OUR PASTORS
PASTOR JAY CURRIE
I grew up on the west side of Michigan, but eventually made the cross-state migration to the east side to attend Rochester college. I graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor's in Biblical Studies - while also playing basketball (proof that miracles do happen). I am currently studying for my Masters at Moody Theological Seminary. My wife and I joined Hope in August of 2019. We have 2 children who have come into our family and we love watching them grow up everyday.
I'm a die-hard Detroit sports fan, faithfully believing the Lions will one day make it to the Promised Land. Until then, I'm practicing patience...which I hear is a fruit of the Spirit.
Most importantly, I have a passion for preaching God's Word in a way that's real, relevant and actually applicable to everyday life. My desire is to see His church be all that it can be - and should be - for His glory.
PASTOR GEORGE JOHNSON
Michelle and I first came to Hope Church in 1990 to work with the teens and young adults. It's hard to believe that over 3 decades later we are still serving and growing with all of you! God has blessed us with 4 children, all of which are now married. We are also so blessed to now be grandparents, what an adventure!
It is our great joy to see what the Lord continues to do in and through us together as we serve Him! My greatest desire for Hope Church is that we continue to strive to be a Church that impacts the community for Christ as we meet real needs, and bring comfort to those in distress.
Hope Church has invested in me over the years and supported my continued education very generously. I have completed a B.S. in Political Science and Philosophy, an M.A. in Religion, M.Div., and D. Min. with a focus on Church Leadership. In addition to preaching, teaching, caring, and leading here at Hope Church, I enjoy teaching in the community at DBI - Detroit Bible Institute, and the Macomb County Jail. I serve as the Moderator of the NAB - North American Baptist GLA - Great Lakes Association, and also support Barnabas Ministries, which encourages and mentors other Pastors here in S. E. Michigan.
I enjoy playing tennis, walking and biking with my wife, spending time with my family and the many friends God has blessed us with here at Hope. I thank God, and Hope Church for the privilege to serve the Lord here with you all these years.
PASTOR JOHN 'FREE' FREEMAN
Most people call me Free, and my wife Beth and I are all about being in the Hope Church family since Easter 2025; this is such a healthy, godly church and family is exactly what it is!
The two of us met when we were college students doing ministry together in the dorms at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. It's great.. to be.. a Michigan Wolverine! Go Blue!
Upon graduating from U of M, I became a college missionary for our small campus church. Over 11 years, I became a pastor and our team re-planted the church, and God grew it massively. Since then, I've led church plant teams to Michigan State and The University of Pittsburgh, before returning home to do teen and young adult ministry in Michigan, to be near to both of our families again.
For Beth and I, the joy of our hearts has been raising our 6 children and enjoying our fun, crazy, growing family. We love nature, hiking, road trips, national parks, exploring new cities & big meals! As for me, I'm a big Michigan football & basketball fan, a sci-fi geek, and a massive board gamer.
My greatest joy though is following Jesus every day and helping others grow everyday in following Him as well... especially if that's over a great cup of coffee. or some chicken wings, or if a board game is thrown in the mix!
