Why does Spokane need another church?
The need is in the numbers. Well over a quarter million people in the greater Spokane – Coeur d’Alene area are unchurched. That’s why. To some, these are just numbers. To us, these are lives. Lives of real people, with real faces, real families, and real hopes and dreams. Everyone is looking for hope, a hope that lasts and doesn’t disappoint. Most are searching for this hope in love, money, the government or anything else they can find. But true hope won’t be found in any of these. It’s found in someone else entirely.
It’s all about Jesus. Period.
This is our driving passion in launching True Hope Church. We believe that the only true hope for humanity is a freeing, forgiving and fulfilling relationship with Jesus Christ. In Jesus, through Jesus and for Jesus, we are pursuing the birth of a faithful, hopeful and loving church that impacts lives for eternity. Faithful to God and the Bible. Hopeful for renewed life and transformation. And loving to all, just as they are.
Our mission is simple:
Helping people find their way back to God.
We believe the story of the Bible. That in the beginning, God created humanity to be in authentic relationship with Him. We were created for this purpose.
Through our choices we messed that up, and struggle to get it right to this day.
The message of Jesus is an announcement of what He has accomplished. Despite our mess-ups, Jesus made the way back to authentic relationship with God possible. Through relationship with Jesus and Him alone, there is a way back to how it was originally intended to be.
This message deserves a movement.
Frequently Asked Questions:
WHAT IS A PARENT AFFILIATED CHURCH?
Parent Affiliated Churches (PAC) are a General Council supported strategic option for established Assemblies of God churches to launch new churches in new areas.
WHAT IS A PARENT CHURCH?
A Parent Church is the sending and supporting church to the PAC. The support is governmental (oversight), legal (non-profit status), financial and relational.
HOW LONG DOES THIS PAC RELATIONSHIP LAST?
As long as it is mutually beneficial for both parties, and at least until the PAC is strong and self-sustaining.
WHAT IS THE REPORTING MECHANISM BETWEEN TRUE HOPE CHURCH AND STONE CHURCH?
Pastor Ryan will report metrics at the monthly Stone Church board meeting, and periodic updates to the Stone Church body on Sunday mornings to celebrate the impact of the new church.
SO IS TRUE HOPE CHURCH ESSENTIALLY “STONE CHURCH IN DISGUISE” IN SPOKANE
In some sense, yes. True Hope Church is an extension church of Stone Church in a new community, thus a new name and marketing strategy, but with the same mission to reach people for Jesus.
IS PASTOR RYAN STILL ON STONE CHURCH’S STAFF?
Technically yes, practically no. Pastor Ryan and Annie will receive stipend support from Stone Church for the first year during the launch of True Hope Church. Pastor Ryan will be known as the Lead Pastor of True Hope Church which is PAC of Stone Church, and when True Hope Church can afford to pay his salary, he will be supported by True Hope Church’s budget.
HOW OFTEN WILL WE SEE PASTOR RYAN AT STONE CHURCH SERVICES?
Once True Hope Church officially launches, a handful of times a year Pastor Jon and Pastor Ryan plan to “swap” pulpits for a Sunday.
WHEN DO YOU PLAN TO START TRUE HOPE CHURCH?
We plan to move in the middle of summer in order to begin the pre-launch phase in the fall and through the winter. We plan to officially launch weekly church services on February 12 of 2012.
WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO BETWEEN SEPTEMBER (pre-launch) AND FEBRUARY (launch)?
We plan to hold weekly launch team gatherings, monthly “pre-view” services, and relational “come back” events as we build towards a critical mass of participants for the official launch.
WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO MEET? DO YOU HAVE A BUILDING?
We are planning to lease facilities initially. We are planning to start as one church with two locations. One in the South Hill area in a local high school auditorium. The other in North Spokane area at a local coffee shop/concert venue for a university and young adults focused evening service.
HOW WILL TRUE HOPE CHURCH BE FINANCIALLY RUN AND SUPPORTED?
1) By the tithes and offerings of founding members of True Hope Church. 2) By generous contributions and monthly pledges from Stone Church. 3) By generous contributions and pledges from other friends, churches and networks. (all budgets and contributions will be approved by the Stone Church Board)