Tim Hanze, Senior Minister

"Life is a marathon, not a sprint.  I want to finish the race consistently and strong."

Tim has been our Senior Minister since 1987. He is married to Debby, and they have three daughters and six grandchildren.  Tim received his Bachelor's degree from Johnson Bible College, his Master's degree from Ashland Theological Seminary, and he has pursued Doctoral studies at the University of Tennessee and Kent State University in sociology.

Tim is a fan of movies with Steven Segal and Clint Eastwood.  His perfect day would be to hang out with his grandchildren provided he "has the next day to recover."

Prior to pastoring Hope, Tim and Debby led churches in central Ohio and Tennessee.  Tim is a third-generation minister, and loves most to see people's lives changed by God.

Rolland Bryar, Associate Minister

"I think that’s what ministry, and any aspect of Christian leadership, is really all about. Following Jesus, and helping others follow you."

Rolland has been our Associate Minister since January 2001. He is married to Amy ("best decision I have ever made, aside from following Jesus"), and they have two children. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, he works primarily with the adult and teen ministries. Rolland received his Bachelor's from Kentucky Christian College, and he has previously served ministries in Kentucky and Ohio, as well as leading mission trips to the Philippines, South Korea and Japan.

An avid fan of hockey, NASCAR and The Smashing Pumpkins, he admits to being able to "watch the Weather Channel all day." His impossible and perfect day includes teleporting to Hawaii to eat lunch, a nap, Mexican food and Conan O'Brien.

Leo Shuder, Teen Director

"I would love to show kids how to plug into a relationship with God in this technology-driven world."

Leo Shuder became our Teen Director in the spring of 2011.  He is married to Cheryl, and they both work full-time jobs apart from their work with our teens.  They also keep busy raising their two dogs. Leo was raised in Avon and feels a real connection with the teens of this area.  In addition to having a heart for knowing the Bible, Leo is also a technology junkie, with a passion for gaming and computer equipment.

Amy Bryar, Children's Director

"My vision for the children of HOPE is to teach them about God’s amazing love and to help them build a relationship with Jesus that will guide them throughout their lifetime."

Amy was hired as our Children’s Director in the Spring of 2011.  She has grown up in our church and has been volunteering for the better part of 20 years with our kids.   Amy is committed to our children’s ministry and as a parent is “so grateful for the amazing volunteers that live out our mission.” 

Amy is married to our Associate Minister, Rolland Bryar, and they have two children.  She loves spending time with her family, going out for Mexican food, volunteering in the Westlake schools and scrapbooking. When she is not organizing our ministry to children. Amy also works part-time as a nurse. 

Pam Sykes, Office Manager

"It really only takes a minute to smile at someone and be nice, and I've usually got a minute."

Pam has been our office manager since April, 2000. If you make contact through the church office, the odds are good that you'll meet Pam first. She is married to Eric, they have two grown children and one granddaughter. As a member of this church since 1995 when the family moved to the Cleveland area, Pam's heart is truly in her work.

She loves reading, especially Alice in Wonderland ("How can you not love that poetry?") and vintage TV. She's a knitting wiz who can always be found with needles in her hands knitting for her new granddaughter.

Neal Nemeth, Worship Director

"Worship is different for everybody, but for me it happens in those moments when I finally take the focus off of myself and put it on God."

Neal has been our worship leader since June of 2010. Neal is married to Rachel and she made him get a cat. The cat's name is Guthrie (named after Neal's favorite guitarist Guthrie Govan). Neal studied music at Lorain County Community College and Berklee College of Music and previously served in music ministries in Elyria and North Ridgeville, Ohio. Neal is avid fan of instrumental music and spends his free time writing songs. His perfect day would include spending time with Rachel, eating pizza, playing guitar and working out all at the same time.

David Strieter, Music Director

"Not without design does God write the music of our lives. Be it ours to learn the tune, and not be dismayed at the "rests."

David is married to Christi, and he has 5 children and one grandchild. Prior to coming to HOPE, David and Christi served in music ministry in Fairlawn, Bay Village and Westlake. David has a passion for orchestrating and arranging music in jazz, classical and other venues. He especially enjoys creating new sounds for old standards. In addition to his ministry at HOPE, David plays keyboards for various jazz and pop music gigs, and teaches piano and music theory. David has a heart for reaching all people through the universal language of music and its healing power.