The Strategic Planning Council (SPC) is the elected leadership body of the church also known as the Church Council.  The SPC provides oversight and governance for our ministry, along with the Senior Pastor, by discerning and setting the vision and direction for Hope of who God is calling us to be, and what God is calling us to do as his church.  If you have any questions, comments or feedback of any kind, please click the button below and complete the form.


Contact SPC

  • Kelley Parish Photo

    Bob Benedict, President

    Term: July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2026

    I was raised in Connecticut, graduated from Carnegie-Mellon University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, then moved to Michigan where I worked at General Motors for nearly 39 years. During my GM career I held various roles within Product Engineering, retiring in the summer of 2023. My wife Chris and I moved to Northville in 1999 and have been members at Hope since about 2000, and have joyously served in Hope’s music, educational and service ministries. I’m also fortunate to have previously served on the SPC. Our 2 adult sons (Nate, Caleb) were raised with all the wonderful youth programs at Hope. I currently work with Chris at Coldwell Banker Real Estate–Northville covering the nearby 5 county area.

  • Allen Kneale, Director of Leadership

    Term: July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026

    I was born and raised in southeastern Michigan and attended St. Peter's Lutheran Church and School for my kindergarten through eighth grade education.  Between 1986 and 1994, I served in the U.S. Army and the Army National Guard.  I have two bachelor’s degrees from Oakland University.  I have worked in the environmental services profession for over 33 years involving the remediation and redevelopment of commercial and industrial real estate.  My wife Susan and I live in Troy.  I have been a member of Hope Lutheran since 2012 and a Stephen Minister since 2015.  My wife Susan has been a member at Hope since 1999 and previously served multiple years on the Strategic Planning Council.  Our eldest son, Sam, recently graduated from Wayne State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work.  He is starting his profession at Wellspring Lutheran Services and plans to pursue his masters in social work.  Our daughter, Morgan, is beginning her third year at Oakland University and is pursuing a career in teaching and art education.  Prior to becoming a member at Hope, I served as Facilitator/President of the Parish Council for St. Elizabeth Anne Seton Church and on the City of Troy Zoning Board as member and chairperson for seven years.  My interests include spending time with my family, history, reading, Disney Vacation Club, traveling to the Leelanau County area, range shooting, and Star Wars.

  • Dirk Beamer Photo

    Dirk Beamer, Director of Finance

    Term Ends: June 30, 2025

    I am a native Buckeye who traveled across the border to attend law school at the University of Michigan. My wife Jessica and I live in downtown Farmington and have attended Hope Lutheran Church since 1996. Our three adult children (Langston, Lawrence, and Anika Jane) were baptized and confirmed at Hope.  I’ve enjoyed being active in worship and music ministry, youth ministry, and leadership positions. In my spare time, I serve as the managing partner of Wright Beamer, PLC, and practice business and employment law.

  • Wally Bishop, Director of Facilities

    Term: July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026

    Wally and Cindy have been members of Hope Lutheran Church since 2015. We have three children: Wallace A. Bishop III, Kyle F. Bishop, and Brittany A. Caron. Also we are blessed with four grandchildren. Wally has formally served on the Strategic Planning Council as Facilities Director. Wally is also the Lead Usher, member of the Worship Space Team, and Community Service Team. He is a former Firefighter and current Plant Manager for Reinhart Industries. He has been a resident of the city of Novi for 43 years. 

  • Christine Mwanyika Photo

    Christine Mwanyika, Director-At-Large

    Term: July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025

    I was born and raised in Africa - Tanzania and Kenya. I have been a Lutheran all my life.  I moved to the US in 1996 to go to college and I have been here since! Michigan is the only State I have lived in.  I have an adult son who lives on the west side of the state.  I have a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Phoenix University and a master’s degree in computer information systems from Grand Valley State University. I joined Hope in February of 2020.  I work at Accenture LLP as the technology consulting manager. 

  • Rachel Taylor Photo

    John Davis, Director-At-Large

    Term: July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026

    I was born and raised in Brighton where I met my wife, Caron, of 27 years, and we currently reside in Pinckney. I attended Ferris State University and received a B.S. in Criminal Justice and also attended Michigan State where I studied Horticulture. I then joined the US Navy, served 24 years, and retired as a Chief Petty Officer. I am currently working at Epiroc in Dexter as a supply technician. Caron and I joined Hope Lutheran Church in January of 2023.

  • Augusta Stephens, Director-At-Large

    Term: July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026

    I have been a Lutheran all of my life and my father, grandfather were Lutheran pastors and my brother is also a Lutheran pastor in Maryland.  I am a graduate of Pace University with a MIS/Applications Programming  degree.  Presently, I am a Diagnostic Engineer for ConvergeOne.  I have been living in Farmington Hills since 2020 and I have a son and 2 grandchildren who reside in Detroit.  I have been worshipping at Hope Lutheran since 2022.

  • Tuesday Williams Photo

    Tuesday Williams, Recording Secretary

    My husband, Larry, and I joined Hope in 2016 and we live in South Lyon.  We have two very active children; Trey, our 14 year old son and Jordyn, our 11 year old daughter.  They are excited to be starting high school and middle school this year.  I moved to Michigan in 1998 from Minnesota and attended Michigan State University to attain my Bachelor's Degree in education.  I went on to attend Eastern Michigan University to attain my Master's Degree in school counseling.  I am entering my 20th year at Thurston High School in South Redford as a high school counselor.