OUR VISION

SCROLL DOWN

OUR VISION

We are a community passionate about bringing the hope offered through Jesus to our world by investing in new generations of new people in new places. In response to God’s great love for us, we are growing together in love for God, for one another and for our neighbor, who may live across the street or on the other side of the globe.

FAMILY ON MISSION

Church was never meant to just be a service on Sunday mornings. It was always God's heart to create a family, His family, and to invite EVERYONE into that family. This is why you'll find the best way to connect at Hope is to become a part of the family through our Missional Communities (MCs). MCs are led by YOU, whether you're a pastor, a coffee shop manager, a stay-at-home mom or dad, a plumber, a teacher, or unemployed! You'll find Hope is family-like on Sunday mornings, and we welcome you to celebrate with us on Sundays.

Hope Church also founded Elevate Coffee Co. as a way to connect. We want it to be a place where anyone of any background or belief can come and feel lifted up — and not just from a caffeine boost. If you haven't yet, check out Elevate!

Please let us know more about you and how we can help you feel a part of the family.

Get connected

OUR TEAM

PAUL SORENSEN
LEAD PASTOR

pauls@hopechurch.me

Pastor Paul has served in ministry leadership for the past 32 years. He currently leads Hope Church and is also faculty in the School of Theology at Grand Canyon University. Early in his career, Paul led a national touring Christian rock band, trained international mission teams, and organized youth leadership training seminars, college and young adult retreats, and youth conferences.

As Executive and Lead Pastor of Community Church of Joy (1987-2008), Paul helped launch a variety of innovative ventures, including the small group and new member assimilation ministries, the relocation of Joy’s campus, Bison Ranch Retreat Center, Joy Christian School, and the national Church Coach Network.

Paul attended St. Olaf College (music major), and graduated from Metropolitan State University (B.A. with business emphasis) and Luther Theological Seminary (M.Div.). In 2004, he received his Ph.D. in leadership from Capella University, with a certification in non-profit management. His doctoral research focused on the impact of entrepreneurial leadership in sustaining congregational growth and vitality.

Paul enjoys traveling, hanging out with friends, learning new things, and exercising. Most importantly though, he loves spending time with Carol, his wife of 37 years, and his three children, David, Nathan, and April.

LILLIAN TOVAR
COMMUNICATIONS & OFFICE MANAGER

lillian@hopechurch.me

Lillian is originally from Tucson and graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.S. in Human Resource Management.

She has been married to her husband, Ivan, for 15 years. They have two kids, Tristan & Brooke, and a 3-year-old Cavachon named Koufax!

Lillian enjoys traveling, camping, and going out to eat in restaurants around the neighborhood. She currently works as an office manager with her husband, who is a dentist, and helps coordinate weddings for Hope Barn & Gardens.

AUSTIN SCHLEIER
HOPE YOUTH MINISTRY LEADER

austin@hopechurch.me

Austin is a Phoenix native and graduate of Arizona Christian University, where he earned a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Christian Ministry and a minor in Biblical Studies.

He began serving in youth ministry in 2016 through Young Life — where he also met his wife, Elisa, in 2018. In 2019, Austin joined Hope Church as a youth ministry intern, serving with the high school ministry. The following year, he was brought on to launch and lead Hope Youth Jr. High, and today, he oversees Hope’s youth and next generation ministry.

Austin has remained passionate about seeing the next generation come alive in their faith as they experience the beautiful gospel and step into all God has for their life.

Austin and Elisa were married on Valentine’s Day in 2021. He loves spending quality time with Elisa, traveling, making new friends, trying new things, and enjoying all the joy and adventure life has to offer.

CASEY FUREY
YOUTH JR. HIGH LEADER

casey@hopechurch.me

Casey is a Phoenix native who graduated from GCU in 2023 with a B.A. in Christian Studies with an emphasis in Global Ministry. She started going to Hope Church in 2019 after hearing about it from Young Life. She was baptized just a few months after attending Hope!

Casey has served on the Hope Jr. High leadership team since it first started in 2020. She’s also been on Summer Team for four years and even interned with Hope’s youth ministry for a year.

