Dr. Randy Carter, Senior Pastor

Randy began pastoring New Hope on February 25, 2019 after 15 and a half years in Hillsborough, NC and 5 years previous to that in Granville County, NC.  Before pastoring, he served with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for 2 and a half years as a campus minister at San Francisco State University. Randy was born in Texas but has been in NC since 1998.  I think at this point, the only thing that would get him back to TX is the state seceding from the union. He would feel obligated to support the nation of Texas. Thankfully, that doesn’t seem likely. They love NC and they’re loving Raleigh! Randy is happily married to Rebecca and they have 7 children – 3 homegrown, 4 adopted.  If you ever have an interest in adoption, especially locally through foster care, please reach out.

Randy is excited to be at New Hope Baptist Church.  He states that we have great challenges ahead of us but Jesus will lead us together as we lift Him up!

Rev. Brian Lockamy, Associate Minister for Students

Brian joined the staff in 1998 as Associate Minister to Students. A native of Apex, NC, he earned a B.B.A. in Trust Management from Campbell University and a M. Div. from Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. Brian is married to Beth and together, they have three sons, Justin, Andrew and Tyler. When not with the youth on a mission trip or retreat, you are likely to find him in a boat with a fishing pole in hand.

Rev. Lori Welborn, Associate Minister to Children and Community Engagement

Lori joined the staff of New Hope in 2013 as Children’s Ministry Intern. In 2017, Lori became the Associate Minister for Children and Community Engagement. A native of Waynesville, GA, Lori graduated from Brewton-Parker College with a B.A. in Christian studies and a Bachelor of Ministry degree. Lori is married to Scott and enjoys reading and baking.

Rev. Burke Raper, Worship Director and Organist

Burke joined the staff of New Hope in 2003 and serves as the Worship Choir Director and Organist. A native of Mount Olive, Burke graduated from Mount Olive College, Westminster Choir College and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary along with additional studies at Duke University. Burke and his wife, Susan, enjoy the mountains, the beach and great restaurants.

Simon Touprong, Senior Pastor of Vietnamese New Hope Baptist Church

Jennifer Strickland, Office Administrator

Jennifer joined the staff in 2019 as our Office Administrator. Being from a military family she has lived all over the country and has made Raleigh, NC her home since 2001. Jennifer is married to Scott and together, they have two daughters, Micaela and Paige.

Debra Herring, Financial Administrator

Debra started with New Hope in November of 2015 as a Financial Assistant to the Treasurer. During that time, Debra has served as Office Administrator along with managing financials and is currently the Financial Administrator to the Treasurer. She continues to support office administration and the ministry staff as needed. Outside of her ministry work at New Hope, Debra enjoys serving with her husband at their home church, weight lifting and being with her gym family and supporting the Carolina Hurricanes.

Deybar Aleman, Facilities Manager

Megan Boyles, Preschool Director

Megan Boyles is the director of New Hope Baptist Preschool. She has 20 years of experience in the field of education, including public schools, private schools, special education and early childhood education. She graduated cum laude from Christopher Newport University in English with a concentration in Writing, then afterward received her license to teach Pre-K through 6th grade at the University of Richmond. Megan is married to Craig and they have two young boys, Graham and Duncan. She enjoys spending time with her family, being creative, and reading.

Ready to Learn More About New Hope?

Everyone at New Hope is continually learning and growing and that means we have questions too! Please review our core beliefs and get answers to the most frequently asked questions about New Hope Baptist Church.