Visiting any church for the very first time can be a tough experience. Where to go? What to wear? What time to show up? What's here for my kids? What can I expect? These and many more questions surface. Well, we want to put you at ease. Your first visit to New Hope will be refreshing, friendly, and enjoyable for your whole family. We want you to experience inspiring music, helpful teaching and preaching, friendly people, and a place where you feel welcome and "at home"! Here are a few answers to your questions and what you might expect on your first visit. Any questions not answered can be asked at the bottom of the page.
1. Finding and Navigating the Church
New Hope is in the North East section of Independence, MO, in what is referred to as the Susquehanna area. You can't miss us if you can find the intersection of East Lexington Road and North Whitney Road. Click for map. The parking lot entrance is on East Lexington Road. From the parking lot the main entrance to the Church is the double doors labeled Auditorium. Our ushers will greet you at the door and assist with finding your way around Church. They can also answer other questions you may have.
2. Finding Nurseries, Classes, and Services
We have our main building as well as the Gymnasium. The Nursery and most classes are in the main building, and a few classes are in the Gym. Finding your way around is not as complicated as it may first seem. Our ushers will guide you, and you can check the property maps, and you might take a look at the property pics to familiarize yourself with the grounds.
3. What's here for my kids?
Starting with an excellent nursery, there is something special for every age child from birth through college! During the Sunday School hour we have numerous classes geared to your child's age. Check the Kids Sunday School page for details. During the main service kids from Kindergarten and below stay in the same class as they were for the Sunday School hour, kids from 1st grade through 6th go to Children's Church and the teens are in the main service.
4. What's the Sunday schedule?
Our Sunday mornings start out with prayer at 9:20am in the main auditorium, followed by the Sunday School hour at 9:45am and the main service at 10:45am. But rather than having the traditional Sunday evening service, we serve lunch at 12:00 in the Gym, followed immediately by the evening service at 1:15pm.
5. What's on the schedule for adults, and what should I expect?
You will want to be with us for main service as we are ministered to and worship God in music and as Pastor Love ministers to us from the Word of God. You may also want to spend the Sunday School hour with us. Just as the kids are separated into different Sunday School classes by age, so the adults have a choice of 4 different Sunday School classes. And if you are looking to fellowship and get to know us, consider staying for lunch after the main service.
6. How should I dress?
There is not a dress code at New Hope Baptist Church for members or guests. Our ministry leaders and many of our church family dress in more traditional “Sunday” dress; however, our main goal is that you would feel welcome and comfortable on your visit here at New Hope!
7. Are there services at other times?
We also meet on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. for a mid-week service. Everyone meets in the main auditorium on Wednesdays for the start of the service, then at fellowship time the kids leave to go down to the Children's Church room and the teens go to the teen room.
8. Am I expected to participate in the offering?
No. We don't invite you to New Hope Baptist Church for your offering. We want our service to be a gift to you. We hope you will find in this place a warm family spirit, truth from God's Word, and a place where you can grow in God's grace. Please don't feel any obligation to participate in the offering as a guest.
If there's something we missed on this list, just give us a call, ask someone when you arrive, or use the form below to send your question. Whether you're new to the area and looking for a church home, or if it's been a long time since you've attended church at all, we hope your first visit at New Hope will be awesome! We exist to serve you and your family, and we are looking forward to meeting you personally. We hope you'll feel right at home from the very first moment you arrive! Let us know how we can serve you better, and we hope to meet you this Sunday!