This past October, Casey married her now husband, Caleb, who manages Elevate Coffee and also leads with Hope’s Jr. High. She has worked at Elevate Coffee for six years and continues to work there part time as a coffee roaster. Casey loves to learn, thrift, visit local coffee shops, talk about theology, and take long drives!

JESSICA HANSEN
HOPE KIDS MINISTRY LEADER

jessica@hopechurch.me

Jessica is an Arizona native who has been part of the Hope family since 2009. Over the years, she has served on Summer Team and in worship before having the incredible opportunity to serve the children and families of Hope as our Hope Kids leader.

Jessica graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in elementary education specializing in arts integration, and she has taught everything from preschool to middle school science. Most recently, she was an instructional coach helping to support teachers through collaborative partnerships.

She met her husband, Brian, at Hope, and they are proud parents to two beloved daughters. They still love their 100 lb. fluffball, Murphy, even though he's not the center of attention anymore. A few of her favorite things are AJ's iced teas, office supplies, college football (Go Blue!), and being in a state of maximum coziness at all times. If it has anything to do with the arts — from hand lettering to improv — she'll be there!

DAVIN BROWN
TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR

davin@hopechurch.me

Davin Brown joined the team in August 2020. He was raised in Southern California and started his college journey at Grand Canyon University in 2018.

Davin has served alongside his parents doing worship ministry since he was young, which flared his passion and career interest in new technology.

Davin loves to make people smile and go on spontaneous adventures. He is a diligent learner who gives all glory and honor to the Lord!

JANINE WINCHESTER
HOPE BARN & GARDENS EVENT MANAGER

janine@hopebarnandgardens.com

Janine was born in Brooklyn, NY, and grew up in Florida. She moved to Arizona with her family right after she graduated from high school.

Janine married her husband, Michael, 28 years ago. They share two grown children, Jonah and Presley.

Janine works as the Event Manager for Hope Barn and Gardens. Her favorite part of her job is the strong relationships she forms with the brides and grooms who get married at Hope. Developing strong relationships, both professionally and personally, is the foundation of everything she does.

Janine loves to travel, meet new people, and spend time with her family. She also loves to serve on the Children’s Team at Hope!

OUR BELIEFS

Jesus Christ is the center of our community, and we believe Jesus is the hope for our lives and for the entire world.

God created the universe. God is loving, compassionate, just and kind. His deepest desire is to live in an intimate relationship with you and all people.

There is a Triune God — God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We acknowledge one God in these three persons.

God became human. This is because of His desire to live in a relationship with us. Jesus Christ, born of a virgin, is fully God and fully man. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for all people to live in a relationship with God. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Through Him, and Him alone, can people enter into a relationship with God. We believe that the Holy Spirit is the presence of Jesus Christ among us. Through Him, God loves us, empowers us, and lives in us. The Spirit gives gifts to all believers. We believe in all the gifts of the Spirit and encourage their use.

The Bible is the Word of God. Through it, God reveals Himself to us. The entire Bible is God-breathed and God-inspired. The Old and New Testaments are the norm and guide upon which we base our faith. The Bible is our text and the Holy Spirit ignites our lives through worship and prayer.

The Church is the body of Christ. As His Body, we are called to worship Him, serve Him, and be the vehicle through which the Good News is shared with the world.

Lutheran Confessions are part of our DNA. We affirm and identify with the confessions of the Lutheran Church. We affirm the centrality of grace alone, faith alone, and Word alone.

Baptism is more than a sacrament, it's a powerful command we want to uphold. We believe that through the waters of Baptism, God comes to us to adopt us as His children. Through Baptism, God gives the gift of new life. We affirm the baptism of infants and adults.

Communion is a holy sacrament we practice regularly. We believe that through the Lord's Supper, God comes to love us and forgive us. It is a meal of renewal. Jesus is really present in the meal.

Humans have dignity. We believe in the worth and value of every human being. Because they're created in God's image, humans have dignity. Their worth is dependent not on accomplishments but on God's love. Because God sees humanity as worth dying for, we affirm and acknowledge the dignity of all humans.

Sin separates humanity from God. We believe sin is more than just behavior, it is a condition of the heart that every human faces. We joyfully proclaim the Good News that because of Jesus Christ, forgiveness and freedom are possible. It is that forgiveness that restores fallen humanity's worth.

