More than simply a set of beliefs, the purpose, vision, and mission are the values that drive everything we do at Hope Chapel.
our purpose: why do we exist?
To proclaim and demonstrate the Gospel to the university communities and surrounding neighborhoods.
our vision: what do we hope to accomplish?
Hope Chapel seeks to embody and articulate the historic Christian faith to bring about spiritual, social, and cultural renewal in the university communities and surrounding neighborhoods, and through these, the world.
our mission: what will make our vision a reality?
Gospel Believing- In a world which is well acquainted with sadness, fear, loneliness, and hatred, we believe the “good news” that we are loved and accepted by the work of Jesus.This Gospel brings hope, healing and restoration and opens our eyes to see beauty in places of significant brokenness, pain, and suffering.
Community Building- We seek to create a welcoming and vibrant community by developing Community Groups. These serve as the primary catalyst for growth, nurture and mission in our church. Through these relationships and experiences we seek to develop new leaders, multiply our community influence, and love our city. As a connectional community, we submit to the standards of the ARP and subscribe to the Westminster Confession of Faith (http://www.arpsynod.org/standards.html).
Worship Living- We were created to worship God with all our lives.As a community we gather regularly to feast on God’s Word, to celebrate the sacraments, to lift our voices in song and prayer. As Augustine wrote, “You stir us up to take delight in your praise; for you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless till it finds its rest in you”.
Story-Telling- We see ourselves as part of a larger story, the Gospel.We seek to boldly and humbly tell the story of the Gospel to Greensboro in a way that will help the curious and skeptical seeker feel intrigued, invited, and included in various venues for conversation and discussion about Christianity.
Outward Facing- God has given his Spirit to every person who embraces Jesus, and equips them with gifts and abilities. The grace of God motivates us to radical acts of love and service that guilt and fear never will. We commit our money, talent, and time to serving the needs of our community, city and world.It is our hope that over time the university communities and surrounding neighborhoods would be a better place–a kinder place, a more just place–more reflective of God’s design, because we have been here.
Culture Engaging- We believe there is no separation between “secular” work and “spiritual” work. All of our work matters to God and is spiritual. The power of the gospel allows us to work in our vocations with distinction and excellence. We do not believe God calls us to create a subculture or counterculture, instead we believe God intends to use our lives and vocations to redeem our culture.
Kingdom Expanding- As a connectional church, we want to be active in God’s work of growing His kingdom in Greensboro and around the world, through church planting and global missions.
our team
Todd Jones, lead pastor
Todd is the lead pastor of Hope Chapel. He is a native of Greensboro, NC. Todd attended UNC-Chapel Hill where he earned a BA in Communications. After college, he served on staff with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at East Carolina University for 5 years. He moved back to Greensboro in the mid-nineties and worked at American Express and UNCG Financial Aid Office. He attended RTS Orlando where he earned a Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Counseling. In 2002, Todd joined the staff of Christ CommunityChurch and was ordained as an associate pastor in the ARP in 2003. During this time he served as an Associate Pastor of Small Groups and Associate Pastor of Ministries. Todd is also a Licensed Professional Counselor, and practices at Hope Counseling Center. Email Todd at todd@hopechapelgreensboro.org.
Michael Van Patter, director of worship arts
Michael serves as director of worship arts. He was born in Philadelphia, PA, and moved to Charlotte, NC in the early 90s (at which point he met his wife, Hannah). He attended UNC-Greensboro where he earned a BA in Music (Jazz Studies). Michael came on staff at Christ Community in the fall of 2003 and served as worship leader and Director of Worship. He is a songwriter and loves to dabble in visual art and design. Michael and Hannah were married in July, 2004. Email Michael at michael@hopechapelgreensboro.org.
You can read Michael's blog here.