Change is Inevitable

Scientists tell us that human cells regenerate at vastly different rates; while some suggest a full body reset every 7 years. In other words you and I get a brand new makeover every seven years! One unique challenge we all face is the challenge of change. It seems nothing remains the same. However, if we're not changing, that means we're dying. Change must occur if we are to keep living.

Many years ago, a man of God, my district superintendent in North Carolina, taught us that churches too, turn over (change) every seven years. Perhaps the reason why so many churches are declining in today's America is that they are refusing to embrace change. Some have become inflexible in their methodologies. A "this is the way we've always done it," mindset doesn't allow for perpetuity.

Hope Community was really birthed in September 2013, when 32 people gathered at the Henderson Memorial Library in Jefferson for an initial meeting. That, in essence, formed our core group, many who remain with us today. We began as Jefferson Journey in 2014. We first met at Giddings Park, then moved to the Jefferson Community Center. In 2017, we purchased our existing church property and changed our name to Hope Community Church. The mortgage was paid in full in 2024; and our new parking lot was paid off in November 2025. Now we must expand to accommodate the growth God has given us, from an average of 73 in attendance to 110 by December 2025.

Expansion began in February 2026, 238 seats, a newly renovated kid's/youth area, and two additional restrooms. Your patience has been appreciated!

Not only has our building changed but the way we do things, of necessity, must change as well. Additional people means more participation, more talent, more gifts, and different "everything." Hope Community, I'm asking you to understand that change is definitely coming, and it's a good thing. Change means that we're moving forward.

We will have a larger auditorium, more people to share ministry with, and of course, different ways of doing things. What you did in the past may or may not carry over into the new set-up. Our missionary friend, Marigold Cheshier says, "Blessed are the flexible, for when they are bent, they will not break." May I ask you to remain flexible? Change will continue to happen; it's inevitable! Ride with it!