OUR PASTORS

Pastors Cliff and Martha DeArmond serve as the Lead Pastors of Hope Alive Church.
Their journey together began in 2004 when they met while serving in their local church. A year later, they married and have since been blessed with four children: Caleb, Connor, Mariah, and Chase.
With a deep passion for ministry, they have faithfully served in various roles, including Youth Pastors, Children's Pastors, Associate Pastors, Executive Pastors, and Worship Leaders. Their experience extends beyond the church, having worked as administrators and teachers in Christian schools, as well as in television and media ministry.
Beyond ministry, they are also entrepreneurs and business owners, using their gifts in administration, creativity, and innovation to strengthen the local church. Their heart is to spread the message of hope—both in faith and in the business world.

Meet the team

Cliff DeArmond

Lead Pastor
Pastor Cliff DeArmond has over 25 years of experience in ministry. Born into a pastor's home, he began his journey of faith at a young age, encountering Jesus as Lord at 9 and deepening that relationship at 16, when he became a youth pastor.

Passionate about serving others, Pastor Cliff thrives on building up individuals from all walks of life through leadership, discipleship, and mentoring. He has held various roles, including Worship Pastor, Executive Pastor, and Lead Pastor of Hope Alive Church, while also owning and operating multiple small businesses.

In 2020, he graduated from Texas Bible Institute, further solidifying his commitment to ministry. Outside of work, Pastor Cliff enjoys CrossFit, playing music, cooking, and hosting friends and family. A proud supporter of Texas Longhorn football, he cherishes time spent with his family—wife Martha DeArmond and children Caleb, Connor, Mariah, and Chase.

Pastor Cliff's favorite scripture, 1 Corinthians 15:58, reflects his unwavering dedication to faith and ministry.

Martha DeArmond

Lead Pastor
Pastor Martha DeArmond is a dedicated leader and compassionate counselor with over 18 years of experience in full-time ministry. As the lead pastor of Hope Alive Church, which she and her husband, Cliff DeArmond, established in 2020, Martha is passionate about guiding individuals and families through their mental and emotional struggles using practical, biblically-based tools.

Having become a mother at just 16, Martha’s journey has been one of perseverance, growth, and faith. She has navigated the challenges of motherhood and ministry while fostering a deep dependence on God to heal from past trauma. Her counseling approach emphasizes improving communication, emotional maturity, and self-awareness, helping others embrace God's love and cultivate their ability to love themselves and others.

In 2021, Martha earned an Associate's degree in Psychology and Sociology and became a certified Marriage Mediator, further equipping her to serve her community effectively. Outside of her ministry work, she values time spent with her family, engaging in self-care and rest.

Martha finds inspiration in her favorite scripture, Matthew 22:37-39, which emphasizes the importance of loving God and one another. She and Cliff are proud parents of four children—Caleb, Connor, Mariah, and Chase—who have enriched their lives and ministry.

Andy Gutierrez

Hope Kids Pastor
Pastor Andy Gutierrez is a dedicated minister and servant leader with a passionate commitment to sharing the love of Jesus. Raised in a small church on the south side of town, Andy's faith journey took a transformative turn when he met Jesus at a parking lot concert at the age of nine. Since then, he has devoted his life to serving others, honing his musical talents as a drummer, and fostering a vibrant community within the church.

Andy believes that every church should embody a spirit of service, emphasizing the importance of being a working church where all members are encouraged to serve. His greatest accomplishments are rooted in his family; he takes immense pride in guiding his wife, Stephanie, and their daughters, Khloee and Emree, to know and love Jesus, culminating in their heartfelt baptisms.

In his free time, Andy enjoys running and setting ambitious goals to challenge himself physically. He draws inspiration from his favorite scripture, Romans 8:35-39, which reflects his deep faith and resilience. Pastor Andy Gutierrez continues to inspire those around him with his unwavering dedication to ministry and family.

Anthony Roque

Rhythm Young Adults Pastor
Pastor Anthony Roque is a devoted leader at Hope Alive Church, where he serves as the Young Adults Pastor. Growing up in a challenging environment, Anthony faced numerous obstacles, including struggles with substance use and a turbulent family background. However, his journey took a transformative turn when he embraced his faith and discovered his calling to ministry.

A talented soccer athlete, Anthony initially pursued a career in the oilfield before finding his passion for barbering. After opening his own barbershop, he faced personal and professional trials, including the loss of his father to COVID-19, which plunged him into a season of grief. Through this difficult time, he found solace in worship and answered the call to serve on his church’s worship team.

With a heart for God and a commitment to serving others, Anthony has dedicated himself to teaching and preaching the Word of God. He is passionate about leading others to freedom through worship and cherishes his role in guiding the next generation in their faith journeys. Above all, Anthony values his family, including his wife Ashlea and their three children, Jayven, Adric, and Aviana, as his greatest accomplishments. His life is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of God’s love.

Branden Leal

Enfocus Youth Pastor
Pastor Branden Leal is a dynamic minister and creative enthusiast who believes in reaching a new generation for Christ. After a life-changing encounter with Jesus at a summer camp altar in 2010, he embraced his calling to ministry, moving beyond tradition and legalism.

