The purpose of this article is to help the reader understand the origin and purpose of Hope House. This is not a comprehensive document in any way, but one in which the reader can gain some knowledge about the organization.
In the fall of 2007, the missions department of Living Hope Baptist Church started to evaluate how to serve the needs of our city. We desired to help people physically, mentally, and most of all spiritually. Bowling Green has various organizations that help people mentally and physically, but the city is limited in organizations that help those spiritually. Hotel Inc., St. Vincent DePaul, Churches United for Christ, and Salvation Army provide some limited spiritual care along with their other services.
Seeing the needs and what was provided motivated Stuart Borders, Local Missions Pastor of Living Hope, to research what was being done around our country to assist those in need. Books, magazines, conferences, and visiting other organizations helped him see a big picture of what non-profits can provide. The most valuable knowledge was found during two visits with organizations that help those in need in a very holistic way. One was in Leesburg, Florida. A church started a non-profit organization and built all their structures on the church’s campus. This town was half our size. There were 7 Christian organizations in their community serving the needy. When asked if that was enough coverage, their leadership assured us that there could be 7 more organizations helping with the daunting task of helping the needy. The second visit was to Mission Arlington (Texas). This organization was started by a church to meet the needs of those around them. It has grown beyond measure. It has made such a difference in their city that secular organizations give generously to this Christian organization to assist them with their mission.
This research affirmed Stuart’s vision of helping the people of the Enterprise District in Bowling Green. Our city needs more organizations to help those in need physically, mentally, and spiritually. Collecting the data, Stuart developed a ministry/business plan for a separate non-profit organization that Living Hope could initiate to help those in need in our community. The Elders and Management Team approved this plan, and the ministry concept was affirmed by the local missions committee and the trustees.
This new organization is called Hope House. It is a non-profit organization (501c3) separate from Living Hope Baptist Church. An executive board governs Hope House. Suggestions for the board positions were taken from the Management Team and Elders. The current board is Gary Hughes (chairperson), Joy Denton, Bruce Wilkerson, Kristi Fireline, and Mike White. Currently, Hope House has one staff member. Bryan Lewis serves as the ministry coordinator. Hope House will hire an executive director sometime in the near future.
The board has engaged in a campaign to recruit other churches to be involved with Hope House. Letters have gone out to many churches and the board will be making visits to many pastors. There are plans to have a church advisory board to help advise Hope House as they seek to achieve their mission. This advisory board will suggest names to fill up to seven more executive board positions.
Living Hope’s leadership helped initiate the birth of Hope House. This year the church has pledged $97,284 as seed money to help get the organization on it’s feet. The church will always be seeking ways to partner with the organization, especially through volunteers of the church. By no means though, is Hope House a part of Living Hope. The vision is for Hope House to be a separate entity. Hopefully, by the end of the year, other churches will be financially supporting, providing leadership, and sending volunteers to assist Hope House in fulfilling their vision.
If anyone wishes to direct monetary gifts and gifts in kind they can mail it to Hope House, 112 W. 10th Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101. If a check is given, please make sure the check is made out to Hope House. If someone desires to drop a gift off, before the Hope House officially opens, that can be lined up on the web page or email. All gifts are tax deductible.
Hope House Web Page
Contact Hope House