Brief History of
Hope Point Community Church
Past:
- When and how did the church get started
Over a six month period in 2002, a small group of believers sought the Lord's direction regarding the launch of a new church in Spartanburg. God affirmed their plans in February 2003 when four men accepted the task of sketching out the initial foundations of this new work. Over the next three months, a growing group of leaders met each Wednesday night to better understand how the message of hope would be shared through this ministry. The result of this planning time was a group of 207 people who met together for the church's first worship service on July 13, 2003. Hope Point was born.
- Highlights of the past
Because Hope Point is a start up church, we celebrate the greatness of God with every step He allows us to take. Six months after we launched the church, the school we meet in informed us they were undergoing a major renovation in their gym. What was supposed to be a two month project took six months to complete. During that time, we managed to squeeze into one of the school’s hallways. Since the gym’s renovation, we’ve been able to enjoy a wonderful facility to worship in every week. As Hope Point has grown the last several years, we have added additional staff members to help lead and minister to a growing congregation, enjoyed upgrades to the audio and visual equipment to enhance the worship time, expanded the ministry touch of our church’s website, developed opportunities aimed at helping new and growing believers, and increased our giving to missions.
Present:
- What is the current focus of church
The focus of Hope Point is, “Exalting Christ for the sake of the brokenhearted.”
- What area of church ministry do you see God most at work
We see God most at work in three areas at Hope Point. The first area is our missions’ focus. From local elementary schools, pro-life pregnancy centers, prisons, homeless shelters, children’s homes, and homes for at-risk teenage boys, to orphanages in India, Honduras, and Haiti, church plants in the Philippines and slums of India, and missionary support in South America, Asia, and Africa, our church has passionately joined God’s work in local, regional, and international missions.
Another area we see God working is among the college students who attend Hope Point. We’ve been blessed with many college students from the Spartanburg area who have a strong desire to seek God not only at church but for Him to move in a big way on their college campus. Many of them serve as missionaries on their college campus by leading Bible studies and participating in midweek praise and worship gatherings. During their school breaks, many take part in some type of Christian service at the beach or overseas.
We also see God working to provide servant-minded volunteers at Hope Point. From the beginning, we’ve been blessed with many wonderful people who enjoy serving. Being a mobile ministry for almost five years requires many committed volunteers. Their dedication creates many thankful hearts.
- Who are the current leaders
Richard Smith – Lead Pastor
Chris Arnold – Pastor of Ministry Development
Josh Ridings – Worship Leader
Merissa Ramantanin – Director of Children's Ministry
Amy Henderson – Director of Early Childhood Ministries
Matt Lyda - Minister to Students
Future:
- What is the vision for the church
Every time Hope Point meets, our goal is the same – to teach believers and reach those who are far from God. Facing trials and fighting temptation can weaken even the strongest believer. Therefore, through the encouragement of biblical teaching and passionate worship, we long to strengthen the hope and increase the endurance of all who follow Christ.
But that is only half of our vision. Jesus said the church is to be a house of prayer for all nations. He wants those who have hope to share it with those who don't. As a lighthouse pierces the darkness and provides safety for ships at sea, we want the light of Christ to shine through our lives and give hope to those who have drifted from God.
- How do you plan to carry out that vision
The following statements reflect five particular values that serve as a compass and guide as we move forward in our journey:
- Refreshing worship focusing on the greatness of God and His gift of Jesus Christ
- Challenging teaching shaped by the study of Scripture and the Holy Spirit's strategy in our culture
- Intentional discipleship aimed at purity of character and discovery of purpose
- Supportive relationships forming a biblical community of people caring for people
- Focused efforts to present the gospel among all hearts and nations where Christ is not known
