What should I expect?

At New Hope Church, we feel that it's OUR responsibility to "clear the way" for you to come to church. We want you to be able to experience the great music, encouraging messages, friendly people and enjoyable atmosphere that are a part of our church. And we know that your first time at a church, any church, brings up some questions. What should I wear? what's available for my kids? what should I expect in church? Here is a quick look at what you can expect:

Do you want my money?

In a word, no. Instead of wanting you to give something, we want you to get something! The folks who are a regular part of our church voluntarily give to help support New Hope Church. But we certainly don't expect visitors to give. If you join us at one of our meetings, you are our guest, and we don't ask our guests for their money. In time, if you decide to become a regular part of our community, you may decide that you would like to participate monetarily in our various activities and efforts. At that time, we would joyfully welcome your participation. But our desire for you now is simply that you be given the opportunity to check us out without feeling pressured to give money.

Are you going to tell me what's wrong with me?

At its core, the message of Jesus is about good news. He did not come to earth to condemn us. Instead, he came to give us life. And so, while we feel it is important to recognize that we all have fallen short of God's ideals, it is even more important to emphasize the joyful and complete life which Jesus offers us. Our desire is that you would come away from our Sunday service contemplating that reality: that while we have fallen short of the ideal in our lives, Jesus offers us satisfaction, fulfillment and joy in a way and in a measure we have never known before.

Do I have to dress up?

We're more concerned with meeting your real life needs than with what you wear. So, dress casually and you'll fit right in. Please feel free to join us, and be sure to wear clothes which make you feel comfortable.

Do I have to turn my kids over to a stranger?

We know that as a parent you need be sure that your children are in a SAFE learning environment. And we know that your children are looking for a FUN place to learn. We've invested a lot to make sure that both of these goals are reached.

How do I get connected?

At New Hope we are convinced that most of the action around our church doesn't happen in our Sunday Services - it happens throughout the week, in the context of building relationships with other people. That's why we have all kinds of ways for you to get connected with other people who can support and encourage you through the highs and lows of life. Getting connected will help you strengthen your relationships with your friends and family, and to develop the most important relationship of all, the one with God.

If you're new to our church, be sure to check out the social events we have throughout the year - check out the calendar of events and your Sunday program.

You may also want to attend our Discovery Class, where you can learn more about what we believe, why we do things the way we do and what it means to be a member of New Hope. This is also a great time to meet the pastors and some of the staff. If you've been around New Hope for a while, there are some great ways to get connected with a smaller group of people so you don't get lost in the crowd. Our small groups are designed to help you develop close friendships, receive encouragement and support, and learn how to apply the Bible to everyday life. And if you're investigating Christianity, small groups are a great place to ask questions and express honest doubts without feeling "put on the spot".

Don't worry about making a long-term commitment or making the "perfect connection" the first time. In fact, we encourage you to visit as many of our small groups as you wish until you find one that's right for you. The most important thing is to get connected where you are comfortable, so you can develop deeper friendships and strengthen your relationship with God. If you're still not sure where to start, we suggest getting involved with one of our volunteer teams, which support our mission. This will give you a chance to work along side people and get to know them at your own pace, while learning more about New Hope.

I have more questions!

If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact us. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have!