Jesus will come again, and we anticipate His return. Though we don't know the day or hour, we joyfully proclaim His soon return to inspire all people to make the most of life today.

OUR STORIES

Watch Brooke’s story!

Brooke Tovar

For high school sophomore Brooke Tovar, faith has always been a part of her story—and it’s her love for others and her desire to serve that show how God is continuing to move through each generation. As a junior high leader at Hope Church, she is investing in the same ministry that helped shape her own faith journey.

Brooke’s story with Hope Church began years ago when her family moved into the neighborhood and noticed a new church being built just minutes from their home. “We thought to ourselves, ‘Once it's built, we should at least try to go,’” Brooke recalled. “We went on opening day. There was a big carnival, and we just really liked it.”

Since then, Hope has become much more than a Sunday stop; it’s become home. Brooke’s mom works at Hope and is a regular presence on stage during Sunday announcements. Her dad, once a practicing dentist, now teaches at Midwestern. “My parents mean the world to me,” she said. “They’re always there, no matter what I need.”

To Brooke, her faith journey really began to unfold during her time as a student in Hope Jr. High Youth. “The group was so impactful to my faith,” she shared. “I gave my life to Jesus in junior high.”
She recalled sweet memories of attending Jr. High Sunday service and camps, but what stuck out to her the most was seeing the dedication her leaders had to showing up and pouring out in students’ lives. Leaders like Casey made a deep impact in her faith. “Casey’s always been there in my life and she’s helped me through the thick and thin,” Brooke said.
Now, Brooke is stepping into that same role, serving as a junior high leader herself. “I want to invest my life — pour into the new generation to hopefully be like my leaders. I want to fill their cup as my cup was filled.”
Whether she's playing saxophone in band, performing in theater, or creating a new art piece, Brooke is blooming with passion. Her joy and care for others shine as she lives out the gifts God has given her. Especially as she shares His love with the next generation through investing in Hope Jr. High and walking faithfully with Christ at school!

Watch Mike’s story!

Mike Fu

When Mike Fu moved to Arizona last year, he left behind nearly 20 years of life in California. The transition wasn’t just a change in scenery — it was an act of faith. “God kept giving me verses about Abraham leaving his home,” Mike shared. “I felt Him saying, ‘You’re going to move.’” It was hard to leave behind the comfort and familiarity, but Mike trusted God's leading, taking a new job and starting over — alone.

After relocating to the Deer Valley area for work as an IT infrastructure engineer, Mike was driving one evening when he noticed a church sign for Hope. Curious, he decided to visit. “I came right after that to a service, and I really liked the worship and the message,” he said. “I also felt really accepted.”

Mike first came to faith in college after moving to California from Taiwan, where Christianity felt rare. “Coming to faith was a long process, and it’s still going,” he shared. Joining Hope, Mike has seen faith strongly lived out in community. “Going to church alone is difficult, but people at Hope really cared about me, they prayed for me, and invited me to join groups,” he said. “People adopted me as a church member and as a friend.”

Mike quickly got involved in the community. He joined People of Prayer where he has found encouragement and truth. “Someone once said to me, ‘We’re here for you, but God is the only solution.’ That really touched me,” Mike recalled . . .

. . . He also began training with the tech team, using his gifts to serve others on Sundays.
To Mike, being a part of Hope means being adopted into family. “At Hope you know you’ll be accepted, you’ll be adopted. I came here alone, but I really felt comfort and acceptance from people at Hope,” he shared.
From a college student finding Christ in California to a newcomer being embraced by Hope, Mike’s story is one of God’s faithfulness. God drew him in and is now using Mike to pour into others through his gifts!

Watch Brett’s story!

Brett Phillip

Faith for Brett Phillip didn’t just happen — it was planted early, nurtured over time, and reignited by the investment of others.

Raised in a strong Christian home, Brett’s faith foundation was shaped by parents who prioritized church, community, and God’s Word. “I was very blessed to be raised by two incredible parents,” Brett shared. “A lot of who I am today is through the osmosis of being raised by my dad and my mom.”

