Pastor's Thoughts: June

When I came to New Hope, I was called to lead the church to reach our community with the gospel. To pursue that mission faithfully, we’ve made a number of changes—some visible, others behind the scenes—but all aimed at helping New Hope become the church God is calling us to be.

New Hope has been a part of this community since the early 1990s. Over the years, there have been seasons of growth. But for the twenty years before I arrived, the church had plateaued, and meaningful growth had stalled. That’s why one of my first priorities as pastor was to cultivate a new culture—one rooted in the Great Commission.

God placed a clear conviction on my heart: to lead New Hope to become a church where making disciples is not just something we do, but part of who we are. A Great Commission culture means growing as disciples of Jesus and actively making disciples—here in our community and around the world. This identity is central to who we are becoming.

Today, I’m more encouraged than ever. I see a strong core of people rising up, committed to the mission and vision God has given us. I see the early signs of a new culture taking root—a culture where the gospel shapes how we worship, how we grow, and how we serve.

I truly believe God is using this moment in New Hope’s story to prepare us for greater impact—for His glory and for the good of others.

Looking ahead, my deepest prayer is that New Hope would be a church that brings glory to God's name by faithfully building His Kingdom in obedience to the Great Commission. That’s why the Launch Team recently introduced a new mission statement to guide our church forward: “We worship God, grow in Christ, and share the good news with the world.”

This mission statement gives us clarity and unity. It expresses who we are and what we’re called to do. It will help shape our decisions, direct our ministries, and align our hearts with God’s purpose for our church.

But here’s the truth: this mission can only be fulfilled if we pursue it together. New Hope is made up of many members, but we are one body—united under the headship of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and committed to bringing glory to our Heavenly Father.
So, brothers and sisters, let’s step into the future together. Let’s trust God for what’s ahead, walk in obedience to His Word, and see how He will continue to use New Hope to impact our community—and the nations—for His glory.

In Christ,
Pastor Ben