Hope Church C&MA

Hope Church's story is an unlikely one of quick growth, answered miracles, and numerous changed lives. One thing has been a common thread throughout the entire story of Hope - prayer. While nearly every church would say that prayer is important, prayer has been our lifeline, our foundation, and truly the centerpiece of our ministry. In 2008, Pastor Gordon (Pastor Emeritus) felt something supernatural in his heart when he heard about the possibility of Grace Church in Middleburg Heights, OH planting a new church in Brunswick, OH. At the age of 53, having many years of pastoral administration experience, he knew God was calling him to something new and exciting. In 2009, Pastor Gordon and Pastor Jim Garber formed a pastoral team to provide leadership for Hope Church. The name Hope Church became very fitting. Many responded because they were looking for Hope in their lives. Many came searching for answers and a caught a glimpse of light in the darkness. Prayer meetings were started, weekly classes were held, and a group of approximately 120 people formed the launch team. In the prayer meetings, the Holy Spirit touched the hearts of so many as they were humbled in His presence, through believing prayer. Hope Church officially started on September 20, 2009. Services were held for the first six months at Brunswick High School. Even without a place to call home, the group of people who gathered felt like family, and many people in Brunswick were drawn to the community at Hope. The Spirit of God moved in that place and many people came to faith in Jesus Christ. By God's grace, Hope Church purchased its current building in 2010. As we saw the Lord provide a place of worship so quickly, everyone's faith was strengthened as the next hurdle or challenges came. We were convinced that God would answer. At the end of three and a half years of ministry, Hope Church had 1,000 inclusive members and reported 210 conversions and 130 baptisms. A couple of years later, we purchased two adjacent properties. One serves as our church office, and the other is attached to the original building, serving as our café, children's, and youth ministry center. The staff team continues to grow with additional pastoral staff, as well as administrative staff. Our church is currently led by Senior Pastor Tom O'Connell. He started at Hope as Youth Pastor and then moved to Senior Associate Pastor. Today, the church has growing ministries for children, youth, men, women, and senior adults. There are also many outreach ministries such as VIP (ministry to women in the adult entertainment industry), Kid's Hope (mentoring program for at-risk children in the local elementary school), and Hope Overflowing (worship opportunity for families of special needs children). Our story is unique, and we are constantly reminded of God's blessing and provision for us over the years. We rejoice with so many people who have found true hope in their lives for the very first time. Hope Church is committed to joining God on His mission and bringing glory to Him! **Check out the 'The Story of Hope' book written by our founding Pastor Gordon Meier. The book captures the history of the first five years of the church. Free books are available at the welcome center in the main lobby.