Pastor Grant Thigpen, Founding & Senior Pastor
Grant Thigpen is the founder and senior pastor of New Hope Ministries in Naples, Florida.
Pastor Grant graduated from Rhema Bible Training Center in 1980. He focuses on development of the Christian in practical application of living by faith. His ministry has touched the lives of many through his many teachings that are sent around the world.
Pastor Grant also founded the New Hope School of Ministries (NHSM) in 1990. Through this avenue of teaching, many pastors, teachers, and ministries have emerged. His desire is to see the body of Christ develop into its full potential so that the world will see the glory of God manifested through a victorious church.
Pastor Grant is an Executive Regional Leader in ARMI. He is married to Susan and they have one son, Stephen.
Pastor Jesse Barrett, Pastoral Care Pastor
Jesse Barrett has been a part of New Hope Ministries since he was just three weeks old, with the exception of a few years during his teenage life spent in Oklahoma and Colorado. As the son of Greg and Tica Barrett—worship pastors at New Hope from 1992 to 2006—Jesse grew up immersed in ministry and discovered at an early age that God had placed a calling on his life to serve in ministry. His passion lies in guiding the congregation to a deeper understanding of their authority in Christ.
Pastor Jesse is a proud graduate of the New Hope School of Ministries, completing both the first and second years. The school holds a special place in his heart, and he believes that attending it is one of the greatest decisions a person can make aside from accepting salvation. Pastor Jesse has also graduated from Charis Bible College and is currently furthering his education at the River School of the Bible, demonstrating his commitment to continually growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Jesse is blessed with a wonderful family: his beautiful wife, Abbigail, and their equally beautiful and talented daughter, Kaylee. In his free time, Jesse enjoys creating meaningful memories with family and friends, watching movies, reading books, and savoring delicious food.
The scripture that resonates deeply with Jesse is Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” This verse serves as a guiding principle in his life and ministry.
Pastor Jesse serves on the School Advisory Committee for East Naples Middle School and is also a board member for Beverly’s Angels, Leave the 99 Ministries International, and Crossfire Ministries International.
Renee Moore, Children's Ministry Director
Renee Moore has been a member of New Hope Ministries for over 30 years. She has over 26 years of experience in Christian Education and loves all things having to do with children. She has a range of certifications and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Manchester University. Her passion is to partner with parents and lead children and their families to the LORD. Renee loves the Lord and our church and wants to deliver on Pastor’s vision for the ministry. She feels the LORD has been preparing her for this position her whole life.
Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Sara Sapienza, Adult Education & Volunteer Director
Sara Sapienza has dedicated over 39 years to ministry, beginning her service in New Jersey at Nutley Abundant Life Worship Center. While serving as an Elder, her ministry focused on teaching, preaching, evangelism, healing, and missions—including two tours in Zambia, Africa.
Since 2015, Sara has served full time at New Hope Ministries as the Director of Adult Education and Volunteerism. She also assists in Pastoral Care and serves as an instructor at New Hope School of Ministries, where she continues to pour into the next generation of believers.
Before entering full-time ministry, Sara worked in the healthcare field for 35 years. She began as a Dance Therapy Consultant working with various mental health populations, including those in drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Later, she specialized in elder care, providing support to homebound and nursing home clients throughout northern New Jersey.
Sara’s passion is to see people walk in wholeness—spirit, soul, and body. She has always been a strong advocate for the hurting and for those who have not yet encountered the truth of God’s Word. Over the years, she has been a spiritual mother to many and remains excited about all the Lord continues to unfold in her journey.
Most recently, she graduated from the One Voice Mentoring Institute and will be ordained through Cheryl Grayson Ministries, where she also serves as an Instructor, Student Advisor, and Secretary.
Sara lives in Naples, Florida with her husband Nicholas and their two beloved dogs, Bella and Theo. Together they have six children and seven grandchildren. She enjoys reading, gardening, and spending quality time with her family.
Her heart for ministry is anchored in Matthew 18:12–14 and John 3:16—verses that deeply shaped her purpose and calling.