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.
May we listen with open hearts and receive every speaker as part of God’s provision for this moment in our journey.
Sunday, June 28th 10:00 a.m. Reverand Daniel Rushing
We are pleased to welcome Daniel, who served as an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God for more than 20 years. He holds a BA in Biblical Studies from Lee University and a master’s degree in Pastoral Care from Gardner‑Webb. Daniel currently serves as the full‑time Chaplain at Senior TLC in Gastonia, where he provides compassionate spiritual care to senior adults in underserved communities. He and his wife, Crystal, recently joined New Hope Presbyterian Church and we are blessed to share in his gifts of teaching and ministry.
Sunday, July 5th 10:00 a.m. Reverand Laurey Harrell
Reverand Harrell (Laurey) was raised in a Presbyterian family in Mobile, Alabama earning a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Auburn University and was named Special Ed Teacher of the Year in Mobile in 1985. Her passion for ministry led her to pursue advanced theological studies and she completed a Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary and a Doctorate from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. After being in the pastorate for 43 years, she retired 5 years ago from Johns Island Presbyterian Church having served churches in the Carolinas, Texas and Alabama. When not exploring their new home in Hickory, Laurey and her husband Wade are having fun with their 12 grandchildren!
Sunday, July 12th 10:00 a.m. Reverand Rob Evans
Reverand 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.
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.