Meet the People Who Lead
At Sonrise Church, we’re not just a group of leaders—we’re a family committed to following Jesus together and serving our community with purpose. Each member of our team brings unique gifts, real-world experience, and a heart to help you know, grow, and live out your faith. Dive in to meet the people who are walking alongside you on this journey of transformation.
Sonrise Team Values
Our team is united on mission: helping people know and follow Jesus.
We work together in our efforts to see God glorified and His Kingdom grown in this mission. We adopt a set of values and hold to them, in our personal and collective roles on the team. We believe “culture eats strategy for breakfast” – Peter Drucker
Our team culture is based on this set of values that inform our attitudes and behaviors:
Agile – Ministry requires flexibility. We stay ready to make mid-course corrections, if needed, and we value movement over comfort.
Priorities over Preference – We recognize that we all have preferences, but we are willing to set those preferences aside for the purpose of moving the mission forward.
Sober-Minded – We know who we are and who we are not; and we do what is best for the whole.
Solution-Oriented – We live on the solution side of every issue.
Effort – We work hard, give our best and put family first.
Team – When one wins, we all win. We celebrate impact on every level.
Authenticity – We trust God and others with the real us.
Truth fueled and Grace filled – We assume positive of each other and have conversations to build clarity and camaraderie. We have the hard conversations for the purpose of reconciliation and refinement.
Growth-Focused – We invest in personal growth. We invest in spiritual growth. We invest in ministry growth.
Sonrise Church Staff
Scott Smith
Bio: Lead Pastor
Mike Emery
Bio: Associate Pastor
Dylan Smith
Bio: Connections
Jay Hansen
Bio: Facilities
Kelly Mooney
Bio: Office Admin
Alex Mooney
Bio: Production
Andy Thoren
Bio: High School
Christina Thoren
Bio: High School
Andrew Larson
Bio: Middle School
Patty
Bio: Early Childhood
Advisory Board
Dr. Scott Smith, Sonrise Church Santee, CA
Deron Higgins, Real Life Church, Coeur D’Alene, ID
Lee Steele, Bedrock Church, Lynchburg, VA
Eric Allred, The Chapel BR, Baton Rouge, LA
Dr. Daniel Woodall, Ada Bible Church, Grand Rapids, MI
Deacons
John Garrido
Dennis Holba
James Holman
Greg Johnson
Gene Matter
John McCarty
Jim McCoy
Mike Mcintyre
Adam McWethy
Charlie Mooney
Tom Murphy
James Price
We Saved A Seat For You
Church doesn’t have to be intimidating. At Sonrise, you can show up as you are, connect with people who get you, and leave knowing it was worth it. Our campus is located right where Santee, Lakeside and El Cajon come together. Join us this Sunday at 9:00 or 10:40 by visiting us at 8805 Magnolia Ave. Whenever you’re ready, we’ll be here.
Service Times:
- Sunday : 9:00 AM (1st Service)
- Sunday : 10:40 AM (2nd Service)