While his parents set a solid example of faith, from age 18 to 24, church was put on the back burner for Brett. Yet, God’s hand never left him. A spontaneous move to Portland, Oregon became a turning point. There, mentors welcomed him back into faith, and it was also where he met his wife, Mariah.

Now living in Anthem, Brett and Mariah were invited to Hope Church by his sister. From the moment they came, they were hooked. “It’s been really remarkable being a part of the Hope family,” Brett said. “When you have a community of people around you who truly want to know how you’re doing and how they can help, it is life changing.”

That community has been essential for the couple, especially as new parents to their one-year-old daughter Dylan . . .

Their Young Families missional community has provided support in a chaotic season. “They say it takes a village to raise a child, and that’s what we have here,” Brett said.
As Brett has embraced his faith more, it has been exciting to see his family grow in Christ as well. His brother-in-law, Jordan, recently came to faith after joining a family Bible study started by Brett’s dad. “I couldn’t be more excited for him and my sister,” Brett shared, “Knowing we’re all in the family of Christ makes it even better.”
Especially now as a father, Brett is determined to pass on a faith legacy. “I would love for my daughter to grow up knowing that she is a valuable daughter of the King,” He said. “I want to be a better example for her so faith carries on not just to her but to my grandkids and her grandkids.”
From generation to generation, Brett is both a product of faithful investment — and a man carrying that torch forward.

Watch the Hailperns’ story!

Troy & Barb Hailpern

To Troy and Barb Hailpern, passing on faith isn’t a concept — it’s a way of life. From their children and grandchildren to young leaders at church and baristas at Elevate Coffee Company, the Hailperns have embraced God’s call to invest in the next generation.

Barb’s faith journey began in childhood, but it was at Hope Church where she says her understanding of Christian community truly deepened. “Coming to Hope was a whole new adventure; a whole new understanding of what church is,” she said. “Being part of Hope and wanting to invest in friends and family and expand my knowledge and prayer walk is a joy to me.”

For Troy, his faith took root when Pastor Paul married him and Barb in 2008. “Hope has been my only church,” he shared. “I’ve come to faith with the people of Hope.”

Together, Troy and Barb have built a life centered on ministry across generations. They lead a missional community called Journey for all ages and recently started a huddle including young missional community leaders. As the owner of Elevate Coffee Company, Troy also has a unique opportunity to invest in the younger generation with a staff made up of young employees, mostly under the age of 25. “It’s a very young team of employees, and it’s been a blessing, I really get to live life with them,” he said.

At the heart of their ministry is a simple but powerful value: invitation. “Everything is invitation,” Barb explained. “If you extend yourself and open your heart, there are so many people who just want to talk or just want a hug.”
That spirit of invitation starts in their family. The Hailperns have four children and seven grandchildren in both Phoenix and Denver, Colorado. They take every opportunity to invite their family to church and into their faith journey. Two of their grandkids in Phoenix, Aiden and Amari, have excitedly embraced that invitation.
Barb said Aiden and Amari, who are 9 and 5, constantly ask her to take them to church. “Amari comes running into the nursery ready to play and learn,” Barb explained, “That’s what he talks about all week, ‘Nana are we going to church on Sunday?’ And Aiden during worship has his hands raised, and he’s all in. It’s a beautiful thing, it just makes my heart sing.”
For Troy and Barb, faith is not confined to Sundays or church buildings — it’s woven into every relationship, every conversation, and every cup of coffee. Their lives are a testimony to what happens when faith is passed on with intention, love, and an open invitation.

Watch the Abrams’ story!

Mark & Sue Abram

With two children, 13 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, Mark and Sue Abram have experienced firsthand the steady and abundant faithfulness of God through the generations of their growing family.

Mark and Sue were always dedicated to raising their family to know and love God. Their intentionality has shown through in many forms. From family camps and adventures, shared meals, group prayers, and intentional conversations, they’ve built their lives on Jesus.

“We were intentional about being around our kids,” Sue shared. “We knew being involved in their life, especially the younger they are, and planting truth is priceless.”

With 18 years of serving in children’s ministry together, this couple also knows that you can’t have faith without a little fun. Whether it’s taking high schoolers white water rafting in Colorado or singing silly songs at VBS, Mark and Sue prioritize joy. “It’s been our motto, even in children’s ministry,” Mark explained. “Make church a place where kids feel welcome, where they can have fun, and where they can be themselves.”

