HSM: Contact Us / Staff

Jake Killinger

Associate Pastor / Lead Pastor of Youth Ministries
jkillinger@hope-church.ws

Jake and his wife Becky moved to Hope in early September 2003 and Jake joined the team as the Associate Pastor / Lead Pastor of Youth Ministries.  Before coming to Springfield, he was at First Presbyterian Church in Rapid City, SD for 4½ years as their Youth Pastor.  Jake and Becky both graduated from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA in 1999 with degrees in Christian Education in their respective fields (youth ministry, children’s ministry).  Jake and Becky got married in December of 1998 and have been growing more and more in love with each passing day.  They have two daughters, Hannah, who was born October 15, 2005 and Kierra, who was born March 18, 2008.  They truly love having them in their lives.  They all love the outdoors, playing with their two Labrador retrievers Church and Dakota, traveling, and cheering on the Cardinals. (well Becky is a Cubs fan - but everyone else love the birds on the bat).  Jake is the Lead Pastor of Youth Ministries where he oversees the volunteers staff of 25 and paid staff of 4.  He also is on the church teaching team where he teaches in Big Church 8-10 times a year, and does many weddings and funerals.  Jake also is an Assistant Boys Basketball coach at Springfield High School.  He started coaching there in November of 2005.

Blake Thomas

Youth Ministry Intern

bthomas@hope-church.ws

Blake Thomas is our Youth Pastor’s Intern. He is 20 years old and is attending Lincoln Christian University with a major in Youth Ministry. Blake grew up in the ministry and graduated from Springfield High school in 2009. With his blonde hair, witty smile, and stunning bone structure Blake has proved himself to be an asset to the Hope Student Ministries team… not to mention his creativity and love for God. (Can you tell Blake wrote his own Bio)

Matt Crocker

Youth Ministry Worship Pastor

mcrocker89@gmail.com

Matt Crocker grew up at Hope leading worship as a student.  His Senior year he really took over the ministry and led with excellence.  Now in his fourth year on our staff he continues to do an excellent job as Hope Youth Worship Pastor.   He leads 3 different youth bands which play for HSM, Main church worship service, and in Harvestland.  Matt is a great team member and we don't know what we would do without him.