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.
AARON WHITESELL
HOPE YOUTH MINISTRY LEADER
Aaron joined the Hope team in 2018 as an Intern and is now our leading the Youth Ministry. Aaron was born and raised in Texas and came to know Jesus in high school. Since then, he desires to serve Him in every area of his life. This desire led him to Eternity Bible College in California, where he met his wife Alyssa. He is currently completing his bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies.
Over the past seven years, Aaron has either had involvement in or led various student ministries. He has a heart to serve students and families in Phoenix while helping them understand God’s love for them and their new identity in Christ.
Aaron and his wife Alyssa were married in 2015 and are parents to an orange tabby cat named Figaro. In their free time they enjoy hiking, exploring new places, watching movies, and reading. Aaron is also passionate about video games and the gaming community. He enjoys coffee and works part-time at Starbucks.
Aaron is looking forward to getting to doing life with the students and families at Hope Church!
JONATHAN CANTON
WORSHIP MINISTRY LEADER
Jonathan has been involved with and leading worship in various settings for 20 plus years. He began playing piano at 8 and drums at 10 but In high school he fell in love with playing guitar. Generally speaking he “loves music,” his top influences, “secular artists” range from John Mayer, EWF, and Stevie Wonder to The Beatles, Victor Wooten, Dave Matthews, Rascal Flatts, and James Tylor. He loves to blend these musical influences into the songs he plays to honor God skillfully! He can often be heard singing some of his favorite praise and worship song by Phil Wickham, Matt Redman, Brandon Lake, Bethel, and the Fathers House.
He and his wife Holly are originally from Northern California. They met in their Jr. High youth group JAM (Jesus and Me). At the time of this writing they have been married 15 years! They are grateful for all God has done in their marriage and how He has led them to Hope.
After praying for a few years and waiting on God’s timing - Christmas Day 2015 they moved to Arizona.
They love trying new food and going to Disneyland as often as possible. In 2020 they welcomed their daughter Grace. They are International Miami Soccer Club fans and watch as a family whenever they can but more frequently which every Disney movie Grace is into.
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 JUNIOR HIGH LEADER
Austin is a Phoenix native and graduated from Centennial High School. Since middle school, Austin has been attending Hope Church and has watched Hope grow over the years. He was actively involved in the youth group through high school, which led him to begin living in a relationship with Jesus.
He graduated from Arizona Christian University with a Bachelor's in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Christian Ministry and a minor in Biblical Studies. He was also a colligate football player for four years at ACU.
Austin has been doing youth ministry since 2016. He began reaching students through Young Life (where Austin met his wife Elisa) as a leader for a few years in college. Austin joined Hope Church's staff team in 2019 as an intern for youth ministry and joined the high school youth ministry team with Aaron Whitesell during his internship time. Since then, he has launched Hope Youth Junior High and loves connecting with middle school students.
Austin got married on Valentine's Day 2021 to his wonderful wife Elisa at Hope, and together, they help lead the high school youth with Aaron. They love to watch Marvel movies, make new friends, travel, and enjoy being a family who loves and shares Jesus. Austin also works part-time as a barista at Dutch Bros. Coffee in West Glendale and is always up for a good conversation over coffee or a solid adventure!
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!