I grew up in the Episcopal church and was “sprinkled” as a baby. At the age of 12, I was confirmed, which made me a member of the church, however, I wasn’t deeply rooted in my faith.

A baptism story.

Pastors called to plant or replant a church often find themselves facing an impossible challenge. Armed with little more than a vision and some faith, they attempt to start what hasn’t been started before: A specific church in a specific area with them as the pastor. The challenge can seem bigger than it is because pastors often feel like they are facing it alone.

The Neighborhood Christian Center has been serving impoverished communities in Memphis since 1978, and recently NCC has extended its reach into other communities in the area by adding a Collierville location. The programs of NCC are designed to be holistic in nature-meeting physical needs while intentionally pointing children and adults to Christ-and the ministry they offer relies heavily upon volunteer service.

Everything we read about church mergers looked grim, but our experience has been incredible. As of now, both LHVE and the old Mosaic church both seem happier, healthier, and more equipped to do ministry than ever before.

The pastors and elders of Living Hope share the vision for all LH Gospel Community Groups to enjoy a rhythm of regular service within a community. Though our residential neighborhoods may be defined as a community, there are certainly other ways to engage. Because of this it is helpful to begin to think of places that may be a little outside of the box when it comes to Gospel Community engaging on mission together.

Hello Living Hope family. I wanted to give you a brief update as the Table Church in west Germantown/East Memphis continues to take shape. We are so grateful for our sending church and covet all of the encouragement that we receive from you.

When I think about being a Kleen Team leader for all of these years, I believe the passion I have for it now should have been my attitude from the beginning.

In this third year we work to heal those not just broken in Orange Mound but in our families, those that watch our life moments through social media. Year three is displaying for a community that doubts the power of His Holy Spirit that we can “do all things through...” (Philippians 4:13).

Last summer, my husband and I moved our family from Cordova to Fayette County. Having been engaged with the Living Hope community for several years, we found God calling us to make a deeper commitment to the people in homes and neighborhoods we drove past every Sunday.

There is a lot of great gospel ministry going on in our midst and among Living Hope ministry and missions partners around the world. Have you considered going on a mission trip or volunteering to serve in a local ministry?

This summer at United we got a glimpse of what God is doing in the student ministry and it was glorious.

My family had a rough 2018. A serious health diagnosis for my husband combined with the loss of some close friendships for both me and our son eventually led to feelings of loneliness and depression throughout our home. We were in a hard place.

Our vision for the kids of Living Hope is that from birth to grade 5, each child would see the beauty and love of God, and know His redemptive plan as revealed through the Gospel.

Women from Living Hope gathered for an overnight retreat and of course, all the amazing things happened…new relationships formed, existing relationships deepened, amazing food was eaten (that we didn’t have to prepare!) and testimonies were bravely shared. I’m in awe of the stories told from the women in our Living Hope body. 

COI’s church planting movement began in 1998 through discipleship, mentoring and recruitment of various native leaders who were motivated to plant churches in their neighbourhood, cities and share the gospel message around them.

May 7, 2017 marks the official beginning of our church plant at River Trace Housing Community—an apartment complex consisting of 440 units with approximately 1,600 people. Due to its nature, our church plant, River Trace Community Church, is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural evangelical church committed to sharing Jesus, strengthening believers, and serving its community.

“ They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.” - Acts 2:42 CSB

When I first visited Living Hope, I knew one whole person in the entire church.

As we, LH Women, look toward our retreat in April, we come with much head knowledge, but that alone cannot change us. Our hearts must be changed also.