Recently New Hope Presbyterian church said goodbye to our full-time minister. This season of change offers our church a beautiful gift — the chance to hear God’s voice through many of His servants. As we welcome a variety of speakers over the next several months, we do so with expectation, believing that each one has been sent for a purpose.
Every message, every story, every perspective is an opportunity for us to grow, to be renewed, and to see God’s faithfulness in fresh ways. Even in transition, the Spirit is at work among us, guiding, shaping, and preparing our church for what comes next.
Sunday, August 16th 10:00 a.m. Reverend Rob Evans
Reverend Dr. Robert C. Evans, III (Rob) is a Raleigh native and is honorably retired. Rob is a graduate of NC State University, Union Presbyterian Seminary, and served churches in Fayetteville, North Wilkesboro, Greensboro, Lewisville, NC, & Virginia Beach, VA. He played football at NCSU, enjoys all college sports, golf, and gardening, but his number one hobby is spoiling his grandchildren. He and his wife, Lavinia, moved to Hickory in 2024 to be nearer to their son and family who live in Boone.
Sunday, August 23rd 10:00 am Dean Newkirk
Dean Newkirk, who joined New Hope Presbyterian as our Music Director in September 2025, brings nearly 30 years of experience in leading worship, creative ministries, and music production. A passionate worship leader and encourager, he has served in a variety of roles and leadership positions in both church and music industry settings. Dean’s career also spans the Christian music industry, where he managed over 1,000 projects at SONY Music/Provident Label Group. Dean looks forward to leading our congregation in vibrant, Christ-centered worship.
Sunday, August 30th 10:00 am Reverend Rob Evans
We are delighted to welcome back Rob with us today. A Raleigh native and honorably retired pastor, Rob brings decades of faithful ministry, a love of sports and gardening, and deep joy in family. He and his wife, Lavinia, now call Hickory home.
Terry Foster serves as our Office Administrator and has been a joyful part of New Hope Presbyterian since September 2021. She is often the first friendly face (and voice) people encounter—greeting visitors, answering calls, managing bills, balancing accounts, and keeping our office running smoothly. Terry was born in Asheboro and moved to Dallas, N.C., with her family at age 12. In addition to her work at New Hope, she has been employed with H&R Block for 25 years. She enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, browsing thrift stores, and visiting her “happy place”—the beach.
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Dean Newkirk, who joined New Hope Presbyterian as our Director of Music in September 2025, brings nearly 30 years of experience in leading worship, creative ministries, and music production. A passionate worship leader and encourager, he has served in a variety of roles and leadership positions in both church and music industry settings. Dean’s career also spans the Christian music industry, where he managed over 1,000 projects at SONY Music/Provident Label Group. Dean looks forward to leading our congregation in vibrant, Christ-centered worship.