Mahlon Smith, Senior Pastor

Called to be a Christ-follower, pastor, and family man, Pastor Mahlon Smith is serving as the Senior Pastor at New Hope Baptist Church.  He completed his Master of Arts in Christian Thought at Biblical Theological Seminary in 2002, followed by ordination into the Southern Baptist Convention in 2003. He has been preaching the Word of God for nearly 25 years, and is excited about the assignment God has for him as Pastor here at New Hope Baptist Church. He and his wife Debi have four children: Zachary, Joshua, Abigail, and Micah.

Richard Goforth, Associate Pastor - Youth & Family

Pastor Richard was born and raised in North Carolina. He retired from the Navy in 2001. Since retiring he has served New Hope as Associate Pastor with emphasis on family and youth. He earned his associates degree from Jefferson Community College and his Bachelor’s degree from Liberty University. He and his wife Darlene have three children and seven grandchildren.

Micah Stoudt, Associate Pastor - Music & Media

Pastor Micah was born in Lowville, NY, and was raised here in Watertown. He attended the Word of Life Bible Institute for two years and then spent two more years traveling full time with the Word Of Life Redemption Team/Band. He now has his Bachelors Degree from Trinity Baptist College in Pastoral Ministry. In 2017 he married his wife Vilma and was ordained here at New Hope. He currently leads worship and oversees our church's media team.

Vilma Stoudt, Church Secretary

Vilma was raised in Los Angeles, California where she studied and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics from CSULB. She grew up in a small Southern Baptist church where served in various ministries including nursery, children’s ministries, and headed Operation Christmas Child. She and Micah married in 2017. She currently serves on the Media Team alongside her husband, as well as in the Welcome Ministry, and the Children’s Ministry. They are currently expecting their first child! 

Tom & Judi Fanning, Seniors Ministry

Tom was born and raised in Georgia. Tom served in the Army and Navy for 13 years. Tom's wife Judi was born and raised in New Jersey. Tom and Judi have one child and one grandchild.