ABOUT US
Making fully devoted followers of Jesus
Who We Are: Our purpose at Hope is to see lives changed through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and help each person who walks through our doors take their next step with Jesus. We have a contemporary style and welcome those from all walks of life. Whether you are single, a couple, or have a family, there’s a place for you!
Where We Have Been: We first opened our doors in the 1930s when a group of Christ followers met in the upper room at City Hall. When the opportunity came, the church purchased a building, and since then we have been ministering in the Quad Cities.
Where We Are Going: We recently moved into our brand new building near the Bett Plex and have been experiencing explosive growth. Over 150 people have accepted Christ as their Savior during our services in the last two years. God is just getting started, as we believe many more will be saved and set free, as Jesus will continue to change lives.
Our Team
Pastor Craig Ruesch
Lead Pastor
Pastor Craig has served as lead pastor since June of 2021. Before that, he served as lead pastor at church in Beloit, WI and Perry GA. He has a BA in Pastoral Ministry from Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL. He has also completed Master's Degree credits in Pastoral Leadership. Pastor Craig has been married to Brooke for 25 years and has two children, Elaina and Addison. He is a huge Chicago Bears fan and loves spending time with his family.
Robert Black
Young Adults Director & Office Manager
My name is Robert Black. My lovely wife is Kirsten, and we have the best little boys in the world. I have a BA in History and I am currently working on getting my ministry license. I play all sorts of instruments and love being a part of the Worship team every Sunday. I am from Florida and I always miss it when winter time is here. I am glad to be a part of the team here.
Landen Walker
Youth Director & Media/Tech Director
Hello, my name is Landen. I am the Youth Director here at Hope and I have been on staff at Hope since April of 2024. My beautiful wife Abby and I have been married since July of 2024. Currently, I am pursuing my ministry credentials through Evangel University and Abby is in the process of achieving a degree in elementary education. We are honored to be a part of the Hope Church family!
Brooke Ruesch
Worship Director
Brooke Ruesch has been on staff at Hope Church as our worship leader since June 2021. With 20 years of experience leading worship teams, Brooke is gifted into leading the congregation into God's presence. Brooke is married to Pastor Craig and they have two daughters, Elaina and Addison. Brooke has a BA in Elementary Education from Coe College in Cedar Rapids and her Master's Degree in Teaching and Leadership from Saint Xavier in Chicago. Brooke loves to spend time with her family and her dog Lucy.
Pastor Don Combs
Pastoral Care Pastor
My name is Don Combs. I am the Pastoral Care Pastor here at Hope. I am originally from the Quad City Area. I spent 20 years in the Army. I pastored for 16 years, and I have been a Hospice Chaplain for 9. I am an ordained minister with the Foursquare Church. Mary and I have been married 44 years, we have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. It is going to be an honor to serve the congregation here at Hope Church.