We are one of, if not, THE most theologically diverse church in Gaston County. We believe in the Baptists distinctive of religious liberty and freedom. Therefore, like our forefathers, we sacrifice a great deal for others to have an equal voice – even if their voices disagrees with our own. Because of this stance, we foster a rich community of faith and diverse voices who strive and struggle together to share God’s love with our community.
Below are a few unique things about:
MISSION STATEMENT
New Hope Baptist Church’s mission is to fulfill the new commandment of our Lord Jesus Christ: to love others as he has loved us (John 13:34). We achieve this mission through providing relational opportunities for our community of faith to worship, fellowship, and serve. We believe our love is strengthened through sharing God’s love to all people, and we believe the mark of true discipleship reflects how we love one another (John 13:35).
WOMEN IN MINISTRY
There are more than 250 Baptist churches in Gaston County and New Hope Baptist Church is one of four churches that ordain women into ministry as deacons and pastors. We believe in equality in ministry and we do not discriminate between genders. We want our children growing up knowing that there is neither “Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for we are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
UNITY AMONG DIVERSITY
The Kingdom of God, body of Christ, and God’s love to everyone through Christ are central starting points for our church. Therefore, the hot topics that divide and exclude many are welcomed discussions because unity and love are greater than our differences.
GIVING
We have a monthly budget that reports our church’s finances, staff salaries, and designated giving items. Nothing is hidden or private when it comes to the finances of the church. Our budget is set and determined by members of the church. New Hope would not exist without the financial contributions of its members.
WORSHIP
We strive to be inclusive in our worship services. We are servants of Jesus Christ, and we believe in incorporating everyone in our worship services.
DEACONS
Deacons are servants of the body of Christ. Our deacons are nominated by the church body, and the church votes on their top nominations. Deacons work with our ministers in visiting the sick, shut-ins, and caring for least of these in our church and community.
SALVATION
We believe that becoming followers of Jesus leads us to God’s salvation. Following Jesus means living and loving in the way of Jesus. We invite our community to strive and struggle with us to see what happens when we commit our lives to being followers and advocates of the love of Jesus.
BIBLE
The biblical story in all of its richness and diversity is formative for the life of our church. We understand that the Bible is not a flat or static text. It is God’s living and dynamic word that climaxes in the life and ministry of Jesus. The bible is a story of our human messiness, failings, and shortcomings and God’s relentless pursuit of us. We interpret the scriptures through the life and ministry of Jesus, and we weigh out the tensions and allow the love of Christ to have the final say in how we live.
PARTICIPATION AND MEMBERSHIP
While some churches stress participation and not membership, we stress both. Becoming a member at New Hope means you have an equal voice as a participant in the body of Christ. Ministers do not control the church or make final decisions for the church. The body collectively follows God’s leadership. Membership is obtained by talking with one of our ministers about your desire to join God’s movement at New Hope. Based on your profession of faith to follow Jesus, our pastor will present your request to join to the church body. After the church approves, you will be registered as an active member of the church.