fishing, baking, cooking, & cleaning!.
Do you have any pets? We have five chickens! Floral, Henny, Olive, Noodle, & Mary Poppins.
Favorite musicians: I really enjoy gospel choirs like Indiana Bible College, City Alight, Maverick City, Naomi Raine, & Charity Gayle.
What movie can you rewatch over and over and not get bored? I will never turn down a Pixar movie.
What book do you recommend people read? Definitely the Bible… & Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl
Favorite dessert? So many… Italian pastries like cannolis, lobster tails and sfogliatelle. & there’s nothing like a warm brownie or chocolate chip cookie with some good vanilla ice cream.
My last meal would a nice Caesar salad fully dressed followed by a thin and crispy chicken parm with a side of thin spaghetti in a cream sauce. Dessert would be a brownie sundae and a hot cappuccino.
My favorite books of the bible are Genesis & Exodus. The Gospels. Romans.
What's a random fun fact about yourself? I was once stranded in Guatemala after a volcanic eruption cancelled all flights leaving the country. Our group ended up taking a bus to El Salvador to fly home from there.

Robin Alexander

Youth Ministry Coordinator

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Nico Sculco

Middle School Director

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I grew up in a household familiar with God. I went to church from time to time with either one of my grandmothers or Mom and experienced two very different styles of church with a grandmother who was catholic and the other who was Spanish Pentecostal so it was hard to really grasp church at a young age but I was exposed at least. Once I was in my late twenties I was finding myself being pulled by the spirit to get back into church and I met a good friend at the time who encouraged me to go back and invited me to Hopewell. Here I was able to truly get to know Jesus Christ and he got a hold of me and I have been on a journey since than growing and learning to be more like him everyday.
I am married to my beautiful bride Selena and we have two daughters, both 9 years old.
As I am part time, I am not in the office much outside of Monday mornings or Wednesday nights. I am always available by phone call, text, or email!
Outside of the office I like to spend time with family and friends, eat good food, catch a Reading Phil’s baseball game, or hang in my hammock on the porch.
Do you have any pets? I have two pit bulls, a female and a male. Gucci is my old lady and Amari is our little guy. They are my other kids.
Favorite song: My favorite song always changes because I love listening to new music. Currently I’d have to say “How Good God is” by Brandon Lake.
What book do you recommend people read? I’d have to recommend “The Prodigal God” by Timothy Keller.
My last meal would be my wife’s “Pollo Guisado Con Arroz Blanco” It’s a Chicken stew made with peppers and onions and served over white rice. It’s DELICIOUS.
My favorite verse is Job 42:5-6 “I had heard reports about you, but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore, I reject my words and am sorry for them; I am dust and ashes.”
What's a random fun fact about yourself? I can read write and speak in 3 languages (English, Spanish, & Italian) Italian could be better though.

Alie Buck

Assistant Middle School Director

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I have been blessed to have grown up in a family that has loved and served the Lord for nearly all my life. While the understanding of this blessing was not always easy for me to grasp, during my High School years is when I found myself forming a more intimate relationship with the Lord and choosing to pursue His path for me.
I live at home with my parents and siblings.
The best time to reach me in office would be Wednesday late afternoons/evenings, but I am more than happy to answer any text, email, or call!
Outside of the office I like to hang out with friends and family, explore coffee shops, travel, and read.
Do you have any pets? My family has one dog!
Favorite lyrics: “If the wind goes where You send it so will I”
This line comes from the bridge of “So Will I (100 Billion X)” by Hillsong Worship, and often helps me realign my heart with the Lord’s. While it’s easy to sing this line, or really the whole song, how often do we actually mean it? This song illustrates the beauty of surrender while encouraging our hearts to step out in faith for the will the Lord has for our lives.
What movie can you rewatch over and over and not get bored? Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
What book do you recommend people read? I would recommend The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.
Favorite dessert? Anything with obscene amounts of Chocolate.
My last meal be a really good smoked brisket sandwich.
My favorite verse is John 3:30. “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
What's a random fun fact about yourself? I have a very convincing British accent that I am more than happy to pull out at any given opportunity!

Facility Upkeep

Dan Collmann

Maintenance Engineer

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Derek Martin

Building Custodian

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Marcie Witmer

Building Custodian

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I accepted Christ as Lord when I was four and have been walking with Him since.
I am married to my knight in shining armor and have 2 amazing teen children, a son and a daughter.
I am typically in the office on Tuesdays and Fridays, but texts are probably the best way to reach me.
Outside of the office, I like to garden, play games, sew and sleep.
Do you have any pets? We have two cats, but I love just about anything with 4 legs and fur!
Favorite music style: I have eclectic taste in music: classic rock, pop, country, Christian rock (especially from the 90's), worship, jazz, acapella. Honestly, the only thing I can't seem to get into is foreign opera.
What book do you recommend people read? There are 3 books, outside of the Bible, that have had a great impact on my life and faith: Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby, Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge, Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.
Favorite dessert? I love all things dark chocolate.
My last meal would be pulled pork or pizza.
My favorite verses are 2 Timothy 1:7. "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." and Matthew 28:20. "And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
What's a random fun fact about yourself? My husband is a foot and a half taller than me but we no longer notice the difference.