Evangel Staff
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry,
for the edifying of the body of Christ:
(Ephesians 4:13, KJV)
Pastoral Staff
Pastor Jay Fischer
Lead Pastor
Pastor Jay grew up in a family of nine on a dairy farm in Northeastern Wisconsin. He accepted Christ at a young age. At the age of 17 he received the call of God to become a pastor and in 1986, he began his training at North Central Bible College (now North Central University) graduating in 1991.
God’s direction led him to the southwest side of Chicago, where he and six other students planted a church and so began Risen Savior Assembly of God. In 1992, Pastor Jay joined the staff at Trinity Assembly of God as Assistant Pastor of Youth and Children’s Ministries.
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Pastor Jay married his wonderful wife, Kristine, in June of 1994. Pastor Jay and Kristine have five children: Alex, Morgan, Olivia, Isabelle, and Ashley, who went to be with Jesus in 2001.
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Pastor Jay joined the staff of Evangel Assembly of God as Youth Pastor in 2001 and has led Evangel as the Lead Pastor since November of 2005.
Zoe Lopez
Youth & Worship Pastor
Pastor Zoe grew up in Brown Deer, WI, the youngest of 7 siblings. She grew up at Evangel as her home church and enjoyed being a part of different ministries such as JBQ, kids ministry, and the dance team. She joined the worship team in high school, and became a youth leader several years later.
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Zoe attended college at UW-Milwaukee and has a degree in nursing. She came on staff at Evangel in June of 2019 and received her ministerial credentials through DSOM (District School of Ministry) within the Assemblies of God in summer 2021.
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In June of 2022, she married her husband David who serves alongside her in ministry. They have a passion for leading worship and enjoy traveling in their free time.
Brandon Thyrion
Ministry Development Pastor
Pastor Brandon grew up in Green Bay, WI, the second youngest of six children. Brandon graduated from Pulaski High School where he excelled in football and wrestling. In 2012, Brandon lost his dad to suicide, an event that rocked his life before he knew Christ and proceeded the darkest years of his life.
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In 2016, Brandon entered Great Lakes Adult and Teen Challenge in Milwaukee and completed the 1-year program. He went on to work for Adult and Teen Challenge for 4 years while also preparing for the ministry by attending DSOM (District School of Ministry) through which he received his ministerial credentials with the Assemblies of God Fellowship. Pastor Brandon came on staff at Evangel in spring of 2021.
Brandon married his beautiful wife Kourtney at Evangel in 2019, and they have a 2 sons and a daughter. Their family loves spending time with extended family and helping others discover who they are in Christ as they grow in their faith. Pastor Brandon has a heart for hurting people and helping them find Jesus as their Lord and Savior!
Andrea Hopgood
Kids Pastor
Andrea grew up in Milwaukee, WI and has one younger sibling. She attended a Lutheran school from 1st-8th grade and graduated from Rufus King High School. She doesn't remember a time when she didn't believe in God. However, her faith became a lifestyle at age 24. She was married to Bruce for 31 years, until he passed away in 2022. She has 2 adult daughters (Brea & Aniya), a son in law (Michael) and 1 granddaughter (Hayden).
Andrea studied Theology at Concordia University and throughout her 28 year career, she has been a Children's Pastor at Christian Faith Fellowship Church & Elmbrook Church, Conference speaker & Columnist through Group Publishing, and coach/mentor through Essence of Life Ministries.
She is very familiar with Evangel because she was the Preschool Director and interim Administrator when Good Hope Christian Academy was part of Evangel. She also served as the Children's Ministry Director for 2 years. Evangel has always had a special place in her heart and she is excited to be part of team.
Office Staff
Marcia Smith
Bookkeeper