Senior Pastor - Matt Collins

Matt grew up in a Catholic family with five brothers in western New York.   In high school, he went with some friends to a Bible study.  There, the gospel was shared in a loving way and, as a result, he asked Christ to be his Savior and Lord.  After high school, Matt graduated from a technical school, then worked as a technician for a firm in Rochester, New York.  Matt met his wife Carol when he was asked to drive his landlady to church; a church that turned out to be pastored by Carol's father.  They both completed their studies at Moody Bible Institute in 1982; the couple married that same year. They are parents to five boys ranging in age from 12 to 24.  Matt is passionate about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and the relevance of the Bible with the people of Dubuque. 

Education...

Grace Theological Seminary / Winona Lake, IN / D. Min. 

Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary / Grand Rapids, MI / M. Div.

Moody Bible Institute / Chicago, IL / Diploma - Pastoral / Greek

Background...

Senior Pastor / Hope Evangelical Free Church / Dubuque, IA -- 1998-present

Senior Pastor / Broadalbin Baptist Church / Broadalbin, NY --1990-1998

Youth Pastor / Thornapple Evangelical Covenant Church / Grand Rapids, MI -- 1986-1989

Executive - Darrell Cloud

Darrell joined Hope Church in June 2008, after having served at the Evangelical Free Church of Naperville, IL for 6 years.  He is originally from Orange County, CA, but moved to the midwest for college (Moody Bible Institute in Chicago).  He is married to Laura and has a son, Judah.

Adult Ministries - Jason Peterson

Jason came to Hope in Jan 2007 after serving as a Church Planter/Outreach Pastor for LifeSong Community Church in Jupiter, Florida.  He has a degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin Stout and a Master of Divinity Degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Jason and his wife, Michelle, have two young sons and a new daughter.  They like to spend time visiting museums, water parks and playgrounds.  Jason also enjoys a variety of sports, woodworking and reading.

Arts - Michelle Schulte

Michelle has been on staff at Hope since 2003. She has a Bachelor of Music from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa and a Master of Music from Arizona State University.  With more than 15 years experience in professional ministry, Michelle has also taught piano to hundreds of students and acted as a solo artist and accompanist in a variety of settings. Michelle and her husband, Chad, enjoy live music, camping, and entertaining others in their home. They have a young son named Joshua.  Her hobbies include cooking, scrapbooking and reading.

Administration - Jennifer Clarke

Jennifer joined the staff at Hope in Feb 2009, but has been attending since 2003.  She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.  She worked for several years for John Deere in project development.  She has been active in several leadership and volunteer roles in MOPS & Small Groups at Hope Church over the last few years.  She and her husband Dave have 3 children, Lindsey, Hayley, and Logan.

Students & Families - Nelson Jenkins

Nelson has been in student ministry since 1993.  He came to hope in September 2009 after serving at another church in upstate New York.  He has a degree in Bible/Camping Administration from Grace University in Omaha, NE and a Masters of Arts in Theological Studies from Northeastern Seminary.  Nelson and his wife, Susie, have 4 children, Jessica, Christian, Tyler and Stephanie.  Nelson enjoys watching and playing all sports and spending time with his family.

Children & Family - Paul Bishop

Paul grew up in southern California and surrendered his life to Christ in 1983. He was called to full-time ministry after spending 25 years as a Legal Administrator for major law firms in California, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.  Paul’s background includes working as a professional musician for 12 years (classically trained trombonist and percussionist) and playing in worship bands for 25 years.  Paul and his wife, Mary, relocated to New Mexico in 2007 so Paul could attend the Shepherd’s School of Ministry at Calvary of Albuquerque. He assumed the role as Director of Children’s Ministry in early 2008.  Paul & Mary felt the Lord’s call bringing them to Dubuque to love and reach the city for Christ by ministering to the families in the area.  Paul and Mary have six grown children and two grandchildren.   They enjoy hiking, traveling, creative writing, listening to/and playing music, watching old movies, and spending time with family and friends. 

Facilities - Jeff & Gloria Gaber

Jeff and Gloria Gaber have been at Hope since 2006.  Gloria also works at Clarke College, while Jeff works at AYMcDonald Mfg, as a Safety and Facilities Manager.  Jeff is a member of the Colesburg Fire Department, and works for the Iowa Fire Training Bureau as a Fire Fighter Instructor. The Gabers have three daughters: Jackie, Kayla and Sarah, and one granddaughter, Natalie. Together, they enjoy camping, fishing and their backyard fire pit with friends and neighbors.