Team

Staff & Leadership

Staff

Senior Pastor

Darin kirkman

Originally from the “Great White North” (aka the Upper Midwest), Pastor Darin is grateful to serve the Lord in Douglas County since being called in 2017. Passionate about seeing wholehearted disciples of Jesus formed, He trained for gospel ministry at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School near Chicago, IL.

He is also ordained with the Evangelical Free Church of America. Darin is blessed to have Amanda as his wife since 2014. She teaches art from a biblical perspective at Geneva Academy. They are thankful to have their hands full with their firstborn Ansel. Darin and his family are avid about the outdoors: fishing, hiking, camping, snowshoeing, foraging and much more.

Operations Coordinator

Jan Patton

Jan has been married to her husband Ken Patton, a retired pastor, for 57 years! They are blessed to have 5 children and 9 grandchildren. Taking to heart the Bible’s exhortation to care for the fatherless, the Pattons have also ministered to over 350 foster children.

For the past 15 years, she has been serving at New Hope EFC. We are grateful that Jan brings her Bible College education, pastor’s wife experiences at multiple churches, and zealous desire to advance God’s kingdom into her role as our Communications Director. She is an avid lover of all things vintage and funky! snowshoeing, foraging, and much more.

Contact

Communications Coordinator

Pam Knudson

Pam has been a member of New Hope for two years. She is retired from a career in Administration and Communications. Her loves are Jesus, her family, writing, quilting, and all things crafting.

Custodian

David Smith

Originally a Southern California boy, David and his family enjoy calling Southern Oregon their home. David and his family have called New Hope EFC their church home for many years. He is married to Sarah. They have one beloved son Ezra who is nicknamed a “New Hope baby”. Ask him why!

He takes seriously his role in helping us to faithfully steward this facility as a God-given tool for the advancement of the gospel. When not serving New Hope, his family, or his community, you can often find him at one of his favorite fishing spots or on his three-wheeler.

Leadership

Elder Team

Senior Pastor

Darin Kirkman

Pastor Darin Kirkman has served Douglas County since 2017, passionately shaping wholehearted disciples of Jesus. He has been blessed with his wife Amanda since 2014, navigating parenthood with their firstborn Ansel. Darin finds joy in outdoor pursuits like fishing, hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and foraging.

Church Chairmen

Dan Brands

Dan Brands serves as the Church Chairman and Worship Leader at New Hope. Outside of his church duties, he enjoys spending his free time biking, acting in a local theater, and cherishing moments with his wife Chelly, and their two adult children.

Elder

Ken patton

Ken Patton, a retired minister and Navy veteran, currently serves as an elder at New Hope. Married to Jan, New Hope's Communications Director, he brings a wealth of experience to the community.