Welcome

Who Is New Hope?

New Hope is made up of a wide range of different people, from all ages, races, and backgrounds. Whoever you are and wherever you're from, you can count on a very warm welcome. We are interdenominational in spirit and are in covenant with the Church of God in Cleveland, TN. New Hope was launched in February 2007 based on the mission and vision of it's sister church - New Hope in Kodak, TN. Our desire is to pursue relationship with God and each other - regardless of denomination, race, sex, or background. The thriving children's ministries, student ministries, praise & worship, and contemporary sermons will help to make you and your family feel welcome and comfortable.

When Should I Arrive?

We begin services at 10:00am each Sunday and 7:00pm each Wednesday. Sunday School for all ages begins at 9:00am each Sunday. There is childcare provided beginning at 9:00am on Sunday and 6:30pm on Wednesday. There is always something going on before service, whether it's prayer, Sunday School, Men's breakfast, band & praise team rehearsal, or just people like you enjoying fellowship with each other, so feel free to come by early. If you need directions, we have a section just to the right to help you. Simply type in the address you are coming from and let Google show you the way. When you arrive, you'll be greeted at the door by our connections team who will give you some information about the church, a handshake, and a smile.

What Should I Wear?

This one is easy. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. We are an informal church and accept people as they are. There is no need to dress up to try and be someone that you're not. Whether you come as a suited businessman or a freaked-out punk that is fine with us. You can be assured no one will embarrass you for wearing shorts or jeans and a t-shirt.

What Can I Expect?

For some people going anywhere for the first time can be a bit of a nerve-racking experience. To help avoid any worries here's a quick summary of what you can expect at New Hope. First of all, we all had a 'first day' at church, we understand that you probably don't know how to check the kids in to Children's Ministries or where exactly the bathrooms are. You'll find we are a friendly bunch, so if you don't understand something please feel free to ask. We laugh... a lot. From video commercials giving updates and upcoming events, to life stories relevant to the day's message, we believe being christian is a cause for celebration - and we live it.
We start our services at 10:00am with about 35 - 45 minutes worship. Our worship time consists of modern songs (with guitars, keyboards, saxophone, and drums). Pastor will take us through God's Word to reveal truth that is relevant to our daily lives. We are not here to simply punch a Jesus card for the week. We seek a relationship with you and with God. Our aim is that whether you are just looking into Christianity for the first time or have been a Christian for many years that you will be encouraged, uplifted, and inspired. We hope that everyone will draw closer to God.

What Does New Hope Believe?

We are a Christian church and believe that all can have relationship with God. We believe this relationship with God is only possible because of Jesus (God's only son) who invites us to follow him. Our vision is at the core of everything we do. 'To Love God, love people, learn hope, live truth, and lead others to do the same.' Sixteen words that can change eternity. We believe all have sinned, but through a personal relationship with Jesus, we can have eternal salvation. Our goal is to introduce a dying world to a loving savior.

Is It Just Sundays?

Absolutely not! God is with us all week long and we aim to lead lives pleasing to him. We're not perfect and we do make mistakes, but we desire to make a positive difference in everything we do. Along with our Sunday and Wednesday services, we also offer life groups (a life group is simply a meeting of about 10 - 20 people based around common interest - everything from UFC to bible study, cooking and gardening to servant evangelism). Life groups are a great way to get to know others in the church and to be real with each other about everyday living.

What If I am Disabled?

We aim to be an all-inclusive church. However, our resources are limited so we try to provide for our current attendees. If you wish to discuss specific needs, please feel free to contact the church office. Our premises are wheelchair accessible and we have reserved parking spaces for blue badge holders, which are near the entrance and provide space for transfer. There is a fully wheelchair accessible toilet and level access into a (standard, non-adapted) kitchen.

A Letter From the Pastor

"God said," "God spoke," "God called me," etc. are phrases used in such great measure that it might make one question its genuineness. Though others may misuse the term, I believe my wife and I are responding to just that... a call of God.

Quite simply, I believe God called us to Ennis, Texas. In April 2006, I began thinking of Ennis almost daily. Vision and mission for that city and its region began to burst on my spirit and heart. We began planting New Hope Church that fall and joined with the existing Church of God. The date for the New Hope's first public worship gathering was April 8th, 2007. Easter is a time when many people are searching and for some a time to start over. It is the time more people go to church than any other Sunday. It was a great day of new beginnings. The entire year was filled with new ministries, new faces and a freshness in our approach to loving God, loving people, learning hope, living truth and leading others to do the same. Whether we were throwing a free July 4th party for the kids at Silverton Village apartment complex, passing out free popsicles to every person at the Polka Festival, providing prizes and all the candy they could carry to 500 kids on Oct. 31st or performing for 1000 people in our Annual Christmas Celebration we always kept people our focus. It was a great year!

Some would ask why we need a new church in Ennis...or anywhere for that matter. That question has implications to which I am not prepared to concede. It implies that the term "church" is a religious entity autonomous from the many other "churches." We believe that what we are doing is simply a continuing extension of "the" Church. We are not "another" church but an extension of the life and vitality of "the" Church, the kingdom of God, the body of Christ, already at work in this area. We have every intention of celebrating what is being done to honor the great commission under the uniqueness of any banner - Baptist, Methodist, Church of God, etc. I only hope to honor God in and through the gifts and callings we believe to be unique to us while providing a place and an outlet for everyone and their gifts and talents.

I have believed that if one is passionately driven or constrained by a thing then it is imperative to test one's motive. Determining a motive distills a sense of purpose. Passion and purpose must then submit to principle... and that of God's Word. I believe passion, purpose and principal to be at work in my life regarding the matter before us. I believe further those three to be the test of God's call. I believe I stand in confidence before Him who calls... I hope I stand in favor before the community. There is a place for you and we are looking forward to another great year of ministry and hope!