New Hope’s leadership model is basically comprised of three groups of people: elders, deacons, and the general congregation. All of these groups operate under the authority of Jesus Christ and use the Bible as our source of wisdom and direction. To summarize how these three groups interact, picture them as three individual, overlapping circles: one circle for elders, one circle for deacons, and one circle for the congregation. All three overlap because the Bible teaches that a church is to operate like a human body, with different people in different (but complimentary) roles.

The men on our Council of Elders. of which our pastor is also a leading member, have been called and ordained to supervise the spiritual matters and spiritual health of the church. Elder’s meetings are focused on praying for the church, and making leadership decisions that will lead the church, and also specific individuals, closer to God. These men serve as examples, teachers, and spiritual advisors for the congregation and are always available to meet with people, visit those who are sick, and take the time to pray with those who need prayer. The elders attempt to operate like a spiritual compass – not forcing people to act a certain way, but always pointing them in God’s direction with whatever situations they are facing thier lives.

The men and women who serve on the Board of Deacons are given the responsibility for overseeing the hands-on, practical aspects of ministry each and every week at the Chapel. There is a deacon who oversees the facilities, another deacon who oversees the children’s ministries, and another who oversees the music…these along with several other deacons. They are entrusted with specific ministries to lead and direct and promote those ministries to the rest of the church. Working with these deacons, are many coordinators who run ministries that fall under the leadership of our deacons. For example, our Divorce Care ministry is led by a coordinator, but falls under the responsibility of our Deacon of Adult Ministries. This structure provides support, encouragement and accountability for all of our leaders.

The final circle, the congregation, is made up of elders, deacons, and all those who attend but do not lead a specific ministry themselves. They represent the entire church of which everyone is an equal member. Becoming a member of the congregation involves a series of classes, signing a church covenant, and a membership ceremony during one of our Sunday morning services. It is the membership who rallies together to attend, lead, finance, support, encourage, and otherwise enjoy the ministries being currently provided at any given time. We are always open to new people interested in membership, so please feel free to ask us if you’re interested in knowing more about church membership!

Our leadership structure is based on what we find implemented in scripture and what we have found from experience over our 20 years of being a church. We recognize that not every church structures itself the same way, but we believe that God has led us to this model very clearly and it has been a blessing to us over the years helping us to run an organized, efficient, and productive church to the best of our ability. If you have any other questions about our church structure, please feel free to ask.

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