Ben Pierce, Pastor

Born in Corinth, Mississippi, Ben became a Christian at 16 years of age. Up to that point, a fulfilled life equaled a golfing life on the professional tour. But, God had different plans for Ben. Over time, he developed a passion for serving God and a deep compassion for the needy and poverty stricken. After completing his undergraduate studies at The University of the South in Tennessee, Ben left for Africa as a missionary.  

From 1984-1987, Ben worked for then Bishop, now Archbishop of Rwanda,  E. M. Kolini in Zaire. Kolini, a man dedicated to the reconstruction of Rwanda after the genocide, is one of Ben’s most significant mentors. After Africa, Ben attended Fuller Theological Seminary where he completed his Master of Divinity degree. As he was finishing seminary, his future wife, Christy, (copastor of New Hope church) was starting. Ben admits he may have been scamming on the freshmen babes, but God blessed his efforts and gave him his best friend, soul-mate, and partner in ministry.

Although New Hope church is non-denominational, Ben and Christy are both ordained Presbyterian pastors and have served on the San Francisco Peninsula since 1991. Ben started his vocation at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church (MPPC) as an intern in the Single Adults Ministry. In 1993, he and his wife, Christy, served at First Presbyterian Church in San Mateo. From 1998 to 2003, Ben and Christy returned to MPPC to lead the Single Adults Ministry. As 2003 came to a close, they were surprised by God’s leading to plant a church on the San Francisco Peninsula. In July of 2004, they began New Hope Peninsula Church with the help of many people who believed that God was calling this to happen. They have three children:  daughters, Corey and Annie, as well as their son, Benji.

Ben says of starting a new church on the Peninsula; “It ain’t for sissies, but I love the church we are trying to become.   It’s the church I always wanted to be a part of.”   The call to be a “church for others”; that does the works of Jesus in the world, rather than just talking about it, makes his heart beat faster.  So does helping people experience the love of God in a personal, transforming, and healing way.  Ben also believes that what God is doing at New Hope is part of His movement to do a larger work of spiritual renewal and awakening in the SF bay area.

Ben is an avid golfer, runner, and biker; a big fan of the Miami Dolphins, and an enthusiast of anything that flies.

Christy Pierce, Pastor: Prayer and Healing

Born and raised in Kansas, Christy became a Christian during confirmation class with Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village. She went on to graduate from the University of Kansas with a B.A. in Economics and English. Following college, Christy was asked by the staff of Secretary Elizabeth Dole to work with them in Washington, D.C. During Senator Dole’s Presidential Campaign, she traveled with Senator and Secretary Dole. Her responsibilities included point person for press events, scheduling and the organization of the advance teams preceding the Dole entourage. At the Department of Labor, Christy was Elizabeth Dole’s Special Assistant, briefing Mrs. Dole on official meetings, travel and events within the country and overseas. In addition, she was Elizabeth Dole’s liaison for all Christian issues including religious speeches, hardship cases and Christian events.

After Washington, Christy moved to Pasadena, California and completed her Masters of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary where she met and married her husband, Ben. Together, they’ve been ministering in the Bay Area for 13 years. Most recently, they served as Associate Pastors for Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in Menlo Park, California. While there, they pastored at a congregation of about 6,000 people—where approximately 20% were single adults—their area of ministry at that time. Specifically, Christy grew a GenX ministry from 12 to 400 people there, preached and also led a healing ministry.

Christy is writing a book called, Whispers of God, and longs to empower people to hear God’s voice in their daily lives. One of Christy’s passions is speaking at conferences where she spends equal time speaking & praying for those who attend. It is truly exciting for her to see people experience God’s touch personally in their lives.

Christy and Ben have 3 children – two daughters, Corey and Annie, as well as their son, Benji. She is impressed by Pilates, loves to garden (but, never gets to!) and is always available to her friends and neighbors who need her wise counsel and compassionate heart.

