Meet the Chaplains

We are eager to get to know you and hear your story. Contact any of us to grab coffee or tea, go for a walk, or just chat in our office!

Rev. Dr. Trygve Johnson

The Hinga Boersma Dean of the Chapel

Since 2005, Rev. Dr. Trygve Johnson has served as Hope College's Dean of the Chapel, leading and overseeing the Campus Ministries office. Trygve frequently preaches at gatherings on campus as well as at churches, conferences, and college campuses around the country.

Trygve is married to Dr. Kristen Deede Johnson, Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Western Theological Seminary. They have two children, Trygve David Johnson Jr. and Ella Arlene Johnson, as well as a Whidbey, their Golden Setter.

Education
  • B.A., Northwestern College
  • M.Div., Masters of Divinity, Western Theological Seminary
  • PhD, Doctor of Philosophy, University of St. Andrews
Contact
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Rev. Jennifer Ryden

Senior Chaplain

Since 2021, Jennifer has served as Senior Chaplain in Campus Ministries. Before this role, she served as chaplain of discipleship since 2017. She believes Hope is a special place and is eager to get to know and encourage students.

Jennifer is married to Dr. David Ryden, a professor of political science also at Hope. They have three children and have fostered three more.

Education
  • B.A., Bethel College
  • M.A., Aquinas College
  • M.Div., Western Theological Seminary
Contact
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Bruce Benedict

Chaplain of Worship and Arts

Since June 2014, Bruce Benedict has served as the chaplain of worship arts. He works closely with a group of students on the Hope College Worship Teams who use their creative gifts to glorify God. Bruce also teaches as adjunctly for the Center for Ministry Studies at Hope.

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Cindy Kleinheksel

Office Assistant

Since 2014, Cindy has been a crucial part of executing events and coordinating speakers. She manages the easy-to-miss details of meetings, events, trips, and many other Campus Ministries happenings. She is eager to welcome you into our office with open arms, hear your story, and make you feel at home.

Cindy and her husband, Dan, have three children, Landen, Chase, and Kyra. She and Dan attend many sporting events for their children; they will continue to do so because their daughter will be playing basketball at Hope next year!

Education
  • B.A., Human Resources, Grand Valley State University
Contact
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Amy Machiela

Executive Assistant

Amy works from her office to make Campus Ministries run. She is the coordinator for all things communication, budgeting, planning, scheduling, and ordering. Amy also gets to do life with college students, which is her favorite part of her job.

Amy and her husband, John, have a daughter named Ava. They spend much of their free time at her performances, whether theatrical or musical.

Education
Contact
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Matthew Margaron

Chaplain of Athletics

Since June 2019, Matt has served as the chaplain of athletics. He primarily serves the entire athletic community of Hope College, which includes over 550 student athletes, more than 50 assistant coaches, and 17 full time coaches. Additionally, Matt teaches a course for the leadership minor through the Center for Leadership at Hope College. He is also the faculty advisor for the Ski & Snowboard Club.

Matt has been married to his wife, Eli, for 17 years. They have two teenage daughters, Emma and Leah.

Education
  • B.A., Psychology and Religion, Hope College, 2003
  • M.A., Community Counseling, Regent University, 2008
Contact
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Jill Nelson

Chaplain of Discipleship

Since August 2018, Jill has served as a chaplain of discipleship. She oversees the small group bible studies through Campus Ministries, training and leading adult mentors and student leaders. Jill also loves being able to know students and encourage them in their walks with Christ.

Jill is married to Scott Nelson, who is also a Hope alum. They have four children, Kate, Andrew, Emily, and Ben. Additionally, theey share a home with two dogs and 22 chickens.

Education
  • B.A., Hope College
  • M.A., Marygrove College
Contact
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Charly Peña

Chaplain of Discipleship

Recently, in November of 2022, Charly became a Chaplain of Discipleship in Campus Ministries. He primarily works with the Global Student Ministry, holding events geared toward international students. He will also spearhead the Creative Media Ministry Team that will launch in the Fall of 2023.

Charly is married to Diana and theyh have three daughters, Emily, Angela, and Vivianna. Charly is excited to share his passion for loving people, experiencing different cultures, and bringing community together with the people of Hope College.

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Nancy Smith

Chaplain of Integral Missions

Since June 2013, Nancy has served as the chaplain of integral missions. She works to organize spring break immersion trips for Campus Ministries, which are mission outreach opportunities for students.

In her free time, Nancy enjoys spending time with her husband, Steve, and her three adult children, Trevor, Macall, and Shanley (all Hope grads!). She also enjoys spending time with friends, walking on the beach, learning about other cultures, and traveling.

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Shomari Tate

Chaplain of Discipleship

Since October of 2021, Shomari has served as a Chaplain of Discipleship in Campus Ministries. He oversees the Social Justice Team, runs a weekly men's Bible study, and spends time ministering to college students.

Outside of Campus Ministries, Shomari is a teaching pastor at the BLVD Church in Holland, MI. He is currently pursuing his education on a doctoral track. Shomari is also a member of the Grand Rapids chapter of the NAACP. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with his dog.

Education
  • B.A., Political Science Pre-Law, Michigan State University, 2017
  • B.A., Sociology, Michigan State University, 2017
  • M.A., Public Policy (MPP), Michigan State University, 2019
  • M.A., Ministry Leadership, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, 2021
  • M.Div., Masters of Divinity, Western Theological Seminary, 2024
Contact
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