Lead Pastor
Stephen Banks
Coming to Hope United Church in 2003 at the age of 23, Stephen and Kristina helped the church find a new identity, make diversity a reality, and focus the church around being a hope-filled place that invests in the community. In 2024, Stephen authored his first book, Plot Twists: How God can turn your story around. Stephen has a gift of preaching that connects to people from all walks of life. In the fall of 2025, Stephen led the church to add a second campus of Hope United on the westside. If you do not see him at the church, he is probably coaching his kids in soccer, playing basketball, or taking a trip to Florida with his family.
Music Leader
Wilson Nettles III
Wilson joined our church in 2023 as our leader of music after serving with other churches around Cleveland. He believes in helping people engage in worship. Wilson excels on the piano and can play a variety of music from Gospel to Contemporary. He oversees our band and choir ministry. Wilson loves to travel, play card games, and spend time with his family.
Pastor to Families with Children
Carolyn Joseph
Cleveland born and raised! Coming to Hope United Church in 2012, Carolyn established a growing kid and teen ministry. She has a heart for kids and lives out her ministry as a foster parent. Carolyn enjoys spending time with her family, playing board games, and amusement parks!
Campus Pastor East
Nannette Jackson
Nannette joined our east side campus in 2022. Nannette also works as a chaplain in hospitals and facilities around Cleveland. She has a passion for prayer, ministries of healing, and care for the people of the church.
Campus Pastor West
Jason Lowther
Jason and his family moved to Cleveland in 2023 as part of his residency with Cleveland Clinic where he is a doctor continuing his training as Pediatric Neurologist. While with our East Campus, Jason felt the call of God to pastor specifically to help churches facing challenges. In the Fall of 2025, Jason became the first campus pastor of Westlake. He has a heart for church history, the early church fathers, and the sacraments.
Graphic and Design
Erin Mitchell
Coming to Hope United Church at the age of 16, Erin was looking for a church that would allow them to be themselves and use their creative gifts. Erin loves video games and cats, but not necessarily video games about cats.
Our Staff