Team 1 — Hopeful Baptist Church

Senior Pastor

Dr. Billy Young

Billy began as the senior pastor at Hopeful Baptist Church in September of 2020. Prior to that, he served the Florida Baptist Convention and 2 other churches. After a career as a public school teacher, he surrendered to the call of vocational church ministry. Billy has a Doctor of Ministry from the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Master of Education and Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Florida. He is passionate about reading, running, and the Florida Gators! He is married to Denise and has 3 daughters, Sarah, Abigail, and Leah.

Children/Recreation Pastor

Mark Cunningham

Mark Cunningham joined the Hopeful Baptist staff in August of 2004. Blessed with his wife, Michele, 10 children, and 10 grandchildren, Mark enjoys Jags football, snow skiing, softball, and any other sport that involves a ball.

Student Pastor

Nate Street

Nate has served at HBC as the Student Pastor since October 2023. He grew up as a Missionary Kid in Québec, Canada. At age 16, he felt the call to full-time vocational ministry. After HS, he spent a year at Word of Life Bible Institute in Toalmas, Hungary. There he met his future wife, Marianne. He completed his BS in Government: Politics & Policy at Liberty University as well as his MA in Biblical Exposition from Liberty’s School of Divinity. Nate enjoys playing games, watching old movies, and all things sports-related, especially the Penn State Nittany Lions! Nate and Marianne have been married since June of 2016, and are blessed with 4 children: Julia, James, Judah, and Benaiah.

Worship Pastor

Daniel Shenning

Daniel has been serving at HBC as the worship pastor since May 2024. While working on his Bachelor of Music in Worship Leadership at the Baptist University of Florida, Daniel had the opportunity to serve at several churches through internship programs and interim positions. Daniel loves Music, Movies, and playing pickleball. Daniel and his wife Jacqueline have one daughter named Edith.

Facilities Manager

Steve Truluck

Steve Truluck and his wife, Elaine, joined Hopeful Baptist in 2008. They have three children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Following his retirement from Shands Healthcare, Steve began volunteering in the fall of 2017 to assist with maintenance and projects at the church. He was brought on to the staff as part-time Facilities Operation Manager in the fall of 2018. Sunday School and other small groups are where Steve feels led to minister in and serve in the church.

Preschool Director/Administrative Assistant

Tara Jones

Tara is a long-time native of Lake City and joined the HBC staff in September 2023. She has a background in administrative areas, including office management, human relations, and finance, while working in the medical field and the school system. Serving at HBC is a passion of hers, and you can find her in the choir, praise team, or in the preschool department. In her free time, she loves to watch movies, read, and go to the beach with her family. Tara has been married to her husband, Adam, for over 20 years, and they have four amazing children- Rachel, Emily, AJ, and Raelyn.