What We Believe
LOVE | LIVE | LEAD
These three words summarize who we as a church-community seek to be about. As a community of Christ followers we exist to love Jesus, live like Jesus, and lead others into a living relationship with Him. Our mission is the common thread that runs through everything we do as a people.
WHAT WE VALUE
Pervasive Prayer
We establish an intimate, growing relationship with God through regular times of personal and communal prayer. Prayer is foundational to our ministry and mission; therefore all of our joys, concerns, personal confessions, and ministry decisions will be immersed in prayer. Matthew 6:5-8; I Thessalonians 5:17; I Timothy 2:1-4; Philippians 4:6; James 5:16
Biblical Authority
We believe the Bible to be the true Word of God and therefore recognize it as our final authority. The preaching, teaching, and personal study of God’s Word will lead to transformed lives. We build our lives and our church on this firm foundation. Psalm 119:1-2, 9-11; II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21
Courageous Authenticity
Entering into life-giving relationships requires trust, vulnerability, and the courage to tackle our fears in order to live into who we were made to be. We seek to create healthy relationships where there is freedom from guilt and shame. We believe that people grow best when they are honest about their own brokenness and accepting of others in theirs. Isaiah 54:4; James 5:16; Romans 12:9
Heartfelt Worship
We will gather together to glorify God in biblically-sound and culturally-relevant worship – seeking to draw people of all ages closer to Christ through communal prayer, praise, teaching, music, artistic expression, giving, and the Sacraments. John 4:23; Psalm 138:1-2; I Corinthians 9:19-22
Continuous Growth
Growth is God’s will for both individuals and for churches. We expect every believer to experience transformational growth into Christ’s likeness. We understand this to be an intentional life-long process. Therefore, our goal is to make more and better disciples for God’s glory. Ephesians 4:15-16, 22-24; I Timothy 4:7-8; I John 2:6
COMPASSIONATE CARE
We will use our God-given abilities and resources to intentionally and sacrificially help those within and outside our congregation. We will encourage and assist those who are in physical, spiritual, or emotional need as best we can -- seeking to bring Christ’s healing and hope to our hurting world. Deuteronomy 15:7-8; Proverbs 22:9, 31:20; Luke 10:25-37; Matthew 25:37-40; Galatians 6:2
Kingdom-Minded Evangelism
We will deliberately seek for ways to share the Good News that Jesus alone saves, and to expand God’s Kingdom of peace and justice. This will be done individually, communally as a church, and in partnership with other Gospel-centered ministries. We are called to join in with Christ’s mission across the street and around the world.
Matthew 28:16-20; 1 Chronicles 16:23-25; Acts 1:8; John 17:20-24
Radical Hospitality
We are called to pursue God’s love for strangers as if they were already dear family members. We desire every newcomer to walk away feeling loved, known, and cared for. Our hospitality will always be sensitive to the needs and desires of all who come into our homes, fellowship circles, and church building. Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9; Hebrews 13:2
Faithful Stewardship
Since God is the owner and giver of all that we have, we are called to be faithful managers or stewards of our time, talents, and resources as the Holy Spirit directs. Psalm 24:1; Proverbs 3:5-10; Malachi 3:10; 1 Peter 4:10
Servant Leadership
Raising up leaders of all ages is one of the keys to sustaining growth and creating greater capacity for ministry. Leadership will always be offered as a humble, loving act of service to the body of Christ.
Romans 12:8; Acts 6:2-5; Matthew 20:26-28
Our Denominational Affiliation
Hope Church began in 1947 as part of the Reformed Church in America (RCA). In 2022, Hope, along with several other area churches, began to navigate away from the RCA to join The Kingdom Network, a community of reformed churches. We are excited to be a part of this new network alongside similar kingdom-minded and theologically reformed churches. We look forward to what God has in store for Hope as a part of this new network! You can learn more here.
What Are The Advantages of Denominational Affiliation?
Our affiliation allows us to participate in missionary activities throughout the world and identify with other Christians who are known for their biblical teachings and Reformed world and life views, while having the support and guidance of like-minded churches and regional leaders. Each church within the network has its own identity while also being part of something bigger. The pastors of the network meet regularly for prayer, accountability, and support. Together we are committed to the same kingdom-minded values.