Ryan Vanderford

Ryan Lee Vanderford was born on May 2, 1982, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was raised in Mississippi and Missouri, where he learned the importance of faith, family, and hard work—values that have continued to shape his life and ministry.

After graduating from high school in 2000, Brother Vanderford attended Gateway College of Evangelism in Florissant, Missouri, where he received ministerial training and earned an Associate of Arts degree in Biblical Studies in 2002. In 2025, he completed his Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Liberty University.

Brother Vanderford received his ministerial license with the United Pentecostal Church International in 2002. Early in his ministry, he served as Assistant Pastor at First United Pentecostal Church in Raymond, Mississippi; Youth Pastor under Pastor R. C. Craft in Athens, Alabama; and later traveled as an evangelist for approximately five years.

In 2002, Ryan married Lisa Morey in Menasha, Wisconsin. God has blessed their marriage with three children: Rylee, Jacelyn, and Londyn. Together, Ryan and Lisa have shared a commitment to ministry and continue to serve side by side in the work of God.

In August 2011, Brother Vanderford accepted the pastorate of The Pentecostals of New Hebron in New Hebron, Mississippi, where he faithfully served until January 2015.

In January 2015, Brother Vanderford and his family stepped out in faith to plant a new church in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Hope Chapel held its first service on April 12, 2015, in the historic Cotton Gin of Old Towne Olive Branch. As the congregation grew, the church relocated to the Mid-South Shopping Center in June 2015. In 2018, Hope Chapel purchased and renovated a facility located at 8608 Highway 178.

Under Brother Vanderford’s leadership, Hope Chapel has continued to grow, reaching families and communities throughout Olive Branch, Southaven, Hernando, Horn Lake, Byhalia, and the greater Memphis area. In September 2025, the church purchased a new property and 29 acres at 8161 Germantown Road, beginning the process of developing it into the congregation’s permanent home. Hope Chapel is known for practical, Bible-centered preaching, spiritual growth, leadership development, and a commitment to transforming the community through the Gospel.

Sister Lisa Vanderford faithfully serves alongside her husband in pastoral ministry, with a special emphasis on music, worship, discipleship, hospitality, and strengthening the spiritual health of families and individuals within the congregation.

Brother Vanderford has also served the Mississippi District and the broader UPCI through various leadership roles, including Alabama District Youth Secretary, Mississippi Youth Promotional Director, Mississippi North American Missions Promotional Director, and currently serves as Section 3 Men’s Ministry Director.

Brother and Sister Vanderford continue to reside in Olive Branch, Mississippi, where they pastor Hope Chapel UPC and dedicate their lives to serving God and others. Through authentic leadership, compassion, and a shared vision, they continue to help people discover hope, grow in faith, and fulfill their God-given purpose.