Chris Birkholz - Pastor

A Southern New England native, Pastor Chris began at New Hope in the beginning of 2010. He was saved at the age of six and called to preach during his teen years. He graduated from Pensacola Christian College in 2005, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies. He worked on staff at Hoosier Hills Baptist Camp in Dillsboro, IN during the summers of his college years. Pastor Chris then moved back to Connecticut and began working with camp ministry for Central Baptist Church, in Southington, CT. He directed the sports and music camps for New England Baptist College, and started New Life Baptist Camp, which he directed successfully for five years. Pastor Chris also served as a youth leader at a Baptist church in southern Connecticut for two years. Pastor is married to his wife Beth (Henricks), a graduate of Crown College in Powell, TN. Beth is originally from western Pennsylvania and has been involved in mission work both in the UK and Honduras. Pastor and Beth met while working on staff at Hoosier Hills. They were married in April of 2008 and have endeavored to serve the LORD together since then. The Birkholz family frequently opens their home to guests and members alike as they make an effort to invest in people’s lives. Pastor and Beth believe strongly in reaching the world through love. John 13:35 says “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.”