Hope Presbyterian Church logo

Meet Our Staff

Martin L. Hawley

Senior Pastor

Chris Johnson

Choir Director

Teri Nelson

Accompanist

Martin Hawley

Senior Pastor

Martin Hawley grew up in northwest Arkansas and studied history and classical studies at the University of Arkansas. While in college, Martin met his wife Shari and was also pursuing a career in management with Dillard’s Department Stores. Martin and Shari married in 1989 and spent the next 11 years moving throughout the South, during this time working for Dillard’s and later Belk’s in buying, merchandise management, and as store manager. It was also during this time that the Lord began to reveal his call on Martin to some form of vocational ministry.

While serving Hope as the Youth Team leader in 2001, Martin decided to pursue full-time training for the Gospel Ministry. He and Shari left Georgia for St. Louis, Missouri, where Martin earned his Master of Divinity and Master of Exegetical Theology degrees at Covenant Theological Seminary.

Martin served several internships while studying at Covenant, including a full summer back at Hope in 2004 as the church transitioned pastoral leadership. He was eventually called to serve Hope as Senior Pastor and began here in April 2005. Martin is presently pursuing a Doctorate through Aberdeen University. His passions in ministry are for preaching, worship (especially the sacraments), and working with youth and children. Martin’s hobbies include; volleyball, golf, writing, and chess.

Shari, a graduate of the University of Arkansas, is a graphic designer who ministers to Hope using her God-given creative talents.

Martin may be reached by contacting him at 770-971-4673 or via e-mail.

Chris Johnson

Choir Director

Chris Johnson grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan and began singing as a small child in the pre-K choir at First Presbyterian Church. During his middle and high school years, Chris actively participated in band as a tuba player and in the orchestra, playing the violin. He also sang in the school choir. Chris attended Western Michigan University, earning his Bachelors of Music in both violin performance and in teaching, and completed the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program in Military Science. During his college years, he also played in the Kalamazoo Symphony and sang in the Kalamazoo Chorus. After his graduation, Chris completed infantry officers basic school and was assigned as the Ft. Benning Infantry Chorus Director. Following his active tour, Chris served from 1978-1986 as Orchestra Director in Columbus, Georgia. He also helped form and direct the Columbus Youth Symphony. During this busy time Chris also performed as both the 1st violin and principle second of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. In 1986, Chris and his family relocated to the Cobb County area, where he has served as an Orchestra Director in the local school system — most recently at McCleskey Middle School. Chris helped form and manage the Cobb County Youth Symphony. He has also played several years as asst. concertmaster in the Sandy Springs Chamber Orchestra. Chris says that his favorite new muscial experience is learning to play the banjo.

Teri Nelson

Accompanist

Teri Nelson was born in Marietta, GA and is a graduate of Berry College in Rome, Georgia. She has faithfully served Hope as our pianist/accompanist since 1984. Teri has taught private piano lessons for four years and is a former member of CMTA (Cherokee Music Teachers Association) and GMTA (Georgia Music Teachers Association). She has also continued her professional development through ongoing participation in keyboard seminars presented by Marilynn Ham, Mark Hayes, Joseph Martin, and Gail Smith.