Ministry Team and Staff of Hope Church in Springfield, Illinois

Brian Mills

Lead Pastor of Hope Church

I began working at Hope in 2014. I have a deep passion to see broken things restored and have wide experience serving that mission through 4 years of inner-city ministry, 12 years of ministry at a Christian University and 18 years in local church ministry. Outside of work, I enjoy my motorcycle and horseback riding, hiking, the outdoors, bird watching, jazz music, hot sauce, blueberries, almonds, coffee and adventurous foreign food (not together). I love being husband to Chantell, dad to Ryder (married and in ministry) and Rylee (in grad school) and enjoy being "Pops" (to our grandkids).

Pastoral Ministry Team

Troy Easley

Lead Pastor of Ministry

I began working at Hope in 2016 and have served full time in churches since 1998, currently I oversee our Pastoral Ministries here at Hope Church . Beyond the ultimate priority of my relationship with Christ, my life’s passions are spending time with my wife, Kiesha, and our two daughters, creating memories with my family and friends, and watching and playing sports. We are grateful and excited to be a part of Hope and all God is doing through our Church.

Dustin Bramer

Connections Pastor

I began working at Hope in 2015 as Hope’s first ever Sports Pastor and currently serve as our Connections Pastor. In addition to being a pastor, I’ve also been a paramedic for over 20 years spending several years as a helicopter medic with travel opportunities to Saudi Arabia and Africa. To say I have a busy household is an understatement, as me and my wife, Tracy, have eight kids and three grandkids. (Kids: Dylan, Chloe, Dori, Fisher, Jamal, Calvin, Isaiah and Caroline. Grandkids: Carter, Cade, Lincoln and Sawyer. The busyness keeps me young!)

Beth Yokley

Community Pastor

I began working at Hope in 2004. My current role as community pastor has me asking this question each day: How can my team and I enrich the community Hopers experience with Jesus Monday through Saturday? I love it. Spiritual Direction is my newest passion. In my spare time I enjoy collecting plants, pestering my teenage daughter Chloe, baking pies, reading fiction, entertaining, and eating my husband Marcus’ amazing culinary creations.

Curtis Batchelder

Children's Pastor

I began working at Hope in 2019 as the Children's Pastor and it has been a fantastic journey ever since. I can’t tell you how amazing it is to have so much fun in worship with the kids and telling them about our great God. Truly, it is the best! When I’m not working, you’ll find me hanging out and playing games with my wife, Jen and our six kids: Katie, EJ, Noah, Kaileb, Kendyl, and Kaiden.

Garrett LeVault

Student Pastor

I began working at Hope in 2019. My passion in life is to connect Middle and High School students to a real faith that leads to Kingdom Work. I’m fueled by fun and enjoy making music, hiking and backpacking, playing disc golf, paintball, cheering for the Blues, trying out new hobbies, and spending time with my wife, Emily and our two daughters, Austen and Logan.

Sarah Zenk

Care Groups Coordinator

I began working at Hope in 2018. I am passionate about helping people find the support they need through groups and mentoring relationships. I have a master's degree in marriage and family counseling therapy. In my spare time, I enjoy creative arts, singing, playing musical instruments, reading books, cooking, and spending time with my family.

Ashton Blower

Pastoral Ministry Team Coordinator

I began working at Hope in 2021. I’m passionate about bringing people closer to Jesus while also serving and connecting with others. Seeing people get excited about God is one of my favorite things. I love getting to spend time with our Hope Students and Hope Kids. Outside of work, I love reading, traveling, and spending time with my husband, Jacob, and our kitties.

Ashley Melancon

Pastoral Ministry Team Assistant

I began working at Hope in 2025. I believe every kid deserves to know they're important, loved, part of a community, and that they need to know Jesus. Just like Jesus made time for kids, I want to help them discover their worth and grow in their faith, knowing they're seen and loved by God. Every moment we invest in them is an investment in their eternity. Outside of work, I love exploring the outdoors, traveling, meeting new people and spending time with my husband and three children.

Melissa Hunley

Bookkeeper & Adult Ministry Team Coordinator

I began working at Hope in 2022. I love Jesus and am passionate about helping others draw closer to Him through groups and service. I enjoy creating environments where others feel welcomed and loved. I love doing life with my husband, Brett and two sons, Luke and Noah. Any time I can spend with my family and friends makes my heart happy, happy, happy! I love to stay active, but I would never turn down popcorn and a good movie.

Worship and Arts

Jackson Price

Lead Pastor of Worship & Arts

I began working at Hope in 2013. Creating memories and experiences that help people connect to Christ is my life's mission. I’m married to my dream girl, Jessica, and we have three kids: Emma, Caleb & Molly. I love God more than my life, my family more than anything, people more than music and Illinois more than the other states. There’s no place like Hope.

Sarah Ginder

Communications Director

I began working at Hope in 2020. I enjoying creating ways to introduce people to Jesus through captivating design and collaborating big picture ideas with my team. Outside of work, you may find me practicing yoga, hiking, traveling and spending time with family and friends. I enjoy doing life with my husband, Luke, and our three kids.

Kristin Taylor

Worship & Arts Coordinator

I began working at Hope in 2018. I’m passionate about creating environments where people encounter Christ in meaningful and life-changing ways. I love being wife and mom to my wonderful husband and our two boys. In my spare time I enjoy reading, walking, singing, spending time with loved ones, and traveling every chance I get!

Paul "PJ" Bill Jr.

Worship Associate

I began working at Hope in 2021. I believe I can impact lives, inspire hope, and leave a legacy beyond myself. Outside of work, I enjoy music, being an artist, traveling, and spending time with my beautiful family of four!

Ben Montgomery

Back Of House Coordinator

I began working at Hope in 2021. What I enjoy most about my role here is making volunteers lives easier by getting everything in its place, organized, and ready to go, so volunteers are able to just show up and serve. Outside of work, I enjoy music (I currently play 10 instruments), music production, and spending time with my wife, Miranda, family, and friends.

Operations

Carol McCaughey

Business Manager

I began working at Hope in 2015. I enjoy being on mission here at Hope by being a good steward of the resources God has provided us. I love seeing first-hand the spiritual growth of Hopers both new and long-standing. When not at work, I enjoy playing pickleball, golfing, camping, hiking, gardening, and most of all loving on my grandkids with my husband, Tim.

Ray Tolley

Technical Director

I began working at Hope in 2003. My position at Hope allows me to combine my passion for technology with my passion to serve others. I love people and enjoy interacting with volunteers, attendees, and others through our Hope community. One of my most fulfilling ministries has been mentoring young people interested in learning to serve God on Hope’s Tech Team. Outside the office, I have more hobbies and interests than time allows, building and flying RC planes, boating, skiing, horseback riding, computer gaming, target shooting and spending time on my tractor doing dirt work. My wife, Susan, and I enjoy spending time with our daughter and her family.

Jacob Blower

Facilities Coordinator

I began working at Hope in 2024. I am passionate about mission work and keeping Hope's facilities tidy and operating smoothly. Aside from work, I enjoy all things outdoors, most sports, and spending time with my wife, Ashton.

Jess Krongos

Operations Coordinator

I began working at Hope in 2019 and love being part of anything that helps people draw closer to Christ. Some of my greatest joys include serving alongside my husband on the praise team, being part of the team who runs Hope's live stream and helping the media team with setup for weekend services. In my spare time, I love singing, playing guitar, songwriting, being outdoors, watching football and spending quality time with my family.