What do elders do?

Ruling elders are the particular representatives of the people, chosen by them from their own number, for the purpose of joining with the pastors or ministers in the government and discipline of the Church. The church session is charged with maintaining the spiritual government of the congregation.

If you have a spiritual need or concern, please reach out to your assigned Care Elder. If you are unsure of your assigned Care Elder, or if you have any other spiritual questions or concerns, please reach out to our pastor.

Class of 2025

Pete DeRossi

Dennis Schmitz

Roy Voskuil

Class of 2026

Matthew Agen, Clerk

Dave Keller

Class of 2027

Nathan Agen

Moderator

Pastor Jared Van Noord

What do deacons do?

Deacons are distinct officers in the church whose business it is to minister to those in need and to any who may be in distress. It is their duty also to develop the grace or liberality in the members of the church, to devise effective methods of collecting the gifts of the people, and to distribute these gifts among the objects to which they are contributed.

If you have a need you would like to speak with a deacon about, please call the church office and leave a message at option 3 for the Deacon on call.

Class of 2025

Terry Gotham

Bill Knoespel

Jeff Lueck

Jim Wilke

Class of 2026

Rick Cohler

Ed Keating

Drew Kirsteatter

Class of 2027

David Schoeneweiss

What do trustees do?

The trustees act for the Church in all matters pertaining to affairs of property and other temporal matters. The trustees determine building use, permissions, and oversee the building schedule. If you have a question regarding New Hope property or building use, please reach out to the church office.

2024 Trustees

Nels Agen

Tom Smies

Bill Knoespel

Joe Hawbecker

Dave Tenpas

Matthew Schachtner

PASTOR

Click here to schedule a time to meet with Pastor Jared.

I grew up in Michigan and I am truly thankful for God's grace evident in my own life since I was young. My wife, Kristen, and I met at Hope College, and married before going to seminary completing an mDiv at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Since then, we've been incredibly blessed to welcome 12 children into the world.

In 2018, we moved from the Traverse City area in Michigan to Green Bay, when I accepted a call to serve at New Hope and enter the OPC. I've had the privilege of serving in various churches in Michigan and Illinois, and I've also worked as a chaplain in Christian mental health.

In my free time, you'll often find me enjoying just about anything with my family, immersing myself in a good story, or delving into some fascinating history. And if there's a cup of coffee involved, that's even better!

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

I was brought up in a Christian home in Peshtigo, WI, and now live in Howard with my husband, Raymond, and two teenagers. As the eldest of seven siblings, I had to balance my love for books and daydreams with keeping everyone in line. While I still adore reading and daydreaming, my bossy side has mellowed – just ask my kids!

Over the last 18 years, I've held leadership and support roles in various industries, but my most cherished roles are as a wife and mother. I'm grateful to be able to serve our church family as the Administrative Assistant.

PASTOR EMERITUS

I'm Pastor Jim Ferguson, the oldest of four kids and the son of a pastor, hailing from the Midwest. I've had some great experiences serving in various churches through Christian Service Brigade and pastoring in South Carolina, but my longest service was as that of the Pastor of New Hope for over 35 years. Laurel, my wife of many years (since 1974), and I are proud parents to three wonderful children.

My full-time ministry at New Hope wrapped up at the end of 2022, but I'm still very much involved here. In my downtime, you'll often find me immersed in espionage novels, solving puzzles like Crypto-Grams or Crypto-Quotes, or kicking back and watching sports on TV.