Living Hope Church

Last week, I connected with some folks at Living Hope Church in Vancouver, Washington. Living Hope is one of the "churches on my radar." Here are some updates on what’s happening out in the Northwest:

• The church has recently passed 5,000 people in attendance. They grew by 1,400 people in 2005 and 1,800 people in 2006. That’s some dramatic growth!
• Most of their growth has been from reaching people who are unchurched. They’ve baptized over 2,000 people in the last two years.
• Their main campus only has a 550-seat auditorium. They’re currently doing 7 services every weekend on their main campus. In case you’re wondering, growing a church takes hard work!
• Living Hope is also meeting in a variety of different locations. In fact last Easter, they launched five different campuses in one day.
• This Easter they are meeting in the Rose Garden Arena in Portland Oregon (home of the
  Portland Trail Blazers) so that they can have their entire church, including all locations, under one roof at one service.  They’re hoping to baptize over 1,000 people that day.

I think it’s good to remember that God is up to something big throughout the country. His blessing isn’t limited to Anderson, South Carolina. I’ve heard Rick Warren say for years that "It takes all kinds of churches to reach all kinds of people." That’s so true.

And, if you think about it, pray for Living Hope in the coming days. While you’re doing that, be inspired and encouraged by their story. Ask yourself, "Is my vision big enough that I have to rely on God to make it happen?"