Our Mission & Core Values
Harmony Ministries desires to see lives transformed by the Gospel, creating disciples living in a passionate relationship with Christ, living together in radical community, and living out this vibrant faith in our local communities while supporting those around the world through missions.
Our core values are three-fold, upward, inward, outward. It can be summed up as loving God through:
a lifestyle of worship, learning and applying Biblical Scripture, Christ-like transformation, loving God’s people through healthy relationships, and loving all people through word and action
Leadership Team:
Our leadership team recognizes the authority of God, and realizes that we are shepherds who serve under the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. It is our desire to devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. Our pastoral staff and elder’s passion and goal is to equip the believers for the work of the ministry and grow through discipleship.
The Rev. Dr. John and Cheri Hawco, Senior Pastor
John grew up in NYC. He was born again through the television ministry of Billy Graham in 1971 at the age of 21 while in college at the City University of NY. His conversion was simultaneous with a call to ministry. He changed majors and graduated in Religious Studies and went on to earn his MDiv from Denver Seminary. He has pastored primarily Conservative Baptist churches in Colorado, Arizona and New York until his life-work experience of pastoring Union Center Christian Church in Endicott, NY, for 22 years.
Cheri grew up in Oneonta, NY, and graduated from SUNY, Oneonta with a BS in Elementary Ed. She accepted Christ as a child, and has stayed on the path as a follower of Christ ever since. She met John at Camp Hope in Carmel, NY, a Christian ministry for physically limited children. Cheri has served as a teacher in children’s ministry for over 30 years.
John and Cheri have 5 adult children 4 of whom are married: Christin (Tommy, granddaughter Teagan and grandson Aidan), Carin (Greg), Stephen (Shannon), Stacie (Matt), and Timothy.
Pastor Tim Strait, Assistant Pastor
Pastor Tim’s main responsibility is teaching the youth and leading the children’s program. After coming to know Christ at a young age, Tim has been actively involved with youth since graduating high school. Tim met his wife Ashlee in 2005 and they were married in 2008. They have three daughters: Taryn, Avery, Evangeline. Tim and Ashlee continue to serve in ministry together.
The Rev. Dr. Dennis and Kelly Ashley
Kelly Ashley, M.P.A., P.H.R., is the Director of Training and Performance for Volunteers of America of Greater New York, with over 1200 employees. Her husband, Dennis, B.A., M.Div. D.Min, is Pastor of Marriage and Family at Harmony Ministries and Bible Teacher at Harmony Christian School. He is also the founder of and Senior Counselor at Reconciler Ministries. Together, Kelly and Dennis have raised three sons and are currently enjoying playing with their four (so far) grandsons. While both Kelly and Dennis enjoy their individual roles in ministry very much, they have found that sharing in ministry together is even more satisfying.
The Rev. Derek Balaam
Derek and his wife Carolyn have lived in the USA since 2014, having moved from the UK to be near family in the States (Son, daughter in law and three fantastic grandchildren.) They have been married since 1971, and previously worked in the UK as a school teacher, education governance specialist, and pastor. Derek is our Administrative Pastor and aides in planning and administrative areas. Derek enjoys cycling on the local Heritage Trail and tinkering about with classic cars. A 1983 British TVR Tasmin, as a hobby he also fixes old clocks.
What we believe:
ARTICLES OF FAITH
Doctrinal Statement
Beginning a Relationship with Christ and Baptism Doc
