The Purpose of Hope Church is lodged in the closing words of Jesus to His disciples:

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20)

These verses give the church her mission: to make disciples of Christ. The passage outlines the parameters of this mission:

1. “Going” - Going is the general call to the “committed” to do the work of Christ.

2. “Baptizing” – Understanding baptism to be the symbol of new birth, or initial faith in Christ. Baptism represents our mission to call the “curious” to the worship of Christ as Savior.

3. “Teaching” – Teaching is the ministry for those already convinced to walk with Christ in obedience.

Thus, under the authority of Christ’s Lordship (v. 18) and with the confidence of His abiding presence (v. 20), we seek to make disciples of Christ consisting of:

1. Calling those curious about Christ to personal worship of Jesus as Lord and Savior.

2. Calling those convinced of Christ to walk with Christ in obedience and love.

3. Calling those committed to Christ to work for Christ and His kingdom.