Our Staff
CJ grew up in South Bend, IN with his mother, father, and siblings. As he grew up, his home church prepared him for Bible college, where he would study Bible Theology and Christian Ministries. Outside of education and ministry, CJ enjoys exercising, hanging out with family and friends, camping trips, and he loves starting each morning with a cup of coffee.
He met Val at Michiana Camp and married her after building a strong friendship during his college years. They love each minute they spend together, whether it is streaming Netflix, grabbing a bite from a restaurant, or trying something new. As CJ loves to say, they make a great team.
His passion in ministry is helping people take the next step in their faith journey. This began as he stepped into his first ministry over teens and continued to grow as he worked with young adults. Some of his favorite things to do is lead small groups, Bible studies, and aid in service projects. Above all else, his greatest blessings are witnessing individuals give their lives to Christ.
CJ Powell
Lead Minister
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A native of Huntington, Indiana, Kay holds a degree in Marketing Communications Management and is a certified worship vocal coach. She teaches private voice lessons, is a lover of all things harmony, and is a seasoned worship leader and vocal director.
As a member of the local women's trio, One Faith, Kay has traveled throughout the U.S. leading worship for church services, events, and women's conferences -- highlighted by leading worship while on a tour of Israel. Serving in multiple worship leadership roles throughout her life, Kay continues to follow God’s calling to use her gifts and passion to equip and develop teams while leading others in dynamic, meaningful worship.
Kay met her husband, DeWayne, in high school band. The Salters live in southwest Fort Wayne with their two fur-babies, Lucy and Phoebe. They are the parents of a daughter, Kirsten, who they adopted from Guatemala.
Kay Salter
Worship Minister
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Val grew up in the small village of Cassopolis, Michigan. She's a farm girl who's been uprooted and moved to the city. Val was raised on a five acre farm filled with horses, cows, chickens, cats, dogs, bunnies... you name it! Now she runs a successful wedding photography business while wearing many hats here at Christ's Hope. Val does it all. From office work, to web design, to social media, she's got it covered.
Val is passionate about the arts and dancing. She grew up doing ballet and eventually pointe. Then later in life found her love for ballroom and rhythm dancing. She taught waltz, tango, foxtrot, rumba, chacha, swing, salsa, and several others for five years at DanceSport Academy of Granger.
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VAL POWELL
OFFICE ADMIN
Our Elders
Chairman
Eric Ezra
Rod Broyles
Gary Paugh
DeWayne Salter