The Abrams have seen God’s faithfulness play out in powerful ways as their children have grown up to follow Jesus and serve others . . .

Their daughter Sarah is involved in ministry and foster care, and their son Jeff serves on the worship team at Hope.
And now, as they watch their grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up in faith, Mark and Sue are seeing prayers answered and God’s promises fulfilled. Mark said it’s heartwarming to see his grandkids be courteous to others, lend willing hands, and have generous hearts. Their grandson, Jace, has even been volunteering with Hope Kids. “These are God’s promises,” Sue said.
Through it all, Mark and Sue have stuck side by side, united by faith. “Our life together as a married couple, we’re one unit, so we walk in that fashion,” said Mark.

Watch the Anthonys’ story!

Jordan & Sarah Anthony

When Jordan and Sarah Anthony first moved to Phoenix, they were simply looking for a home that made sense for their growing family and Jordan’s business. What they found at Hope Church was something much deeper.

Jordan and Sarah’s path to Hope wasn’t linear. After moving to Phoenix around 2019, homesickness eventually pulled them to Ohio, their home state. However, it didn’t take long for them to realize Arizona was where they were meant to be. It was during a house-hunting trip that Jordan first drove by Hope.

After attending for a few Sundays, the couple decided to make Hope their church. “We’ve tried a lot of churches and it just hasn’t felt right as a family,” Sarah said. “Hope is the first church that’s felt like home,” expressed Jordan. Even their four-year-old son, Duke, asks them on Sunday mornings, “Are we going to church today?”

From Pastor Paul personally visiting Jordan’s business and inviting him into his life, to Sarah being welcomed with open arms into Women of Hope, the Anthonys quickly felt a strong sense of belonging at Hope. “Being a part of Hope means belonging,” said Sarah.
As they’ve become more rooted at Hope, Jordan and Sarah feel they’ve grown from simply attending church to truly living as disciples of Jesus. “You constantly hear the word ‘disciple’ here,” Jordan said. “That’s at the core of what Hope is trying to do. To create disciples of all ages.”
Jordan’s faith journey is a picture of God’s patient pursuit across generations. Though he was raised in the Catholic Church, faith faded from his life as he grew older, until God used people like the McFarland family and Sarah’s father to reignite a spiritual spark. “The more time I spent around them, I got a better understanding of faith and Jesus,” Jordan said. “As I opened up to faith, it was everywhere.”
This past July, Jordan got baptized by his father-in-law, standing in a rainy pond in Ohio. Beside him? His seven-year-old daughter, Liza, choosing the same path.
Sarah sees it clearly: “My parents couldn’t have given me anything better than leading me in the right direction. I’m beyond grateful for that, so we do that for our children.” From teaching her children about Jesus to serving in kids’ ministry, Sarah knows seeds are being planted just like they were in her.
Faith is growing in and through the Anthonys. They are a true reflection of God’s faithfulness at work from generation to generation!

Watch the McArthurs’ story!

Ian & Davilyn McArthur

Davilyn and Ian McArthur came from different backgrounds, but their journeys of faith were shaped by the same faithful God. What began with others pouring into them has now grown into a life of investing in a younger generation.

Davilyn grew up in church life. Her parents, Shawn and Kathy, moved their family from the Midwest to Phoenix when she was young. With extended family far away, the church became her family. When they joined Hope, Davilyn jumped right into the youth group as a high school freshman, eager to learn. “It was a great place to be,” she recalled. “Through mentors and community, I learned about God’s love and what it meant to follow Jesus.”

Her faith grew through the steady presence of people who poured into her: youth leaders, pastors, and friends who created space for questions, growth, and discipleship. “I had so many people influencing me and sharing truth about God with me,” Davilyn said. That environment shaped her into someone who invited others in. Friends from school were welcomed into the community she loved, drawn by the confidence and joy she carried.

