Re-Launch Set for September

Living Hope Church approaches its three-year anniversary on September 21 with a dedicated core group of about 50 people committed to being a twenty-first century church for people of all tribes and nations. As in the past, we long to experience passionate worship, relevant teaching, and authentic community. We also hope to partner with God so that He can use us as the body of Christ in the Crestwood region. 

Looking back at our first three years together, there are many reasons to thank the Lord for His goodness and grace. For example, in spite of the worst economic climate since the Great Depression, all our financial needs have been met. In addition, the Lord has allowed us to experience meaningful weekly gatherings with plenty of passionate worship characterized by gospel music, freedom of expression, and involvement of the whole person (body, mind, and heart). Plus, the Lord has allowed us to gather as a diverse community of many tribes and nations. I look back at one particular Sunday with great joy. On that day about 50 people gathered for worship and among that small group there included representative from nine different nations. For all this and more we praise the Lord.

But this summer the Lord taught us that we need to do church better. This message was so clear that we have decided not just to push the re-set button on our ministry but to re-launch it. We chose the word "re-launch" over a word like "re-set." When we push the button and re-set our computer, for example, we expect that the computer will run the same way it ran before we re-set it, minus a virus or two. The word "re-launch" suggests a different scenario. Through it we envision a plane taking off, having some problems, landing for repairs and adjustments, and then taking off again.   

Re-launch, then, suggests both continuing and discontinuity. Some things will be the same, some will be eliminated, and others added. What will be the same? We will still be gathering on Sunday mornings, but now at 10 a.m., in the Grand Lobby of the Ozinga Chapel on the campus of Trinity Christian College, an excellent location that has prompted many college-age young adults to be part of our fellowship. 

However, there will be changes. For example, we will upgrade and expand our Sunday morning ministry to children. We will offer two different classes. The class for grade school children will begin when we dismiss the children with prayer mid-way through our service. 

More importantly, while maintaining our commitment to being a "simple church," we plan to add two opportunities for adults. In addition to our Sunday gathering, we will launch our first missional community, a weekly gathering of folk committed to being the body of Christ in the Crestwood region. Finally, we will take more seriously Christ's call to make disciples. Towards that end, Pastor Chris Cano will launch a high commitment discipleship ministry. Keep your eyes open for more details on that.

Suggestions? Questions? Send us a message at