PAUL SORENSEN
LEAD PASTOR
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, organized youth leadership training seminars, college and young adult retreats, youth conferences and trained international mission teams.
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 loves to travel, hang out with friends, learn new stuff, exercise, and spend time with Carol, his wife of 37 years, and his three children David , Nathan, and April.
LILLIAN TOVAR
COMMUNICATIONS & OFFICE MANAGER
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, and they share two kids, Tristan & Brooke, and have 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, a dentist, and helps coordinate weddings for Hope Barn & Gardens.
AUSTIN SCHLEIER
HOPE YOUTH MINISTRY LEADER
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 Junior 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 2021 a. 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 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 Hope Church in 2019 after hearing about it from YoungLife. 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 is an Arizona native who has been part of the Hope family since 2009. Over the years, she has served on the 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 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 their beloved daughter, Johanna. 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!
RYAN MOORE
INTERIM ASSISTANT PASTOR
Ryan joined the Hope Church staff with 22 years of church ministry experience.
He and his wife, Alyson, have been married for 23 years and have survived countless games of “Turn the lights off” as they raise their awesome kids, Alyza (18) and Ryson (11).
Ryan loves seeing people live out their God given mission in life and is excited that Hope is all about seeing families live on mission.
DAVIN BROWN
TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR
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.
He plans to travel after he graduates and become an audio technical engineer for venues, churches, and theatrical performances.
Davin loves to make people smile and go on last minute adventures. He is a diligent learner who gives all glory and honor to the Lord!
JANINE WINCHESTER
HOPE BARN & GARDENS EVENT MANAGER
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!