We know what it’s like to walk into a place for the first time. It can be daunting, but we’re here to put your mind at ease –– we’ve been preparing for your visit and couldn’t be more excited for you to join us. Take a look below to get to know us better.
Walking together as we pursue the way of Jesus.
What we believe drives what we do and the things we value make us who we are. These core principles are the heartbeat of CityHope. We’re guided by our simple mission… Walking together as we pursue the way of Jesus
If Jesus is not a part of it, then we don’t want it. We create environments, processes, and opportunities that can only thrive when we choose to prioritize His presence.
(Psalm 16:11 / Acts 17:28)
You’re more than ordinary. You are significant. We love everyone, we believe in their potential and we want to see each person living in their purpose and calling. (Matthew 10:29-31 & 2 Peter 3:9)
We will never be able to be who God needs us to be when we are by ourselves. We need relationship, we need accountability, and we need each other.
(Hebrews 10:24-25 / Acts 2:46)
We are contributors, not consumers. Living a generous life expands our worldview and motivates us to be like Jesus. We are the church and we exist for the world.
(acts 20:35 / Luke 6:38)
We refuse to fall into the trap of “cultural” Christianity. In a world that longs for “easy,” we choose to run the opposite direction. Doing whatever it to takes to truly become like Jesus isn’t normal. At CityHope, our “normal” isn’t normal.
(Matthew 16:24-26 / Ephesians 4:1)
It’s All About Jesus. Our Founding Pastor, Jerry Taylor, began this church in 1998 in a small warehouse. At the time, we were known as Bay Community Church. From the very beginning, we’ve had one focus: showing people the love of Jesus. That focus still drives everything we do.
As we grew to multiple campuses –– both in Alabama and all over the world –– we changed our name to fit our mission: City Hope Church. It’s our goal to go into communities and bring the life-changing hope of Jesus Christ. The mantle of leadership was soon passed down from Pastor Jerry to his eldest son, Lead Pastor Trey Taylor.
Our belief drives what we do; the ideas we value make us who we are. These core principles are the heartbeat of CityHope. We’re guided by our simple mission: Walking together as we pursue the way of Jesus.
If there’s one message everyone wants to be a part of, it’s the message of hope. No matter what corner of the Earth we find ourselves in, we aim to bring hope into every life, every home, every city. We also believe in the power of family. It’s our goal to fight for the absolute best for your family –– financially, spiritually, and developmentally.
We believe God is a Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each an uncreated person –– one in essence, equal in power and glory. We believe in God the Father, Almighty Creator of Heaven and Earth. (Genesis 1:1 Psalm 90:2; Matthew 3:16-17)
We believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He was crucified, dead, and buried. He rose again on the third day. He ascended to heaven and now sits in authority at the right hand of God the Father. He will return to claim his Church and judge mankind. (Acts 10:38-43; Hebrews 1:2-3; Matthew 25:31-32)
We believe the Holy Spirit is God, the Lord, and giver of life, who was given to the Church in fullness at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit empowers Christ-followers to serve and share their faith, cleanses man from the old nature, and shapes us to the image of Christ. (Acts 2:1-4; John 16:7-14; Galatians 3:22-23)
We believe in the Church, the bride of Christ, whose goal is to make disciples throughout the world. This global Church comprises many local fellowships. We affirm those fellowships that see Jesus Christ as Lord and the only way to Heaven. (Acts 2:46-47; Matthew 28:19-20)
We believe in the Biblical definition of marriage: one man and one woman committed to each other in a union of mutual love, faithfulness, and respect. Marriage exists to be a picture of the unchanging love Christ has for His own bride, the Church. (Genesis 2:18,22-24; Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 5:31-33)
We believe the Bible is the perfect and inspired Word of God. It is our source of all doctrine, instruction and correction. It provides practical guidance for everyday life. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:103)
We believe in communion as a commemoration of Christ’s death and will continue to do it in His memory until He comes again. It is a sign of our relationship with Him. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Matthew 26:26-29)
We believe baptism is an outward sign of what God has already done in our lives. We follow Christ’s example, and identify with Him through it, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 16:31, 33)
We believe mankind is enslaved to sin. Jesus Christ came to pay the price for our sin on the cross. By His death, we can be in a true relationship with God. His death makes possible the healing of our body, soul, and spirit. (John 8:34; Romans 6:16, 23; Isaiah 53:6)
We believe in a literal second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and eagerly await the resurrection of those who died in Him. We believe in a literal Heaven and Hell. Christ, based on their relationship with Him, determines the eternal status for saints and unbelievers. (Romans 8:11; I Corinthians 15:12-14, 19)
