Meet Our Team
Hope City Staff
Pastor Joshua Neel
Pastor Josh is the Senior and Founding Pastor of Hope City Community Church, born out of a God-given dream to spend his life sharing the hope of Jesus with the people of Crestview. Alongside his wife, Wendy, he finds joy in raising their three children—Maddie, Gabe, and Nora.
When he’s not leading the church, Josh treasures the simple pleasures of life—whether it’s riding through the woods or picking blueberries on his property. These quiet moments remind him of God’s beauty, provision, and faithfulness.
His deepest passion is helping people encounter Jesus, embrace hope, and discover the abundant life God has promised to those who follow Him. With every sermon, conversation, and act of leadership, Josh’s heart is to see lives transformed by the power of the Gospel.
Pastor Wendy Neel
Pastor Wendy is the Executive Pastor at Hope City and has been serving in this capacity for over three years. She has a gift for brining vision to life, helping make the dreams God has placed in Pastor Josh’s heart a reality. She leads the staff, keeping them focused on the mission of Hope City and loving God and His people. Married to Pastor Josh, she is the proud mom to Maddie, Gabe, and Nora.
Mornings are her favorite time of day and she enjoys spending the early mornings with Jesus and walking outside during her prayer time. She also loves getting lost in a good book when she can.
Pastor Dayna Walters
Pastor Dayna serves as an Associate Pastor at Hope City overseeing all things Small Groups, Guest Experience, and Leadership. With her warm smile and caring heart, she makes everyone at Hope City feel seen, loved, and welcomed, especially those visiting for the first time. Her passion is creating a place where every person feels like they truly belong. Married to her husband, Kevin, together they have two wonderful kids, Brynn and Gavyn. Pastor Dayna also has a love for learning, especially when it comes to studying leadership and growing in the ways God equips her to love and serve others.
Pastor Leah Legions
Leah Legions has been part of Hope City Church since day one and currently serves as the Youth and Worship Pastor. Her heart is to see students encounter Jesus in a real and personal way, grow in their faith, and live out their purpose with confidence and joy.
Whether she’s leading worship or mentoring students, Leah is passionate about creating spaces where the next generation feels seen, valued, and empowered. Her love for both music and ministry shines through everything she does.
Leah is married to her husband, Patrick Legions. Leah is a proud mom of two amazing boys, Parker and Cullen.
To Leah, Hope City isn’t just a place to serve—it’s home. She’s deeply thankful to be part of a church family that is passionate about Jesus, people, and building something that lasts.
Pastor Kennie Law
Pastor Kennie serves the vision of Hope City as an Associate Pastor at Hope City and serves the church in Pastoral Care and Marriage ministry. He is a devoted husband to his wife, Monica, and together they are proud parents of two wonderful children, Keenan and Courtney. Deeply committed to both his family and his faith, his heart for people and passion for strengthening families are central to his calling and daily ministry.
Before entering full-time ministry, Pastor Kennie served with distinction in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer. Pastor Kennie has been at Hope City since its beginning and continues to inspire others through his unwavering faith and commitment to service. Whether in uniform or behind the pulpit, he remains a role model dedicated to uplifting others and advancing the Kingdom of God.
Kate Sneed
Kate is the Hope City Kids Elementary Director
Jen Watson
Jen has been on staff as the Hope City Kids Preschool Director at Hope since the very beginning. Jen absolutely loves the nursery through preschool age group because there’s nothing sweeter than watching little ones start to understand just how much Jesus loves them. Her heart is to help children experience God’s love in a way that builds a strong foundation for a lifetime of discipleship.
Outside of church, Jen’s life is full and fun with her three daughters, Kyleigh, Ellie, and Tessa. Jen homeschools her girls, coaches their youth sports teams, and even raises a few chickens on the side. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the field, or at home, Jen is passionate about helping kids grow in confidence, faith, and joy.
Misty Burger
Misty serves the mission of Hope City as the Administrative Assistant and has been part of Hope City since its launch. With a genuine heart for people, she is passionate about creating a welcoming environment and supporting both the staff and church family. Her God-given gift allows her to recognize tangible needs in the congregation and community and to connect people with the right resources to meet them. Misty is married to her husband, Tim, who also serves at Hope City.
When she’s not at the church, you can find Misty enjoying a good book, exploring thrift shops for unique finds, or spending time with her grandsons in her free time.
Julie Peaden
Julie Peaden has been part of Hope City since its beginning and faithfully serves as Executive Ministry Assistant. In this role, she provides support to the Lead Pastors and the broader church family, stepping in wherever needed to help the ministry thrive. Julie and her husband, Troy, help lead Discover Hope and are passionate about walking alongside others in their faith journey. She also enjoys using her craftsmanship and creativity to bless the church, especially through Vacation Bible School.
Julie and Troy are the proud parents of twin sons, Gage and Jake, and joyfully welcomed their daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, into their family.
Patrick Legions
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Board of Directors
Joshua Neel, Troy Peaden, Tim Bolduc, Wendy Neel, Craig Norwood, Kennie Law, Larry Neel, and Charri Neel
Board of Elders
Joshua Neel, Troy Peaden, Dusty Allison, Tim Bolduc, Craig Norwood, Alicia Cabrera, J.J. McDaniel, Kennie Law, Dayne Tosi, Rafael Cratch, and Wendy Neel,