Our History
On July 20, 1976, 26 believers organized what they named Living Hope Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Kelly Harris was the church's first pastor (August 1976-January 1977). After worshipping in several temporary locations, the church purchased ten acres on Westen Avenue under the leadership of Dr. Roy Boatwright (March 1977-December 1979) and broke ground August 28, 1977. The building was completed, and the growing church gathered to dedicate the building to God September 17, 1978.
The church continued to grow under the pastoral care of Dr. Billy Compton (July 1980-December 1988) and added a 7,000-square foot educational wing which was completed in February 1986.
Dr. Terry Peck served as interim pastor (January 1989-August 1989), followed by Dr. Brad Johnson, who was a visionary leader for the church for ten years. During his tenure, the church broke ground again for a new worship center with additional classrooms, a music suite, kitchen, and office suite. By the summer of 1997 the worship center balcony was completed, adding seating for 400 people. Offices for pastors and staff and a church library were also added. A second floor above the front offices and across the educational wing and renovation of the first floor and the fellowship hall (the original sanctuary) completed the effort.
Senior Pastor Jason Pettus came to Living Hope in 2001, and under his leadership Living Hope attendance has grown to more than 2,000 total in three Sunday morning worship services. The church dedicated a new Preschool and Children's Building at the Westen Avenue campus in August 2003, but because of continued growth, the congregation voted in September 2003 to buy 86 acres on Lover's Lane for a new facility.