Browse Resources
The Gospel is Better
During the Christmas season, we can, many times, become distracted by all the other things happening. It can be hard to remember that the gospel is better. In this advent devotion, we take time to focus ourselves on Jesus, the Savior. Download › [pdf-embedder...
Names of Jesus
Son, Savior, Messiah, The Vine…Jesus is called many names in Scripture and each demonstrate a different and wonderful truth about him. In this advent devotional, we reflect on the names of Jesus. Download › Subscribe on Apple Podcasts › Subscribe on Spotify › ...
Born is the King
There are many classic Christmas hymns. The tunes are memorable and the lyrics are rich. In this advent devotional we walk through several of these songs in order to declare once again, “Born is the King!” Download › [pdf-embedder...
Writing a Good Welcome Email
When newcomers join a small group, a positive first impression is critical in helping them to feel welcome and included. One of the ways we can help this be a positive process is by sending a welcome email. While it is very important for you to clearly communicate...
Creating & Maintaining Community in Small Groups
Creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for a small group is vital to the success of the group in general. The reasoning is pretty simple - people return to environments where they feel welcome and accepted. People also feel freer to be themselves in a...
The Importance of Friendships: Why Can’t We Be Friends?
Logically and biblically, we might know the call of friendship and community that the Bible has for us. We know all the metaphors for the Church. We have seen the realities that the Church IS a body. It has different functions and designs, but all working together as...
Common Misconceptions About Friendship & How Jesus Shows Us a Better Way
This is an article addressing what I've learned from 25 years of friendship...or, put differently, it breaks down common misconceptions concerning the nature of deep friendships. Misconception #1: It is someone else's responsibility to come and be my friend. We might...
Gender Roles
The conversation surrounding gender roles in the church has been an interesting one for me to consider because of the tension I’ve wrestled with regarding this topic, especially as a wife and also a woman who works in ministry full time. Until this year, I didn’t...
Power to Love (Self-Assessment/Devotional)
In an effort to increase our effort in loving God and people we have created this devotional/assessment from 2 Peter 1:3-9. I encourage you to use this in your own devotional, small group, or morning coffee Instagram-scroll time. This devotional / self assessment...
Combatting Idolatry in Our Lives
You might have heard the phrase in your life (maybe by your parents) that ‘you are what you eat’. Now, obviously we know that our parents or teacher isn’t telling us that if we eat enough doughnuts or pizza that we will literally turn into that food but our bodies to...
Theology of Stewardship and Money
Our Theology around Money, Giving, & Stewardship Here at Hope, we believe that giving is a worshipful response to God, as all of life is in response to how God has already given. We give not because we have to, but because we get to! We are also called to be...