Elders

Phil Balfanz

I serve on the Elder Board at Hope Church as the Constitution & Bylaws Chair. I am excited to see the work God is doing at Hope in Community Groups and it is my desire that everyone would experience God’s love through deep community. I live in Hudson, WI with my wife, Jill and children, Abby and Sam. When I have free time I am usually researching and playing with technology.

Dave Lyon

I became an elder in 2016 after serving in many different ministries at Hope. It’s exciting to me that Hope’s mission to make disciples is found consistently throughout each ministry. My wife Karin, and our children, Emily and Andy, love living and serving in our neighborhood near Hope. I have taught mathematics in the community for 20 years at North High School in North St. Paul. I enjoy spending time outdoors and many weekends you will find me cooking (especially BBQ) for family and friends.

Dave Sagisser

I serve as the Elder that oversees the Membership Committee. I also invest at Hope as the chairman of the Missions Committee, I teach and preach at Hope when needed, and represent Hope on a multi-church partnership with church leaders in Asia.  I have been blessed to travel to Asia many times on behalf of Hope. I have a ministry passion to teach, preach, and mentor.

My wife, Deb, and I were married at Hope in 2006. We have four adult children, and seven grandchildren, and we live in North St Paul. Regarding my work life, I am a manager of a cyber security operations team for a financial services company headquartered in Minneapolis.

If I have a free afternoon, during the spring or summer, I can be found going for a walk with Deb, playing Attach Uno! with our grandchildren, or doing Tai Chi outdoors, weather permitting of course!!

Craig Miller

I have served as an Elder, on and off, for 20+ years and have also served as a teacher and Community Group Leader. My spiritual gifts are Teaching, Discernment, and Knowledge. I love to see people understand and act on the truths of who God is and what His plans are in general and specifically for them. I have a desire to see disciples who love Jesus and stand for him wherever life or culture calls them.

Cheryl and I have been married for 37 years. We have six children and five grandchildren (all girls)! Both Cheryl and I grew up in Billings, Montana and attended Montana State University. I graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering which brought us to Minnesota and a job at 3M. I am presently a Product Development Specialist in the Advance Materials Division.

Wayne Lundeen

As a Elder, I am committed to helping people understand and embrace Hope’s Disciplemaking Pathway. I weekly attend Hope’s Worship Service (Gather). I am currently reading Romans as a continuing step to “Deepen” my faith. We lead a Community Group (Group). I have “Invested” in Hope as an Elder (13+years), teacher, and small group leader.  I have a number of continuing developing friendships at the gym, neighborhood, and work where I am seeking through word and deed to “Multiply” Jesus.
I have been married to Gail for 29 years.  We have two adult children – Sienna and Evan.  I grew up in Minneapolis and moved to St. Paul when Gail and I got married.  I am a Human Services Coordinator (Social Worker) for St. Paul Public Housing where I assist low-income residents with lease, financial, and family issues.

Wayne Rye

I thoroughly enjoy serving with the other Elders.  These men of faith have a passion for the Lord and this Church body.  It is a privilege to work with them and the church staff to bring glory to God by making disciples.

My wife, Geri Rye, and I have been married for over 35 years. We both grew up in North Dakota. We first started attending Hope Church in 1988 after moving to Woodbury.  A job transfer moved us to Ann Arbor, MI in 1993 and upon returning to the Twin Cities, we called Hope home and have been here for 16 years.  We have 6 kids ranging in ages 34 to 16 and we have eight grandchildren.

I work at 3M in the largest Health Care division as the International Operations Manager and have responsibility for the manufacturing operations in Latin America, Europe, and Asia.