"Seek, Make and Be Disciples of Jesus Christ in God's Church, Community and World."
Hope's History
Hope Lutheran Church is a vibrant Christian community in which God's people join together as we grow in our understanding of God's purpose for our lives as followers of Jesus Christ.
The mission of Hope Lutheran Church is to "Seek, Make and Be Disciples of Jesus Christ in God's Church, Community and World."
In January of 1977, approximately 90 families led by Pastor Vic Mesenbring, joined together to organize Hope Lutheran Church. That next year, the congregation voted to purchase a 12.3 acre tract of land on Twelve Mile Road (just east of Haggerty) to become their permanent home. The land included a three-bedroom ranch home and machinery shed. In the coming years, to accommodate membership growth, a new sanctuary and fellowship hall were added to the ranch home.
In October 1989, Pastor Timothy McDermott accepted the congregation’s call to serve a two-year term to become co-pastor of Hope. Pastor Mesenbring announced his retirement in January 1991 and a call was extended to Pastor McDermott to serve as pastor.
In 1993, the Strategic Planning Council recommended further expansion of the church facilities. The plan provided for a new, larger sanctuary which would provide seating for 365 worshippers, a new administrative wing for the growing staff, additional 7-8 classrooms, expanded nursery facilities and a 2,500 sft family center/gymnasium. This was definitely a leap of faith on the part of this growing congregation and was the start of one of three capital campaigns.
1995 was, needless to say, a time of change at Hope. Pastor McDermott accepted a call to serve as pastor in Northfield, Minnesota. Pastor Garnet Haase was appointed interim pastor as the congregation grieved the loss of Pastor McDermott, interviewed and called a new pastor. Pastor Brad Gee accepted the congregation’s call in late 1995 and still serves as our Senior Pastor.
Ground breaking for Hope’s expanded facility was held on Easter Sunday 1996. That same year, Hope called Pastor Deborah Fergus as associate pastor and the first woman pastor in Hope’s history. Excitement abounded as members watched construction progress and significant growth in worship. Our new building was officially dedicated on November 23, 1997. Pastor Deb served for three years and sadly left the church when her husband’s job was transferred out of state.
Pastor Will Stenke was installed as our new associate pastor in January 2000 until his departure in June of 2004. Pastor Stenke currently serves as senior pastor of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
In 2006, Hope once again called an associate pastor. Pastor Lauren Miller began her service to Hope in August and is still serving Hope as Associate Pastor for Discipleship Ministries.
Hope still continues to grow and sees many new families joining its growing ministry. Educational space is at a premium, warranting a new educational wing that is currently in the planning stages.
