Faculty and Staff

Nathan Williams has been happily married to Bethany for 20 years and they have 4 children. He has an undergraduate degree in Bible with a history minor, along with an M.Div. from The Master’s Seminary and a D.Min. in Biblical Theology from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Nathan served as a college pastor in Lynchburg, Virginia for 7 years before moving to Michigan in 2017 to become the senior pastor at Woodhaven Bible Church in Woodhaven. One of his ministry passions involves pastoral training in Nepal, having taught in the country several times as well as developing curricula for national pastors there. In his free time he enjoys reading, running, watching Michigan football, and roasting coffee.

Originally from Minnesota, Bob Snyder is happily married to Jinna. Together they are blessed with six children and a growing number of grandchildren. His education includes degrees in mechanical engineering and mathematics from North Dakota State University, an M.Div. from Central Seminary in Minneapolis, and a Ph.D. in church history from Southern Seminary in Louisville. Although he felt a desire for ministry early in life and professed faith as a child, it is likely that he was born again in his mid-20s through a crisis of faith that started humbling his pride. He has had the privilege of serving over twenty years in the pastorate, both as a solo pastor and as an associate pastor. Currently, he is an Associate Pastor at Countryside Bible Church in Jonesville, Michigan and the director of Spring Branch Academy.

Michael Jones was raised in the deep South and has lived in Metro Detroit for 22 years. He has degrees from William Tyndale College, Michigan Theological Seminary, Moody Theological Seminary, and is almost finished with his PhD from the University of Chester. He has served as pastor of Zion Baptist Church in Taylor, MI for 22 years and is a long-time member of the board of the largest storefront food pantry in Michigan. He and his wife have two grown children.

Karen Rittle earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois and her master’s degree in learning disabilities from Northwestern University. She then obtained a certification as a special education teacher and taught in an elementary school setting. Shortly after she began teaching, she was certified as an Orton-Gillingham Practitioner and became a teacher trainer, offering phonology courses through Governors State University as an adjunct professor. She then opened a full-time private practice for remediation of students with learning disabilities, aged kindergarten through college. Karen is a devoted student of the Bible and makes it her practice to read through the Bible multiple times each year. For the last several years, Karen has been, and is currently, a biblical counselor for children, adults, and couples. She has also completed the Fundamental Training Course from the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.

Jon Navarre is a husband, father, friend, business professional, writer, speaker, and shepherd. Jon likes to take walks, read, cook, and study God’s Word. Jon received his B.S. in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and his Master of Divinity from Moody Theological Seminary-Michigan. Jon lives, works, and serves in the Metro Detroit area. Jon is an elder and member of the Teaching Team at 1Mosaic Church in Adrian, MI.

Matt Postiff was raised in Chelsea, Michigan, and attended the University of Michigan where he received a B.S.E., M.S.E, and Ph.D. in computer science and engineering. Sensing God’s call to ministry, he took up studies at Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary where he received the Master of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees. He was able to teach introductory Hebrew there as well. He has pastored Fellowship Bible Church in Ann Arbor since 2006. He is married to Naomi, and they share three sons.

Mark Berry grew up in the metro Detroit area. He played basketball and studied art, English, and education at Olivet College (Michigan), earning a bachelor’s degree and a Michigan teaching certificate in 1999. Since then, Mark has had an impactful career teaching in Michigan’s public schools. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in teaching (Marygrove College, 2006). In addition to his work as a public school teacher, Mark has labored to support his family as a self-employed caricature artist since 2012. Mark and his wife Yvonne were married in 2001, and have since raised three sons. Mark has been a consistent member of Hope Community Church since 2000 and has served the church in a variety of capacities.

Wayde Hoppe was born and raised in the Metro-Detroit area. He received his bachelor’s of science degree in Architecture in 1984 and his masters of architecture in 1986 from The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor Michigan. Wayde has served as an elder at Hope Community Church for the past 30 years. He has been involved in a variety of roles within the church such as shepherding a small group in his home, teaching in various capacities, and providing counseling for individuals, couples, and families. Wayde has owned and operated his architectural firm in Belleville, Michigan since 1998. He and his wife Carrie enjoy spending time with their 12 children and 19 grandchildren.

Dan Taylor grew up in Northern Michigan. He played baseball at Grand Rapids Community College and later attended Eastern Michigan University where he studied mathematics and physics. He also earned his master’s degree in mathematics from Eastern Michigan University. He has lectured several math courses at Eastern Michigan. He has also spent over ten years in industry focused on artificial intelligence applications within autonomous vehicles and medicine. He is scheduled to finish his master’s degree in biblical studies from Moody Theological Seminary in the Fall of 2024. Dan and his wife have lived in metro-Detroit for over 15 years and have six children.

Paul Manwiller grew up in Anchorage, Alaska. He went to the University of Michigan and later Wayne State University to earn his bachelor’s in education. He went on to earn his Master of Divinity from …