Jesus.

Sung (her husband).

Her kids (all 3 of them).

God’s people. (here at VPC and outside our walls)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

These are the things that Pastor Hope loves most in the world….in that order!

As our Lead Pastor, Hope is the primary preacher on most Sunday mornings.  She works with our Session and Staff to seek out what God is calling us to do and be in this really unique part of the world and leads our teams in living into that vital work.

The Scripture that defines her life is Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it holds the power of salvation for all who believe.” Hope feels a deep sense of urgency and joy in sharing the Good News of the Gospel everywhere she goes!

Hope has spoken, taught, and preached at conferences all over the country, particularly around topics of church growth and renewal.  She has contributed to several academic publications and has served on non-profit boards invested in areas of education (particularly twice-exceptional and special education) and poverty alleviation.  As a pastor who deeply cares about children, youth, and young adults,  Pastor Hope now sits on the Board of Directors for Youth Conference Ministries – a ministry dedicated to reaching young people across the nation with the hope of Jesus Christ.

Should you run into Pastor Hope during the NFL season (preseason and draft season included), be prepared to talk about the  Bucs!  If football isn’t your thing, she’d also love to talk with you about random things she’s been growing in her garden, Adam Sandler movies, and the National Parks. Her biggest goal in the next few years is to get to the National Park of American Samoa!

And, of course, she will always be thrilled to talk to you about Jesus,  who loves YOU more than you could ever possibly imagine!