Staff
Todd Stout
Lead Pastor
Todd Stout
Todd is a 2002 Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary graduate at Andrews University, where he received his Master of Divinity degree. Since then, he has been committed to working in urban contexts, arriving with his wife Sarah in 2008 to work with Church the of the Advent Hope in New York City. In addition to his ministry with Advent Hope, Todd has helped create the Urban Ministry Network and Advent Hope Ventures, an incubator for innovative ministry projects in urban settings. He also serves on the Adventists for Social Justice board and represents Advent Hope in the Adventist Peace Fellowship. Todd lives with his family in Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
Michelle Odinma
Pastor of Community Life
Michelle Odinma
Michelle is a 2020 graduate of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University, where she received her Master of Divinity degree. Her BA in Elementary Education from Michigan State University has equipped her to utilize her teacher training for the work of the ministry. With a strong background in creative arts, Michelle spends her time writing poems and songs to inspire others to seek God.
Nicholas zork
Minister for Worship and the Arts
Nicholas Zork
Nicholas is a songwriter, music director, and teacher based in New York City. His songs, writing, teaching, and music practices explore ways that music can resonate, embody meaning, cultivate diverse and inclusive communities, and overcome social barriers. As a music director, Nicholas has created collaborative concerts at Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater, Apollo Music Cafe, and Rockwood Music Hall. He co-curates the Carnegie Hill Concerts series, a chamber music series that features artists of different genres and disciplines in curated, shared programs, bringing people together to participate in the celebration and cultivation of New York City’s diverse community. In addition to writing and recording for other artists, he records and performs his own folk-oriented compositions. Nicholas has an MA and PhD in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and lives with his family in Harlem.
Racquel Pierre
Director for Community Service and Engagement
Racquel Pierre
Racquel has a passion to serve others and her community. As a member of Church of the Advent Hope, Racquel has volunteered as Head of Hospitality for over ten years. Her background in service includes working for a top national insurance firm out of the New York corporate headquarters, where she served as a department lead overseeing the Annuities Team with a focus on death claims. Racquel's work with Non-profit organizations has well acquainted her with matters of social justice, such as the complexities of parental incarceration. Her volunteer work at Mount Sinai Cancer Institute simply continues to demonstrate her heart of service. She strongly holds to the belief, "Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you." Racquel resides in New Rochelle, NY with her husband, two boys, and dog Hunter. She is also a certified Integrative Nutrition health coach and enjoys sharing healthy, delicious meals all while helping individuals improve their diets.