Grounded
First and most importantly, Good Hope endeavors to be a church that is GROUNDED IN THE WORD. In an age where society is moving away from the truth of God’s Word, our church feels compelled to develop Biblically-grounded ministries and programs for all ages. 1 Timothy 3:15 calls the church “the pillar and ground of the truth.”
These two phrases describe how the truth of God’s Word should be the foundation of every church, and how each church should support and lift high God’s Word for the rest of the world to see, hear and know. This value is seen in Sunday morning messages, worship song selections, weekly Bible studies, Sunday School classes for all ages, and children’s and youth programming. When making decisions as a church, we seek to be led by the question, “What does the Bible say about it?” We desire to be GROUNDED IN THE WORD.
Growing
Second, Good Hope endeavors to be a church that is GROWING IN CHRIST. We believe it is important for each person to learn what pleases God and live to please God. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” One paraphrase of this verse says, “Don’t let the world squeeze you into it’s mold” (Phillips). The goal of every Christian is to be more like Jesus. Romans 8:29 tells us that God desires that we be “conformed to the image of His Son” – that’s Jesus. Simply stated, we are either in the Word (the Bible), and the Word is conforming us into the image of Christ, or we are in the world, and the world is squeezing us into its mold.
Good Hope can only help you grow in Christ as you are committed through regular attendance. We also recognize the need for a formal membership. The New Testament places a major emphasis on the need for Christians to build relationships with each other as a church. Church membership shows that you are as committed to the church as Jesus is. Ephesians 5:25 says, “Christ loved the church, and he gave his life for it.” Church membership is an unselfish decision, showing others that you can be counted upon. It also produces spiritual growth as you commit to a specific church family. We want to be a church where each person has locked arms together but is always ready to widen the circle for one more!
Gifted
Third, Good Hope endeavors to be a church that is GIFTED FOR MINISTRY. 1 Corinthians 12:4-5, 27 says, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord… Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” The Living Bible paraphrases verse 27 this way, “All of you together form the one Body of Christ and each of you is a separate and necessary part of it.”
We want each believer to discover, develop and deploy their specific gifts for ministry to others and service to the Lord. Whether it is meeting people’s physical needs, emotional needs, or spiritual needs, every Christian should be involved in some area of service, and each task is important. Every person has something that will help build up the church and help them grow in their Christian walk.
Going
Fourth, Good Hope endeavors to be a church that is GOING ON MISSION. Romans 10:13-14 says, “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Our church must take the good news that Jesus saves both locally and globally, using every means necessary to reach others and bring them into a relationship with Christ.
Good Hope endeavors to fulfill this value by going on short-term international missions trips to share Christ as well as local outreaches all through the year. We support missionaries all around the world who are actively sharing Christ and planting churches. We as a church believe we can never stop growing because God loves people, God commands us to reach out, and God wants His church to grow. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church.”