Leadership Team

Rev. Dr. Francis Balla

Lead Pastor

Francis & Wilma Balla

Francis was born into a Christian family in South India and accepted Christ at age 18. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree, he felt called to serve God full-time, beginning a 20-year ministry with Youth With A Mission. While with YWAM in India, Francis met Wilma from Holland; they married in 1994 and raised three daughters—Joanna, Jemimah, and Tara—in India and the USA. God blessed them with two beautiful granddaughters. Francis earned his Master of Divinity in Urban Ministry and a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Theology in Practice from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. After serving as the pastor of a multicultural church in Quincy for eight years, he has been pastoring Sharon Hope Church, a Baptist church affiliated with Converge. Francis's calling to share the good news with everyone has taken him to many countries, where he has preached and taught God's Word to believers. As a caring shepherd, Francis passionately preaches and teaches the full gospel. Francis and Wilma both have hearts for the broken and hurting, especially immigrants. Wilma pursues this passion through her secular job in the mental health field. Francis and Wilma enjoy hiking, cooking, gardening, and love spending time with their granddaughters. Francis loves watching sports.

Mercy Thomas

Deaconess

Mercy is a devoted church member who's been attending Hope Church with her husband and now 2 adult children for the past nineteen years. She is an extremely hard worker and someone who is passionate about the power of prayer.

Kevin Doherty

Deacon

Kevin Doherty has been attending Hope/Evangelical Baptist church for 34 years. His wife went to this church as a child and introduced him to this church. He was raised Catholic so it was a bit awkward for him at first, but after a few years of groaning about attending church weekly, it became his home. Kevin's children were raised here and attended bible times; they had amazing guidance from various members that taught them and were amazing to them. He was lead to faith by the events at Columbine High School and became a member of Hope Church in 1999. As a Deacon, Kevin, along with Deaconess Mercy Thomas and Pastor Francis, go over any concerns they may have for the church and welfare of its members. They offer help to those in need according to biblical scripture.

Ron Briggs

Trustee

Ron has been a faithful member of the church for more than 20 years and has consistently served in ways that have strengthened the congregation. He helped guide the church through its renaming process, contributing to thoughtful discussions, planning, and a smooth transition, and during the early days of COVID, he was part of the team that established the church’s online presence so members could continue worshiping, learning, and staying connected. Ron also regularly serves with the worship team and is known for his practical problem-solving skills and willingness to work with his hands, whether helping maintain the church building or taking on personal projects. His long-standing commitment, creativity, and dependable service make him a trusted and valued trustee.

Ray Titus

Trustee

Ray is a longtime Sharon resident and Hope Church member. Ray has worked on our mission’s team serving our sister church in the Dominican Republic. Currently, Ray assists in teaching the men’s group and serves as Trustee. Ray received a graduate certificate in Christian Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2026.