Our Story
Hope is more than wishful thinking.
The Christian hope is not a gamble, but a person: Jesus. And because of Jesus, we have a steady anchor today, and a sure future tomorrow.
Our Story
“God made it; we broke it; Jesus fixes it.”
Like all churches, Hope has a unique story. But we believe that our unique story must first find its place within God's larger story, which we've heard summarized in these nine words.
On the one hand, this larger story mercifully deflates our ego. We are not the point! But on the other hand, it grants us an astonishing purpose. God has entrusted his imperfect people to extend his perfect welcome to others.
Since 2011, this has been our heartbeat.
Throughout this last decade there have been changes (like our name and our location for starters). But our commitment to God's surprising welcome in Jesus has never wavered.
We also think living in God's larger story requires two things of our church. We name and grieve losses (after all, everything is broken). And we also walk in surprising hope (which is more than wishful thinking: Jesus does fix it).
Looking ahead to the next decade, we are excited to watch God's larger story unfold in our city. And we are humbled that He promises to use Hope in that story.
Milestones
Founded — 2011
We begin public worship as Grace Central Grandview at the Hyatt Place Hotel in the Grandview Yard.
Particularized — 2017
Hope becomes Hope Presbyterian Church, calling its first pool of leaders.
Pandemic — 2020
Forced us inside to our living rooms via livestream, and then outside to a parking lot, for Sunday services, and bonfires for home groups throughout the week.
Ohio State Partnership — 2021
Hope deepens its relationship with Ohio State University, partnering with Cru to serve students, faculty, and staff across campus.
Carmen House — 2023
Aaron Badenhop is ordained and called to start Carmen House Christian Study Center, a non-profit hub for Christian hospitality on the doorstep of OSU.
EPC Affiliation — 2024
Hope is received into the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC), committing to unity in the essentials, liberty in the non-essentials, and charity in all things.
Today
Hope continues to gather Sundays at 10am at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center — committed to extending the welcome of Jesus to the campus and surrounding city.
Today
Who we are today.
We're a church of students, families, professionals, and many Columbus residents and transplants. We're diverse in background but united by a common faith in Jesus and love for this city.
Sunday mornings
~100 members
Students, families, and professionals gather at the 4-H Center each week.
Through the week
7+ home groups
Small communities across Columbus for Bible study, prayer, and life together.
Our home
Columbus, OH
Longtime residents and transplants — diverse backgrounds, one city we love.
Our Denomination
Part of something bigger.
Hope is part of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) — a denomination of over 600 congregations across North America. The word “evangelical” has taken on a life of its own in relation to politics and culture wars, but we understand it to refer to the “good news” (what “evangel” means) of Jesus. Being “presbyterian” means we are elder-led and connected to other churches. The EPC is committed to unity in essentials, liberty in non-essentials, and charity in all things.
Learn about what we believeEvangelical
Presbyterian Church
Reformed · Evangelical · Confessional
The best stories invite you in.
Come check us out on a Sunday. No expectations — just a genuine welcome.