Hope’s History

God’s faithfulness through the years

1996 – March

The history of Hope Community Church begins in Steve and Carole Treichler’s living room with 14 people dreaming of the ways by which God could become known to the people of Minneapolis who were just “kicking the tires” of Christianity, specifically those near the University of Minnesota. With a vision of honoring God by helping as many people as possible become fully devoted followers of Christ, they dreamed of a church where:

- - As many connecting points as possible would be found with those who don’t believe in God showing the relevance of faith to daily living
- - People would be welcomed wherever they were in their journey of faith and yet encouraged to go further
- - Community was more than just their middle name – it was the experience of each person that became part of the Hope family
- - The teachings of the Bible would be clearly communicated and made understandable to those who weren’t accustomed to its message
- - The kingdom of God would be spread – building up others in their faith and starting new churches to do the same
- - God would be number one in all that happened

Our Beliefs ›
What is the Gospel? ›

1996 – October

In the fall of 1996, Hope Community Church held its first public service at Stadium Village Church across from the super block at University Minnesota – Twin Cities. Hope held services there for the next seven years.

2000

Hope Community church started its Leadership Development Institute to raise up leaders and equip followers of Christ to grow their leadership skills for service both inside and outside of the church.

2002

Hope Community Church planted its first church – St Paul Fellowship. In the coming years Hope would go on to plant 10 more churches: Missio Dei (2005), Hiawatha (2006), Providence Community Church (2007), Antioch Church (2008), Trinity City Church (2010), Revolution Church (2013), Grafted Community Church (2015), Hope Lowertown (2017), Resurrection City Church (2019), and Hope Heights (2020). Hope continues to connect, equip and raise up church planters through its church planting ministry Mission 1618.

2003

With a growing church body space became an issue, after praying and searching for a new location, God miraculously gave Hope Community Church a building! The Central Evangelical Free Church had been meeting in the Elliot Park Neighborhood in downtown Minneapolis for 75 years and was closing its doors. In their closing they wanted to pass on their building to the next generation and gifted it to Hope in the spring of 2003.

We remain indebted to God, Tom Mouw, Dave Sulack, the members of Central Evangelical Free Church, and the Evangelical Free Church of America for this amazing gift. This building is known as Hope West today.

2006

Hope Community Church celebrates 10 years of ministry!

10 Year Sermon ›

2011

As God continued to grow His church at Hope, space became a struggle again. Space was crunched and renovation was not an option. Once again God’s timing amazed us – the church building directly next to Hope, Augustana Lutheran Church, went up for sale. They agreed to sell the property to Hope for their initial construction price and pay forward their equity to the next generation! We moved into the building on Thanksgiving of 2013. This building is known as Hope East today.

Grand Opening of Hope East ›

2017

Hope Community Church starts its second location in the Lowertown Neighborhood of St Paul. God provides a space once again through a rental agreement with First Baptist church. Led by Pastor Brian Silver, Hope Lowertown opened its doors in September of 2017.

First Sermon ›
Location Page ›

2020

Hope Community Church starts its third location in Columbia Heights. Again God graciously provides a space through a rental agreement with Columbia Heights high school. Led by Pastor Drew Zuehlke, Hope Heights started meeting in January of 2020.

First Sermon ›
Location Page ›

2021

Hope Community Church celebrates 25 years of ministry!