Meet the Team
at True Hope Downtown!

Josh Stone

In 2025, Josh, together with his wife Deborah and their five children, relocated from Cleveland, Ohio, to assume the role of Lead Pastor at True Hope. His primary responsibilities include preaching, casting vision, and providing overall leadership to the church. Josh is deeply committed to making much of the name of Christ—both deeper in the lives of individuals and wider within the surrounding culture.
He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Liberty University, a Master of Theology (Th.M.) from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where his doctoral research focused on gender. In his free time, Josh enjoys reading, spending time outdoors with his children, and going on dates with Deborah.
josh@jesusistruehope.com

PREACHING, LEADERSHIP, & VISION

Jim Sonnenburg

Jim and his wife, Kelly, moved to Boise in 2018 with their two children after relocating from California when Jim answered the call to serve as the Connections Pastor at True Hope Church. Jim is passionate about connecting people with God, with one another, and with their next step in faith.
On staff he oversees the small groups ministry, coordinates pastoral care, serves on the preaching rotation, and supports a variety of other ministries. Jim has served in full-time ministry since 2006 and holds a master’s degree from Gateway Seminary.
At home he enjoys backyard projects, family game or movie nights, reading, golf, and getting outdoors with Kelly and their kids. He welcomes you to stop by, join a small group, or reach out—he’d love to connect and walk alongside you in your faith journey.
jim@jesusistruehope.com

GROUPS & CARE

Dena Myers

Dena Myers serves as the Operations & Missions Pastor at True Hope Church, where she has been a dedicated part of the team for nearly 14 years. Her areas of oversight include church operations, global and local missions, and the Rooted discipleship program. With a heart for building strong foundations—both spiritually and organizationally—Dena is passionate about helping others grow in their faith and find connection in the life of the church.

Before stepping into full-time ministry, Dena's formal education is in Project Management and Elementary Education. Her professional journey has included work in the commercial construction industry, teaching technology at the elementary level, and serving as an Early Childhood Director at her church in Edmonds, Washington. After sensing a clear calling to ministry, she pursued studies in Bible Doctrine and completed the official pastoral licensing process in August 2022.

Originally from the Seattle area, Dena has lived in Boise for the past 19 years. She and her husband Jim have been married for 30 years and are proud parents to two adult children. In her free time, Dena enjoys sporting events, traveling, movies, baking & cooking, a good game night and spending time with family and friends.

One of Dena’s favorite scriptures is Zephaniah 3:17: “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” This verse is a continual reminder to her of God’s powerful presence, tender care, and deep joy in His people.
dena@jesusistruehope.com

OPERATIONS & MISSIONS

Jeff Moser

Jeff Moser has served as the Worship Pastor at True Hope Church since December 2022, following a move from his native Minnesota, where he and his wife, Erin, were born and raised. Prior to 2020, the Lord began stirring a new vision for their life and family and it has been a joy for them to realize much of that vision alongside of, and as a part of, the community here in Boise.
Jeff oversees the Sunday gatherings, shepherds the worship and production volunteers, helps with any technical needs across the church, and provides thought and guidance to the spiritual formation of those that call True Hope home. He enjoys finding creative solutions to most any challenge, loves a good spreadsheet or process, and is honored to be able to contribute occasionally from the pulpit.
Jeff holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Worship Arts from Crown College, where he met his wife in the college choir. Together they homeschool their two young sons and are thoroughly enjoying the outdoor adventure and longer seasons that Idaho affords. They love to hike, camp, ski, mountain bike, or simply spend a slow Saturday afternoon together playing games at home.
jeff@jesusistruehope.com

WORSHIP & SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Melissa Lay

In 2009, Melissa, her husband, and two children started attending True Hope Church because of the Children’s programing. Little did she know that one day she would get to be the Children’s Director. She's been in children’s ministry as long as she can remember, but here at True Hope she has been on staff since 2019. Children and Children’s ministries are very important to her because kids accepting Jesus as their Savior and having a relationship with Jesus Christ is such a beautiful thing to witness.
Melissa loves spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys reading, Broadway shows, and you can often find her in the foothills.
melissa@jesusistruehope.com