Gordon Wiersma, Pastor, has enjoyed serving as a Pastor at Hope Church since 1999, having previously served congregations in Phoenix and Philadelphia. Gordon is a graduate of Calvin College and completed his M.Div. at Princeton Theological Seminary in 1989. In 2019, he completed a Doctor of Ministry at McCormick Theological Seminary, focusing on restorative atonement theology and creative liturgical resources: www.thechristianstory.org. His family includes his wife, Dr. Anne Heath Wiersma who is a professor of Art History at Hope College, and 4 children – Anna, Bethany, Liam and Stella. Gordon enjoys Michigan football, Wordle, basketball, road trips, and Lake Michigan.
Gretchen Schoon Tanis, Pastor, joined our senior pastoral team in January 2025. She comes to Hope Church having previously pastored RELISH, an international congregation in Hannover, Germany. She is an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America, having completed her MDiv from Western Theological Seminary in 2002. She also holds a PhD in youth ministry and theology from King’s College, London, which she completed in 2011. She has held teaching positions at Hope College, Northwestern College, and Western Seminary, as well as NLA University College in Bergen, Norway. She is married to Phil Tanis and they have two children, Jon and M.E. They also have been claimed by two cats, Aslan and Lily. Gretchen enjoys watching the Arsenal football (soccer) team, swimming in Lake Michigan, and traveling.
Jackson Nickolay, Associate Pastor for Faith Formation (he/him) is originally from the North Woods of Minnesota, along the shore of Lake Superior; he has lived in Michigan for the last nine years. A theatre artist and musician, he enjoys practicing his craft as a writer, actor, busker, and open mic enthusiast. He is married to Rev. Hannah Barker Nickolay. He followed her lead in attending Western Theological Seminary, graduating with a Master of Divinity with a focus on worship design. He has been an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Reformed Church of America since 2022. Jackson is a member and co-founder of Wayfolk Arts (a liturgical arts company), and has a passion for living into the dual vocation of an artist and a minister. His interests include camping, hiking, tabletop games, Celtic Spirituality, coffee brewing, bread making, reading, and discovering new facets of being an Enneagram 3.
Jocelyn Van Heest, Children’s Ministry Director, has been involved in some capacity with the children at Hope Church for 30 years; she enjoys being part of their early faith development. Jocelyn appreciates working with others at the church dedicated to fulfilling their baptismal promise to the children. She enjoys reading, bridge, crafts, officiating volleyball, and the beautiful Adirondack Mountains.
Stacy D, Administrative Coordinator, has worked in church ministry the past 8 years. Prior to that she has been a barista, a lunch lady, and a stay-at-home mom to her 2 [now] adult children, Eli and Elvie. Stacy has lived in the West Michigan area for over 30 years with her husband Roger. Her interests include listening to true-crime podcasts, golfing, and relaxing on the beach with a good book.
Rhonda Edgington, Music Director & Organist, moved to Holland with her husband, Mark, and two children from Northern Germany in October 2011, becoming organist at Hope Church in January 2012. She also directs the Carillon Choir, performs as a recitalist, and is an accompanist at Hope College. When not making music or being a mom, Rhonda enjoys bike riding, reading, and baking.
Tim Van Bruggen, Operations Manager
Vicki Rumpsa, Kids Hope USA Director, coordinates the work of the Hope Church mentors, substitute mentors, and prayer partners who serve the at-risk children of Vanderbilt Charter Academy. Her interests include reading about history, hiking the beaches of Lake Michigan, camping, and spending time with her 9 Grandchildren.
Contact Information
Main Phone: (616) 392-7947
Email: office@hopechurchrca.org
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