Elders

Pastor Scott Roberts

My wife, Jennifer, and I came to Hope in Christ Church in December 2007 from five years of working with university students at two campuses in Colorado Springs, CO. We have 8 children and intentionally live a simple life that includes reading, farming, hiking and camping. We love cross-cultural missionary work and have served in numerous countries across Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America in both urban and rural settings from 3-weeks to one year. We love Jesus, desire his kingdom…

Jerry Hop

  • Elder
2022-2025 Jerry and his wife have called Bellingham home for many years. After moving here from Michigan, he settled into a career in the medical field while they raised their three children. Now they enjoy taking time to spend with their siblings, children, and grandchildren. Jerry also enjoys being in nature, whether that be going for a hike or a walk on the local trails. He also can be found quietly serving behind the scenes. God’s light shines through him, in all…

Mark Ruiter

  • Elder
2022-2025 Mark was born and raised in Whatcom County and has raised his own family here too. He and his wife have four daughters, whom they home school. When he has a spare moment, Mark enjoys gaming online. During the day he runs a trucking company, where he is able to interact with a variety of people. Mark is passionate about sharing God’s love and amazing Good News with those he already knows and the people he meets.

David Richards

  • Elder
2023-2026 A retired Bellingham Police Sergeant, David knows much of the ins and outs of Bellingham. Between growing up on a farm, his WSU days, and his years in the police department, if you want to hear a good story told well, he has a plethora to choose from. David and his wife, Ida, have three grown children and three grandchildren whom they love to share life with. He also has a servant heart and can often be found quietly…