Pastor Luke Long, Heather, and Family Pastor Luke has been the pastor of Hope Church since 1998. He and his wife Heather and their three children Eva, Sadie and Sullivan love living and serving in the Clayton community. He believes that prayer is integral to the life and health of the local church. Pastor Luke enjoys sharing God’s Word in such a way that everyone can understand it and apply it to their lives. He also values kindness, service and missions. Luke received his Bachelor’s Degree from Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida and a Master’s Degree from Southwestern University. Luke served as Youth Pastor in Columbia, North Carolina and Cary, North Carolina before becoming Pastor of Hope Church. Heather is employed as an Occupational Therapist in the WakeMed System. Heather also serves in several areas of ministry within the church. Luke is our full-time Pastor. His hobbies include home improvement and coin collecting. Luke and Heather are very family oriented and love serving the people of Hope Church.
Al Hand– Ushers Ministry
Joan Lee – Greeters Ministry Joan is very active within Hope Church. She is dedicated to her chosen ministry of greeting our congregate members and visitors alike. She teaches Hope Church’s school-age children’s classes and creates beautiful tablescapes for our fellowship meals. Joan is a retired nurse and a blessing to Hope Church.
John Molokach – Music Ministry Leader Janet Molokach (wife of John) – Audio/Video Operator
John and Janet are faithful in utilizing their God-given talents within Hope Church. They have three wonderful children, Avery, Bethany and Hayden. All three of their children are college students. Hayden enjoys working as an assistant to the Children’s Ministry teachers. John is a math teacher in the Public School System; Janet is also in education, and in the Public School System. She is a Special Education teacher. We appreciate their dedication to Hope Church.
Melodie Hand – Children’s Ministry Leader Melodie has been married to Albert Hand for 26 years. Together they have 4 children ranging in ages 16-27 (all boys) and 3 grandchildren. She was raised in church and has served in Children’s Ministry for approximately 9 years now beginning as a fill-in teacher that eventually led into Children’s Ministry Leader. In addition to working with children, she has also worked as Women’s Ministry Leader and organizing women’s conferences for several years. Melodie’s husband and youngest son, Kyle, also are involved in the church volunteering as needed where needed.
Vann, Jen and Zeb Harrell – Youth Ministry Leaders Vann and Jennifer Harrell have been attending Hope Church for 6 years. They currently lead our youth ministry, and are also involved with our worship team. Vann and Jen have been married for 13 years and have a 9 year old son named Zeb. Vann is a substance abuse counselor with Carolina Outreach, and Jennifer works out of the home.
Barbara Rice – Church Secretary/Treasurer Barbara has been in her currently held position for about 11 years at Hope Church and created their first web site. Barbara also works in the Nursery some Wednesday evenings. She is a transplant from Maryland and has been a resident of North Carolina since 1990 and is semi-retired, working part-time for the church.
Mike Osbourne - 2911 Outreach Ministry
Chuck Damron - Security
Bethea Moore - Small Groups
Nancy Ramey - Food Pantry
Leadership Structure Hope Church is led by a Church Council. The Council consists of an elected Church Board and each Ministry Leader. The Church Board represents the church in all business, ministry and legal capacities. The Ministry Leaders include paid staff and volunteer leaders of each ministry in the church. The Church Council meets monthly or as needed to communicate, plan and problem solve.