Ian’s story unfolded a bit differently. He grew up attending church with his grandmother, but after she passed away, faith faded into the background. “She was the rock that kept us going,” he said. Years later, after meeting Davilyn at a wedding (and knowing right away she was someone special), he was reintroduced to life with Christ.
“When I met Davilyn, I got back into faith,” Ian explained. “Then I met Pastor Paul, and I was poured into by him and others.” Ian recalled going to an old missional community led by Paul, where he began to rediscover who God was through relationships and honest conversations.
Now, as a married couple, Ian and Davilyn are pouring into young adults through a missional community they lead called Rooted.“There are so many people in Phoenix without family nearby,” Davilyn said. “Our driving force is wanting to care for others and be their family too.”
When asked about his favorite part of leading Rooted, Ian said, “Seeing the group grow and everyone become a family. It’s been great to see everyone get along and build that community.”

Watch the Kungs’ story!

The Kung Family

Yiu Man and Katherine Kung grew up around faith, but it was when their daughters started asking about God that they decided it was time to go back to church, and that’s when Hope entered their story.

Yiu Man and his wife, Katherine, moved to Arizona from New York in 2017, looking for a better place to raise their young family. They now have two daughters, Kaylie and Charlotte. It was Kaylie’s curiosity in God that sparked the Kungs search for a church.

“Kaylie asked a lot of questions about God and we didn’t really have answers,” Katherine explained. “So we were like, ‘We’ll take you to church and you can find out yourself.’”

Their journey to Hope Church began from a simple errand.

“A couple of years ago, we were driving to Party City to get balloons, and I saw Union Park. It looked so different, like something from the South.” Yiu Man shared. That moment led the Kungs to explore the neighborhood further. When they returned to tour a home in Union Park, Yiu Man noticed Hope Church nearby. Their first visit was for the 2023 Christmas service.

Since then, Hope has become a meaningful part of their family’s life. “The people — everyone’s really friendly,” said Katherine. “They’re great with our kids.” The Kungs eventually moved into Union Park, placing Hope Church right on their daily drive.

The Kungs have joined in on the community, attending retreats, helping with spring cleanings, and joining in the potlucks. “My hope is that we make Hope Church part of our family, so the girls will find close friends here and grow in faith together,” said Yiu Man. Katherine added, “I want them to want it for themselves.”
That desire already seems to be taking root. “I like Sunday school,” said Kaylie. “I like singing the songs that I know,” added Charlotte. When asked why they want God in their lives, Charlotte simply said, “Because He loves us.”
Yiu Man is excited for his girls to continue growing in the Hope family, and especially for them to find community through Hope’s youth groups. For him, passing on faith is his highest priority. “The thing that matters most for me is not that they get good grades or that they’re ‘nice’ people — it’s that they believe in God and they walk with Jesus,” he said.
What started with a child's curiosity and a trip to Party City turned into something so much bigger! With Hope Church as a part of their story, God is growing the Kungs to be a family rooted in faith.

Watch Ginny’s story!

Ginny Wheeler

As a mother, grandmother, and leader of Women of Hope, Ginny Wheeler invests deeply in the lives of those around her, helping faith take root and flourish across generations.

Though she’s only been attending Hope for a few years, Ginny quickly became a vital part of the community. Shortly after arriving, she launched the missional community Women of Hope, which has become a space where women of all ages grow in faith and friendship. Ginny is also a mom to two children and a very proud grandmother of four.

“My grandkids are my favorites!” Ginny shared with a smile. Two of them, Landon and Kenley, attend Hope alongside her.

Growing up, Ginny never went to church with her parents. Today, placing God at the heart of her family is one of Ginny’s deepest priorities.

Ginny recalled a cherished memory of giving her granddaughter, Kenley, her first “grown-up” Bible. “Right before her birthday she called and said, ‘Grandma, you got me my picture Bible and my junior high Bible, and now I have so many questions, is there a grown-up Bible?” Ginny shared.

With much excitement, she searched far and wide and found Kenley a beautiful turquoise leather Bible. “She called me to tell me it is the most amazing gift I’ve gotten her. She stayed up reading it till 3 a.m,” Ginny said.