Edie Dwan, Pastor

Edie grew up in the Palo Alto area and attended Stanford University, where she met her husband, Bill. She led various church and para-church ministries while her children were young, and when they were teens, was called to the pastorate. After graduating from Fuller Seminary, Edie was ordained by the American Baptist Church, USA. She has served in a number of ministries, including church planter, campus minister for Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, program director for the Sandy Ford Fellowship, teaching director for Community Bible Study, and staff pastor at several churches. In her spare time, Edie enjoys hanging out with her husband and with friends, riding her horses, eating chocolate, spiritual conversations, singing, eating chocolate, gardening, reading, eating chocolate, and acting in community theatre.

Steve Young, Worship

Steve Young is a great young man.  He is creative and hip....his bio is coming so stay tuned.  In the mean time, he is leading heartfelt and atmospheric worship for us at New Hope.

Judy Adams, Administration

Judy Adams has been in the Bay Area nearly 20 years, but still considers herself a Midwestern girl at heart.  High tech brought her to the area, meeting her husband kept her here.  She noted the beautiful weather wasn't bad either. Judy worked at Oracle in a variety of marketing and customer service roles then migrated to Netscape and E*Trade where she managed their onsite staffing.  After her second child was born, Judy opted to stay home and became involved in a variety of church ministry and school volunteer leadership and development roles.  The deepest desire of her heart is understanding the love of God and building an authentic and loving family life on the foundation of Christ.  She is an avid reader, loves water sports and likes to dabble in artistic pursuits. Judy, her husband, Brian, and their two children, Jacob and Heather, enjoy outdoor activities like camping, hanging at the beach and hiking with their German Shepherd dog, Cali. If you need to contact Judy, click here.

Julie Davies, Youth Ministry

A native of Pontiac, Illinois just south of Chicago, Julie was valedictorian of her high school class and earned an athletic scholarship to Kent State University, where she played Division I volleyball. A recent graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary, with a Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, she brings an effervescent personality to New Hope that is contagious. She is passionate about Jesus, loves helping others, is a great listener, and desires to bring out the best in everyone. Children and teenagers fall into Julie's sweet spot for ministry. She loves the excitement and creativity they share with her and hopes to be an encouraging influence on their lives. In her free time she loves to play competitive beach volleyball and is always up for a good game. She also loves to travel the world and has a heart for Africa.

Marc Davies, Director of Youth Ministry

After growing up in Castle Rock, Colorado, Marc moved to Los Angeles, California to pursue a career in acting and screenwriting. However, after awhile the desires of his heart changed and he became passionate about studying the Bible. In fact, Marc began to teach about Jesus and found himself actively mentoring youth. During this transformative time, he worked at Bel Air Presbyterian Church as a Facilities Technician from 2001-2006. While there, he was admired for his servant heart and willingness to help at any given moment. He has a passion for missions and previously served in Northern Ireland and on the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He is a blessing to the youth and hopes to use his artistic and creative talents to share the love of God. In his free time, he loves to write, draw, and play the guitar.

Kyah Combs, Children's Ministry

As a child Kyah loved to play with dolls and dress up. She enjoyed creating a fun atmosphere in her bedroom at all times! Kyah sang in the mirror and wrote stories, casting her favorite barbies and action figures into the dramas. Little did she know how much this would prepare her for all the “ministry hats” she would one day wear. Kyah comes to New Hope as our Director in the Children's Ministry. She is also a Worship Leader and Children's Director for "The Gathering" in Oakley CA.

Kyah was born and raised in California, primarily Southern Cal, the daughter of a pastor and now the wife of one. She calls her life blessed in every way. She pursues her passion to teach and train people of all ages in becoming fully devoted followers of Christ. Oh, and let us not forget, her favorite things are: Taco Bell, Iced Venti Americano w/ no water, 3 pumps of Toffee Nut, and non-fat milk, the movie Enchanted, any activity with her family, Worship music: David Crowder, Family Force Five, and her favorite indulgence is buying guitars!!!!!