How it all started...
In late fall of 2008, six individuals (Roger & Liz, David & Debbie and Mark & Lisa) began a conversation which led to weekly meetings at the home of Mark & Lisa McMahon. We soon were determining the details of what was looking more like a planting team for a new church. Seed money was given, accounts were established, a name was chosen, web domains purchased and plans were underway. Sustained outside funding was attempted but not obtained. Assistance gifts of $5,000 by the Christian Evangelism Association (from the Christian Churches) and then $2,000 from Riverlawn Christian Church here in Wichita were given. The task seemed extremely overwhelming but we continued on in faith and prayer.
As the leadership team continued to meet, a home study group was formed. This group grew to around 30 people meeting at the McMahon’s home. As Christmas approached, this study group decided to have a Christmas celebration. As each individual or couple thought of who they could invite the number quickly exceeded the space available in the McMahon’s home. A room was rented from the County Extension Building at the corner of 21st and Ridge Rd; the surprise for all of us was that 55 came to celebrate the coming of Christmas. By this time a launch date was determined; Easter of 2009 – with three “soft” worship dates in each month of January, February and March and a location determined – The Airport Hilton.
In the meantime, as word of mouth provided invitations, and anticipation grew - God continued to confirm and lead us toward our launch date. May of 2009 was our first full month and we had an average of 61 in attendance. Fast forward six years later, God has faithfully blessed our efforts with an average of 126 (May 2015). But it wasn’t just us getting together that was important, it was working to make a difference in the name of Jesus and realizing that we were a part of something greater than ourselves. From the beginning of Hope, we have come together to discover and refocus our hearts on Jesus. We have also encouraged everyone to make a difference for Jesus in their circle of influence.
As the leadership team continued to meet, a home study group was formed. This group grew to around 30 people meeting at the McMahon’s home. As Christmas approached, this study group decided to have a Christmas celebration. As each individual or couple thought of who they could invite the number quickly exceeded the space available in the McMahon’s home. A room was rented from the County Extension Building at the corner of 21st and Ridge Rd; the surprise for all of us was that 55 came to celebrate the coming of Christmas. By this time a launch date was determined; Easter of 2009 – with three “soft” worship dates in each month of January, February and March and a location determined – The Airport Hilton.
In the meantime, as word of mouth provided invitations, and anticipation grew - God continued to confirm and lead us toward our launch date. May of 2009 was our first full month and we had an average of 61 in attendance. Fast forward six years later, God has faithfully blessed our efforts with an average of 126 (May 2015). But it wasn’t just us getting together that was important, it was working to make a difference in the name of Jesus and realizing that we were a part of something greater than ourselves. From the beginning of Hope, we have come together to discover and refocus our hearts on Jesus. We have also encouraged everyone to make a difference for Jesus in their circle of influence.
Expanding the vision...
Even as we began meeting at the Airport Hilton, we were a 'Church in a Box'. Meaning that we drove up, unpacked, set up and following our morning worship, packed up. We repeated this for the first 12 years of our existence, meeting in 7 different locations before being invited to rent an empty church building (previously the Calvary Bible Church) at 220 S. Handley. Here, even though we rented it, we were able to leave our equipment & seating up. In a year, the developers decided to tear the church down and gave us one month to find a space. We began looking for a 'permanent' location. In the fall of 2022, God led us to, and provided the finances for our first building at 1650 S. Broadway! Not only an answer to prayer, but definitely divine leading.
Where we are headed...
We realize that Jesus has commissioned us to move the front door of the church to the front porch of your home, the floor of your workplace, hallway of your school, or front wheels of your vehicle. When you say YES to Jesus and partner with Hope, you are on a Holy Adventure to discover the life Jesus' promises you and to shine his light into whatever circle of the world you find yourself. Your purpose is to love God with all that you are and to love people as you love yourself. As your heart moves toward heaven, your hands reach out to encourage those on earth to seek Jesus. Together we bring our offerings and influence to lighten our community and touch the world. We have supported vulnerable teen ministries, packed thousands of meals, cleaned up neighborhoods, sponsored house builds, purchased supplies, assisted families, provided clean water wells in Africa, faith/farming work in Ghana, supported new churches, brought education/medicine/food & Jesus to Haitian Churches and Children's homes, helped make Christmas special for foster families and brought showers/clothing & snack packs to the streets on our corner of the city. You are invited to surrender to Jesus and discover a life worth living!
Let Hope Be a part of your story...
Join us every Sunday as we gather to worship together a 10:00 AM