OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Our Leadership Team ("Church Council") is the governing body of the church that is elected by the members of Hope East Queens. To view the Standard of Ethics and Procedure required for our leaders.
David “Dux” Jung Pastor
David (a/k/a “Dux”) spent most of his life in Eastern Queens where he later discovered a passion to plant a church after working bi-vocationally as a pastor and attorney for seven years. David graduated from Stony Brook University (BA in ’04) and St. John’s Law School (JD in ’08), and also studied at Alliance Theological Seminary. He enjoys watching Star Wars and spending time with his lovely wife Jany and two beautiful children Emmett and Lucy. David is the author of Gospel Culture. He is also a diehard Mets, Jets and Knicks fan, and thus has been trained at a young age to live a life of faith. david.jung@hopechurchnyc.org
BETH COVELL MARKHAM PASTOR
Beth hails from Los Angeles, CA and Ft. Worth TX – but over two decades in NYC have converted her into 100% New Yorker. Beth trained as an opera singer and enjoyed a career in musical theatre before surrendering to God’s call to an audience of One, serving as Director of Worship Arts at Trinity Baptist Church in Manhattan since 2006. Beth earned her BA from Pepperdine University, completed Master of Music studies in Musical Theatre at Oklahoma City University, and received her Masters of Worship Studies from The Robert E. Webber Institute of Worship Studies (IWS). She, husband Roy, and daughter Jaclyn are passionate about food, road trips, and rollercoasters...with a sprinkling of NASCAR (Roy), Animation (Jaclyn), and Figure Skating (Beth – who has still not recovered from the night Michelle Kwan fell in SLC). beth@hopechurchnyc.org
Howard speiller leader
Howard and his lovely wife Laura raised their family of five children in Flushing, New York. He has a passion to serve and get to know people on a deeper level. Howard is a strong believer in prayer, and loves to pray for others whenever the opportunities arise. He is also a Yankees fan and being a native New Yorker this has brought him many fond memories over the years (don't be afraid to ask him).
Morris Bankston Leader
Morris is originally from Gary, IN and has made Auburndale his transplanted NYC home since 2012. He invested himself early in the Hope community at the time of Hope Church NYC’s (now Hope Astoria) public launch in September 2012, later becoming a partner (member) in 2013. He currently serves on the leadership team of Hope East Queens. Morris is an alumnus of Purdue University (BS ’04) and Syracuse University (MBA ’09). He finds joy in many aspects of life including his wife Noël, comedy of all sorts, biographies, Chicago sports, designing sandwiches, and music.
Noelia Chung Leader
Noelia is a proud graduate of Smith College and has been with Hope East Queens since its first preview service back in March of 2016. She has a passion to see churches grow in the Spirit, mature in the teaching of God's word, and create space for all age groups. Her hobbies include reading books, traveling, and rooting for the Mets. noelia@hopechurchnyc.org
OUR STAFF
Laura Speiller Pastoral Counselor
Laura was born and raised in Queens, NY. She and hubby Howie raised their now-grown family in Flushing. One of the perks of living in ‘the borough of immigrants’ has been experiencing the changing diversity of NYC over the decades and enjoying the many culinary adventures. Laura has been involved in various arenas of urban ministry over the past two decades, some of which include serving on the pastoral staff at New Life Fellowship Church and the Ministry Fellows faculty and staff at City Seminary of New York before transitioning vocationally to marriage and family therapy, where she is currently a therapist at Redeemer Counseling Services. Laura earned a Masters in Urban Ministry from Westminster Theological Seminary and a Masters in Christian Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She loves exploring nature paths and city spaces, good books and good friends, and she absolutely delights in spending time with her ever-growing family. laura@hopechurchnyc.org
JAMES KIM WORSHIP DIRECTOR
James Kim has had a love for music/worship starting at an early age. He developed this passion through leading worship during his youth group years at the Korean Church of Queens, and continued to serve God using his love for music when he helped Hope East Queens launch back in 2016. He attended Stony Brook University and Nyack College. He enjoys bowling, eating, and jamming out with his band. tcxkim96@gmail.com
Luis Diaz Facilities Coordinator
Born and raised in Queens, New York, Luis has a heart for the poor and marginalized in this city and spends time volunteering at organizations such as Do For One. He is also frequently the first one in our church doors and the last one out. He's known for his hard work and instantly making whatever Home Group he's in a lot more entertaining. He enjoys good company and taking trips to the Dominican Republic to relax on the beaches. Lastly, his ability to make the best pernil in Queens is quickly becoming a legend that's been spreading.
Noelle dunbar Kids (K-5) Director
Originally from Mississippi, Noelle came with her husband Miles to New York in 2015. Since then, she has served at Hope East Queens since its original launch and has a strong passion for loving and teaching kids about Jesus. She also went on a medical missions trip with Faith in Practice to Guatemala in 2017 as a short-term audiologist missionary. In her spare time, she volunteers with International Students Inc. to build relationships with international students that help need with integrating to New York. noelle@hopechurchnyc.org
Rose Berberabe Family Ministry Director
Rose Berberabe was born in the Philippines to loving parents who have done their best in raising and training their child to walk with the Lord. A graduate of Hofstra University for her Bachelors in Elementary Education and Queens College for her Masters in Education, she desires to continue to use her education background to help children strive for their best and for them to continually seek God's wisdom. Rose is blessed with a wonderful life partner Chris, and an adorable toddler Lia who keeps both parents in a state of wonder. rose@hopechurchnyc.org