The last thing Jesus did before leaving this earth was eat a meal around a table with his friends (Matthew 26:17, Mark 14:12 and Luke 22:7). In Acts 2, with the tremendous growth of the early church, the first Christ-followers frequently, if not daily got together for meals. When we get to Heaven, we’ll be sitting around a table eating with Christ at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:14). We felt a table that describes and develops what the church ought to look like would be the perfect way to illustrate our core values. At Living Hope, we believe so strongly in community. Each chair around The Table represents important parts of connection with one another and with Christ.
The first chair, Experience Christ, is about the weekend and creating an environment where believers and seekers can together share an experience at one of our campuses that will lead them into a deeper relationship with God. more »
Our first chair is all about the weekend. A few years ago, we asked ourselves, "What if we celebrated Easter every weekend? Isn´t the resurrection of Christ worth celebrating more than once a year?" Our goal is that everyone be intentional about investing in others and inviting them to the weekend. We decided to create an experiential environment where anyone would feel welcomed and wanted. We are determined to do whatever it takes to reach one more person for Jesus Christ.
There are two things about the weekend that are very important to us. First, attendance; we believe that if you don´t know where you´ve been, you can´t know where you´re going. Second, and the big win for God, is baptisms. Baptisms are an outward sign of an inward commitment of a life dedicated to Jesus Christ. These are the highlight services for us. Watching so many get up out of their seats to spontaneously, publicly show the new life they have found in Christ continually inspires our staff and reminds us why we do what we do. We are also very intentional about being a Multi-site Church. The dream began in 2006 when we launched 5 new theater campuses. Since then, we have experienced exponential growth; well beyond that initial dream. We encourage our members to become a part of a campus where they can serve and be a part of what God is doing.
The second, Encourage Connection, focuses on assisting each member of Living Hope find a place to connect with other believers and the church through LifeGroups and volunteer opportunities. more »
Our second chair is about becoming a part of Living Hope. Our goal is that every person attending Living Hope is involved in a LifeGroup, and also is actively volunteering somewhere regularly. LifeGroups meet in homes around Clark County each week to "do life," together. Pastor John is known to frequently say, "You can´t be fully loved until you are fully known." Being this transparent will involve risk but the connections, friendships, love and support experienced worth every risk taken. You can find more information about getting involved in a LifeGroup.
Volunteering is another way of connecting. Throughout the week there are many opportunities to serve in every area of Living Hope. Being involved in ministry is the best way to change your thinking from a consumer mentality, and experience all the opportunities God has. What are you passionate about? Do you know how God has wired you? There are so many opportunities to serve. Check out our Volunteer Opportunities page for more information about getting involved.
Engage in Commitment, the third of our four chairs, is where your developing relationship with Christ is displayed as full devotion is shown in the commitment of time and finances to the local church. more »
The Early Church was marked by explosive growth, authentic community, full devotion, and passion. The goal of our third chair is to provide opportunities for each member of Living Hope to live a life fully devoted to Jesus Christ. This happens by getting involved at a deeper level through our PIT Crew intern program; understanding spiritual gifts; and seeking out opportunities for full time vocational ministry.
In John 10:45, Jesus said He "came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." At this level we begin to move to serving as Jesus did, sacrificially giving of our time, finances, and lives to further the Kingdom of God.
The fourth and final chair, Extend to the Community, is the only chair in which we turn away from Living Hope, and look for those opportunities to serve in Vancouver, Clark County, and beyond. more »
Here we turn our chair away from the table and look at the needs of the world around us. The fourth chair of our table is about God's kingdom; taking the next step to live a life no longer about yourself; about going into the community to be the hands and feet of Christ to those who might otherwise never know Him.
There are so many opportunities to serve in Clark County, in Portland, and even around the world. At Living Hope, we encourage each person to be a part of at least one of the many ministries we are connected with. Please take time to explore our Extension page, where you can get more information about the community ministries that we provide as a church, as well as local ministries we support and encourage involvement in.
We are hopeful you will take time to investigate each of these chairs more thoroughly by clicking on any of the links. If you have questions, or would like further information about Living Hope and how you can be involved, please email us at info@livinghopechurch.com. "…' Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.'" - Matthew 22:37 (NIV)
