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.

Email Gary

Rick Taylor

PASTOR OF CARE & ADMINISTRATION & ELDER

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

Email Rick

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.

Email Kobi

Nick Koehler

ASSISTANT PASTOR
Family Ministry
BS in Criminal Justice from West Chester University. Certified Forensic Interviewer. Certified marital and premarital counselor through Prepare/Enrich and the XO Institute. Currently pursuing a Master's of Divinity in Theology and Apologetics at Liberty University.

I came to faith out of a teaching about Paul and the confidence he had in walking out his Christian faith when I was 15. I have continued to pursue a biblical faith through orthodox beliefs of the Christian faith.
I have been married since 2011 to my wife, Melissa and we have two boys: 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, read, write, and play guitar.
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? Avengers: Infinity War.
What book do you recommend people read? My favorite book is A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway.
Favorite dessert? Apple crisp or apple pie.
My last meal would be country fried chicken and French toast, however I'm good meeting my Lord for the feast He has prepared for me.
My favorite verse is Micah 6:8. "Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God."
What's a random, fun fact about yourself? I am self-taught on 4 instruments and I spent most of my life interrogating people.

Email Nick

Yanic Francis

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

Email Yanic

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

Email Kenny

Nathan Desch

Elder

Email Nathan

Tom Davenport

Elder

Email Tom

Tim Gehman

Elder

Email Tim

Tim Murray

Elder & Treasurer

Email Tim

Jon Spahr

Elder

Email Jon

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
(484) 514-1032

Email Mike

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.
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
(484) 665-9148

Email Denise

Jonathan Redford

Minister of Worship
(484) 514-1164

Email Jonathan

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
(484) 514-1238

Email Anita

Allison Swartley

Administrative Assistant & Receptionist
(484) 514-1238

Email Allison

Anna Martin

Production & Events Coordinator
(484) 514-1033

Email Anna

Children & Youth

Katrina Myers

Pre-School Ministry Director
(484) 514-1033

Email Katrina

Hannah Kieffer

Children's Ministry Assistant
(484) 514-1033

Email Hannah

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
(484) 665-9148

Email Robin

Facility Upkeep

Dan Collmann

Maintenance Engineer

Email Dan

Derek Martin

Building Custodian

Email Derek

Marcie Witmer

Building Custodian
(484) 514-1034

Email Marcie

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.