Church Staff
Clay Edens
Loving and leading the people of Hope Church brings me immense joy. I spend the bulk of my time preaching and teaching God’s Word, empowering our staff and leaders, and coming alongside the family of Hope in times of joy and sorrow. My passions are helping others see and experience the greatness and beauty of Jesus and equipping them to become disciplemakers in all of life. I absolutely love to learn. I started out with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering at Purdue before shifting gears to seminary with an MDiv from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. God has blessed me with a wonderful wife, Lucy, and two sons, Judah and Theo. My other loves include playing basketball, running, biking, movies, coffee, eating, Euro gaming, and watching the Colts, Boilers, Pacers, Tigers, Cubs, and Wild. It’s shameful, but you should probably also know that I don’t eat a single vegetable.
Katie Bliss
I have the privilege of being the Hope Kids Pastor for kids infants through Grade 5. I lead and shape groups and events for children birth to Grade 5. I get excited about partnering with parents as we seek to create environments where kids get to know Jesus as their Savior. Nothing motivates me more than sharing my love of Jesus with kids, parents, and volunteers. I received a Master’s degree in Children’s and Family Ministry from Bethel Seminary, and a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northwestern. I’m married to Carl and we have three amazing daughters, Greta, Ellie, and Hannah, and a son-in-law Josh. When I’m not at Hope, you can usually find me lifting weights, running with Carl or one of my girls, hiking, or reading a book.
Zach Boardman
As the Hope Student Pastor I coordinate and cast vision for disciplemaking with our students in grades 6-12. I have my B.A from DePauw University and an M. A. in Christian Education from Bethel Seminary. I enjoy working with all ages of students and watching God work through their lives as they interact as the church family. Helping students be disciples of Jesus and to make disciples of Jesus is my desire. I am married to my wonderful wife Jen and together we have three kids; Ingrid, Lowell, and Wallace. I enjoy participating in any and all sports (especially Rugby), enjoy art and performing arts, and really like movies.
Scott Lueck
I have the privilege of leading and cultivating vibrant worship in the life of our church family. My passion lies in working closely with several worship teams, artists who love Jesus, nurturing excellence in their abilities and shepherding their hearts as servant leaders. The love of my life, Kristen, and I have two adult children, Andrew and Rebecca and a granddaughter, Lilly. In my free time you’ll find me in my shop woodworking, repurposing an old farm door into a sideboard table or making a new table or bed. My educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance and a Master’s in Choral Conducting/Sacred Music from California State University and a Certificate in Biblical Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. I’m ordained through the EFCA and I’ve been at Hope…let’s just say a really long time, and I love serving with our staff and Hope family!
Caleb Cook
Encouraging adults to take steps closer to Jesus and mobilizing and inspiring the Hope family to join God in his mission both locally and globally, excites me. Whether it’s working with Community Groups, serving in leadership development, providing pastoral care, or encouraging missionaries, this role allows me to work closely with others and build strong relationships. I’m passionate about helping people follow Jesus, live out the love of Christ, help others know truth, and love well! Growing up in Ecuador as a missionary and pastor’s kid helped me learn that following Jesus is worth the investment of a lifetime! Here’s a little more about me. God has blessed me with my loving wife, Laura, and our three young children; James, Abigail, and Evelyn. I enjoy watching baseball (Go, Cubs!), cheering on the Bears, drinking good coffee, getting out in nature, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Jill Balfanz
As the Administrative Assistant for Hope Students and I have a passion for showing God’s love by serving and helping others. I am married to Phil and have two children, Abby and Sam. We live in Hudson, WI. When I have free time I love to be in the pool or at a lake with friends and family, reading a book, or baking.
Laurie Brown
As the Bookkeeper at Hope Church, I enjoy my many responsibilities. My goal is to complete my work efficiently and effectively. I also strive to be helpful to the pastors and staff. I’ve been blessed with an amazing husband and a wonderful blended family. My favorite thing to do is spend time with family, especially our grandchildren!
Spring Kane
Joyce Clark
I have the privilege of introducing God and His love to our youngest disciples. I manage the nursery, train and support volunteers, and partner with parents as we introduce kids to a lifelong journey of discipleship. Also, I’m blessed to direct Hope’s Kid Builders preschool program. My desire is to love and care for the children God puts in my path by using my gifts to model His life. My husband is Steve, and we have two children, Ellie and Ethan. I enjoy spending time at our cabin, walking our dog, and creating a comfortable home to enjoy with family and friends.
Raeann Linn
I have the privilege of serving as the Church Administrator at Hope Church. It is a joy to serve the staff and the congregation in the area of Human Resources, Financials and Office Management. Along with administration, I have a strong desire to see people in Christ centered relationships and love seeing people grow in their faith. I was blessed to meet my husband Duane here at Hope Church. We have two teenagers; Elijah and Halle. In my free time, I can be found reading, exercising, or hanging out with friends.
Joanna McKenzie
As the Communications Coordinator I help lead the communication and design efforts here at Hope and am responsible for things related to corporate communication, PR, web, print, and social media. I have a desire for brand consistency, but my passion is to see everyone know and love Jesus, and each other, through genuine community. I’m married to Matt and have two super cool, energetic teenagers, Jack and Jude. I enjoy home projects, camping, playing games, and watching football (Skol Vikings!), thrift and garage sale shopping, and throwing parties!
Ron Pechmann
I have been working for 20 years as Facility Manager at Hope. My role at Hope is to maintain all areas of our building–inside and out. I also take care of Hope’s calendar of events, from who locks up the building, to outside groups that use our facility. My wife, Cheri, and I have been attending Hope since 1981, and live on the East Side of St Paul near Lake Phalen. My favorite things to do when I’m not at work are being with Cheri, in or near lake water, and putzing in the yard, garden, home, truck, and boat. Oh, and I also enjoy drawing!