With a passion for mentoring students, Pastor Branden aims to instill a lasting hunger for the gospel in the next generation. He is also devoted to family life with his wife, Alizea Leal, and their daughter, Aria Leal.

In his free time,Pastor Branden loves to create—whether through graphic design or content creation—guided by the belief that, as stated in Genesis 1:27, he was made to be a creator. Pastor Branden is committed to living out his faith and making a positive impact in the world.

Demetryce ShaRaye Morris

Staff Pastor
Pastor ShaRaye is a true overcomer, grateful to be where she is today by the grace of God. His unwavering faithfulness inspires her daily. Her passion for ministry centers on loving people and showing them the depth of God's care. She actively engages in prayer and strives to make a difference in the lives around her.

Among her greatest accomplishments, Pastor ShaRaye cherishes doing ministry with her children every day, being ordained as a Pastor, and earning a B.A. in Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys creating funny Instagram reels, braiding hair, and binge-watching mushy Netflix series like *Sweet Magnolias*.

Her favorite scripture is Philippians 3:13-14, which reminds her to focus on the future and press toward her calling. Pastor ShaRaye has one son, Landyn, and his fiancé Ezmariah, along with three daughters: Rhylei, Jayce, and A’Mya, and her sweet granddaughter Londyn.

Jeff Gillihan

Associate Pastor
Pastor Jeff Gillihan, originally from Illinois and now proudly claiming Texas as his home since 2012, has dedicated over 25 years to pastoral ministry. He and his wife of thirty years, Tina, are blessed with four children (one adopted) and two grandchildren. Jeff's ministry journey includes planting a church in Princeton, IL, and revitalizing others, demonstrating his passion for community and faith.

Together, Jeff and Tina founded the Basin Dream Center for Orphans, a transitional living program aimed at supporting homeless young adults, with Tina serving as the current CEO. In addition to his pastoral work, Jeff has experience as a business owner in the food industry with food trucks and a restaurant.

A favorite verse of Jeff's is Acts 1:8, which emphasizes the call to be witnesses and spread the message of hope. Go Bears!

Clinton Beninghoff

Staff Pastor
Pastor Clinton Benninghoff is a devoted leader known for his passion for worship and deep intimacy with God. Raised in the church, Clinton faced significant struggles with identity and addiction, but through the grace of God and the truth of 1 John 1, he found freedom and a renewed sense of self in Christ. As a husband to Lori and a loving father to three children, he prioritizes family alongside his ministry. Clinton's greatest joy comes from witnessing lives transformed by the love and freedom found in Christ. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities like fishing and golfing, finding rest and reflection in nature. His commitment to helping others step into a transformative relationship with God is at the heart of his ministry.

1 peter 1:3

Give praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his great mercy he has given us a new birth and a living hope. This hope is living because Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

our mission statement

Hope Alive Church is a community of believers and our mission is to activate, educate, and motivate the body of christ.

THE VISION OF HOPE ALIVE CHURCH

The Vision of Hope Alive Church is to be an authentic community of believers where everyone can encounter the ‘Living Hope’ found only in Jesus Christ.

OUR CORE VALUES

Hope Alive Church is built off of six core values
Here at Hope Alive Church we are:

DEVOTED TO
DISCIPLESHIP

COMMUNITY
CENTERED

GENEROUS
GIVERS

LEADING
LEADERS

SPIRIT
STRUCTURED

FAMILY
FOCUSED

OUR MINISTRIES

Hope Alive Church is full of ministries for everyone ranging from toddlers, to young adults. We encourage you to get plugged in!!

HopeKIDS

Our Hope Kids led by Pastor Andy Gutierrez range from babies as young as 6 months old to 5th grade. HopeKIDS meets every Sunday and every Wednesday!


Enfocus YOUTH

Our Enfocus Youth is led by Pastor Branden Leal and the ages range from 6th grade to 12th grade. Our students meet every Wednesday at 7pm for a time of fellowship and the word!!
Our Enfocus Youth is led by Pastor Branden Leal and the ages range from 6th grade to 12th grade. Our students meet every Wednesday at 7pm for a time of fellowship and the word!!


RHYTHM Young Adults

Our RHYTHM Young Adults ministry, led by Anthony Roque is geared for young adults ranging from 18-35 years old. RHYTHM is a community of young adults who want to be closer to God!

The Table

Our women's ministry "The Table" is led by our own Pastor Martha. The women of Hope Alive Church meet for brunch, lunches and small groups throughout the month to create community and discipleship.  

Building Bridges

Building Bridges, led by Robert Ceniseros is a recovery ministry here at Hope Alive Church. Building Bridges has grown to a ministry that has many testimonies and its own community of support.

Man Alive

Man Alive led by Pastor Jeff Gillihan is a ministry of men who want to study and be closer to God. Man Alive meets for breakfast occasionally for a time of devotion and fellowship!

RENEW

Renew is a Hope Alive Church group ministry. It addresses mental health and life challenges. We offer a small group of about 12 people and discuss a variety of topics that deal with relationships, conflict resolution, parenting, grief, identity, forgiveness, and so much more.

ONE

One is a marriage ministry of Hope Alive Church led by Pastor Martha DeArmond. We learn what God says about marriage and practical ways to help in communication and connection. We discuss topics of intimacy, communication, finances, family, parenting, and so much more. 

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