“Generational faith doesn’t happen overnight,” she explained. “You have to invest a lot of time and care and learn about your kids. Love is time. They could know the whole Bible, but if they don’t see you trying to be more like Jesus, it’s not going to happen for them.”
Beyond her family, Ginny pours that same heart into Women of Hope. Each week, women of all generations gather to grow in faith and community under the guidance of Ginny and Betsy Allen. “I’ve led many groups and classes, but these women are the most amazing I’ve ever seen,” she shared. “It’s a safe place to be.”
Ginny has loved watching women care for one another, pray together, and lift one each other up through Women of Hope. Seeing older women in the group walk beside younger women has been an especially sweet aspect of the community. “It just warms my heart,” she said.
Whether she’s cheering on her grandchildren or mentoring women, Ginny’s faithful commitment to nurturing generational faith shines brightly through her life!

Ruby Schmoyer

Through the intentional investment of others, Ruby Schmoyer came to know of God’s love in high school. Now, as a college student, she faithfully shares that found love with the youth of Hope.

Ruby grew up surrounded by faith — but not always the kind that reflects the caring heart of God. “A lot of growing up and my faith was very shame based,” she shared. “Where if you wear the wrong things or say the wrong things, you misrepresent Christ and are not going to heaven.”

As the oldest daughter, the oldest grandchild, and one of 40 cousins, Ruby felt the weight of being the “guinea pig child” in her family, where words of love weren't often heard.

Everything began to shift during high school, when Ruby became a camp counselor in Minnesota. Through friendships, mentoring, and a healthier picture of Christian community, her understanding of God — and herself — began to transform.

“That’s where I first started to hear God loves me,” Ruby said. “The love and passion my friends at camp had for Christ was so different. They truly loved me and saw me and were so passionate for Christ.” Through the community she found at camp, Ruby’s relationship with God truly began to blossom.
Last year, Ruby moved from Minnesota to Arizona to attend GCU. As a freshman, she got connected to Hope when a friend offered her a ride to service, coincidently on a Picnic Sunday. Her conversations that day made a lasting impression. “I have never felt so plugged in immediately at a church,” she said.
Ruby spared no time in getting involved, as she joined Hope’s Junior High Team this past January. What started as a desire to connect with community became a calling to pour into younger generation. For Ruby, serving junior high students is more than a role — it’s redemption.
“A lot of the hardships and struggles I went through and didn’t have support with were in middle school,” Ruby said. “To now be able to help middle schoolers work through hardships and continue to be like, ‘No, I love you and I’m here,’ especially when some don’t ever hear that is so important.”
Ruby’s caring heart for others is a clear reflection of her genuine love for God and a beautiful testament to those who invested in her.

Watch the Hansens’ story!

The Allens & Hansens

For the Allen’s, growing their family on the firm foundation of Jesus was never a question; it was a promise.

When Brad and Betsy Allen’s daughter, Jessica, was baptized, they committed to raising her to know and love Jesus. That commitment became the cornerstone of their family life: praying together, reading Scripture, staying active in church community, and showing up for one another in both fun and faith. “The foundation of our life and our marriage has always been our faith,” Betsy shared. “We truly wanted her to have that.”

Now, watching Jessica raise her own family in the same spirit brings deep joy. She and her husband, Brian Hansen, are parents to two young girls and are actively passing on the legacies they were given. “It was easy for me to understand there’s a God who loves us unconditionally,” Jessica said, “because I had parents who loved me unconditionally.”

Brian’s foundation came from his single mom and the example she set of selfless service. “She raised three kids and worked nights as a nurse,” Brian explained, “I basically got to see every day what it meant to put other people first. I think that’s why I have a commitment to service.”
The couple is committed to raising their children in God’s love. From daily Bible reading to bedtime prayers, they are teaching their daughters that faith isn’t just for Sundays — it’s the framework for all of life.
As they intentionally pour God’s love into their biological family, they also extend their hearts and time to the next generation in their Hope family. Jessica is the leader of Hope Kids, and Brian serves on the board and worship team.
“Hope feels like home,” Brian said. “It’s the first place I felt I had a family. I owe so much to this church, because of it, I have my wife, my family, my developed career interest, and focus on service. It’s hard not to want to share that with other people.”
And for Brad and Betsy, watching their granddaughter point to a picture in her kid’s Bible and say, “Jesus,” they know a legacy of faith is continuing. “I truly see faith passing from generation to generation,” Betsy said.