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Meet Our Staff

Rev. Dr. Martin L. Hawley

Hope Senior Pastor

Rev. James Li

Atlanta Covenant Church Planter,
Hope Assistant Pastor

Eugene McKinnon

Pastoral Intern

Chris Johnson

Choir Director

Teri Nelson

Accompanist

Rev. Dr. Martin L. 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 (MDiv) and Master of Exegetical Theology (MAET) degrees at Covenant Theological Seminary. Martin later also earned a Masters of Theology (ThM).

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 recently completed a Doctorate (PhD) through Aberdeen University in Scotland. His passions in ministry are for preaching, worship (especially the sacraments), working with youth, and missions. Martin’s hobbies include; volleyball, 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.

James Li

Assistant Pastor

James Li was born in Hebei Province, mainland China, and grew up in a Christian family. During his university years, he met his wife, Wendy at the campus Christian fellowship. After graduating, Wendy dedicated herself to campus evangelism ministry, while James pursued full-time pastoral ministry. They got married in 2011. Following their marriage, Wendy gradually shifted her focus to their family, investing her energy into supporting James in his pastoral work and raising their four lovely children. In addition to his pastoral ministry, James continues to be sharpened through the Doctor of Ministry program at Reformed Theological Seminary. What ignites his passion is witnessing the Gospel, spread like dandelion seeds carried by the wind, where the seeds of the Gospel take root and new churches are planted within communities. And then, just like dandelion seeds, the Gospel spreads again as it emanates from the newly planted churches… (1Thessalonians 1:2-10)
 
Atlanta Covenant Church (亚特兰大华人恩约教会)
 
As the Chinese immigrant population in the Atlanta metropolitan area continues to expand, we are presented with a growing mission field. The timing is ripe to plant a new Chinese church. With the approval of Northwest Georgia Presbytery and support of Hope Presbyterian Church, Atlanta Covenant Church (PCA) is being planted and public worship has begun. Atlanta Covenant Church will be a source of the Gospel to these new Chinese immigrants, training them in sound doctrine to become disciples of Jesus and passionately engaging in church planting. 

For more details please refer to: 

Eugene McKinnon

Pastoral Intern

Eugene McKinnon was born and raised in Central Ontario, Canada. In 2012 he immigrated to the United States after marrying his wife, Katie. They have two children, Liam and Kaleigh.

Eugene came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior when he was eight years old. He holds a BA in History and Religious Studies from the University of Toronto, MDiv and MRE from Knox College, and a MABS from Reformed Theological Seminary.

He has lived in three countries, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. And has worked a variety of industries before he felt called by God to preach the Gospel and pastor His people. 

He loves to be involved in worship, Christian education, expositing the Word of God, and providing pastoral care.

In his spare time, he likes to cook, play board games with his wife and kids, watch mystery shows with his wife, visiting museums, travel in the US and Canada, and reading
Scripture, classic novels, history, theology, and science; and listening to music or audiobooks.

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.