Meet Our Pastor
Sydney & Jennifer Ropp
Sydney and Jennifer Ropp, along with their four children, are dedicated to serving the body of Christ through Church of the Word International. While based in Lancaster County, PA, Sydney also leads the growing congregation in Richmond, VA, as its Senior Pastor.
Jennifer serves an essential role in the ministry as the church bookkeeper, secretary, and assistant to various ministries, all while being a devoted full-time homemaker.
Raised in conservative Mennonite homes—Sydney in the Ozarks of Missouri and Jennifer in Northwestern Ohio—they developed a strong foundation of faith and hard work. After marrying in 2000, they built their home in Southwestern Colorado, where they also ran a successful business as entrepreneurs for 11 years.
In early 2009, a life-changing encounter with the Lord radically transformed their understanding of what it means to live a Spirit-filled life through the power of God. This led them to plant a sister church in Colorado.
Following God’s direction, they moved to Southeastern Pennsylvania in 2011 to assist Apostle Dale Armstrong with the work of Church of the Word International. Sydney served as Assistant Pastor before stepping into the role of Senior Pastor in 2014. In addition to pastoring in Lancaster, he provides apostolic oversight to their sister church in Delta, Colorado, while leading the Richmond, VA, church plant.
Additional Responsibilities & Interests
- Aviation & Ministry: As a pilot for Church of the Word International’s ministry aircraft, Sydney utilizes aviation to support church planting and ministry travel across the U.S.
- Global Missions: Sydney and Jennifer frequently travel internationally, equipping and strengthening believers worldwide.
- Security & Tactical Training: Since 2015, Sydney has undergone extensive training in tactical shooting, hand-to-hand combat, and TCCC medical training, focusing on third-party protection and church security in collaboration with multiple organizations.
Their greatest passion is helping people encounter the love of Jesus Christ and step into a life-changing relationship with the Father.
Outside of ministry, they enjoy staying active through fitness, playing games, and participating in sports together.