Our Beliefs
We exist to make and send disciples of Jesus Christ.
We recognize that churches can fall into one of two extremes: some emphasize doctrinal precision but struggle to live it out or share it; others prioritize social action while neglecting sound doctrine. At Hope, we aim to do both—holding tightly to the historic truths of the Christian faith while living them out in love, service, and mission.
As Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:14, “By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” We believe this “good deposit” is the gospel of Jesus Christ, and we seek to guard and proclaim it with both conviction and compassion.
We recognize that everyone is in a different place on their spiritual journey and may not agree with us on everything stated below. Consequently, we embrace this idea: “in the essentials, unity; in the non-essentials, diversity; in all things, charity.”
Here are a few key beliefs that shape who we are at Hope Church:
Bible
We believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God. It is completely true, without any mixture of error, and is sufficient and authoritative for all matters of faith and life.
God
We believe in one God who exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, unchanging, and perfectly wise, good, and loving. He is the Creator of all things and is sovereign over every part of creation. He alone deserves all glory and worship.
Jesus Christ
Jesus is the eternal Son of God, fully God and fully man. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin, and rose from the grave in victory. He is coming again to make all things new. Through the gospel, Jesus restores what was broken—our relationship with God, with others, with creation, and even with ourselves.
Gospel
The gospel is the good news of Jesus’ life, death, burial, and resurrection. His sacrificial death satisfies God’s justice and demonstrates His love and grace. The gospel has far-reaching implications for every area of life and invites us into daily transformation through Christ.
Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the active presence of God in the world today. He convicts of sin, comforts believers, empowers the mission of the church, and gives spiritual gifts for building up the body of Christ. We believe the miraculous gifts of the Spirit continue today and should be exercised under the authority of Scripture and the leadership of the local church. If you have questions about these gifts, we encourage you to speak with a pastor.
People
Every person is made in the image of God and deeply loved by Him. Yet all people have sinned—by both action and inaction—and are separated from God apart from Christ. Men and women are equal in value and dignity, yet distinct by God’s design.
Gender
We believe that God created humanity in His image as male and female—equal in value, dignity, and worth, yet distinct by design. Gender is a good gift from God, determined by biological sex, and not subject to personal preference or cultural definition. We affirm the beauty of God’s design for manhood and womanhood and believe that human flourishing is found in embracing that design.
Marriage
Marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God between one man and one woman. It reflects the relationship between Christ and His Church and serves as a living picture of the gospel. Marriage is meant to be a lifelong, faithful union that honors God, nurtures love, and fosters human flourishing.
Sin
Sin is rebellion against a holy God. It entered the world through Adam and Eve and has brought brokenness into every part of life—our relationship with God, with ourselves, with others, and with creation. The result of sin is death, both physical and spiritual, which separates us from God and brings judgment.
Baptism
Baptism is for those who have trusted in Jesus Christ and can give a clear testimony of their faith. We practice baptism by immersion because it reflects the biblical pattern and powerfully symbolizes our death to sin and new life in Christ. While infant baptism may have been meaningful to a family, we require believer’s baptism by immersion for membership at Hope Church (whether here or in a previous church of like faith). Find out more about baptism at Hope Church here.
Salvation
Jesus came to save sinners. Salvation is the personal application of the gospel to an individual’s life and is a gift of God’s grace. It is available to all, but it is not automatic—repentance and faith in Jesus are necessary. Good works cannot save, but true faith produces a life that follows Jesus. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
The Church
The church is the gathered community of God’s people who have been redeemed by the gospel. We gather to worship, grow, and encourage one another—and we are sent out to proclaim the gospel to a broken world. Jesus loves the church, and through it, He builds families, sends missionaries, cares for the hurting, and brings healing to the world.