Joel and Emily Gatlin are the lead pastors of

Hope Church. They are Mississippi natives who love the Pine Belt. Emily is a USM alum, and Joel is a Hattiesburg Police Chaplain. They have 3 wonderful children: Emma, Adria, and Cade.

They moved to Hattiesburg in 2013 and had a heart for their community. They wanted to create a place where people could take their BEST next step.