OUR STORY
In the summer of 2008, a few people began praying over Annapolis, asking if God was calling a new church to life in the heart of the city. In January of 2009, Downtown Hope opened its doors for the first time.
What started in a small room above Kilwin’s Ice Cream has grown into a family of faith: ordinary people experiencing the transforming hope of Jesus and carrying that hope into every corner of our city.
The years that have followed have brought numerous challenges, but God has remained faithful. Through it all, He has continued to draw people to Himself, raise up leaders, and multiply communities across Annapolis and beyond.
Two thousand years ago, the resurrection of Jesus sparked a movement that spread from a handful of disciples to the farthest reaches of the earth. It was ordinary people, filled with the Spirit, embodying the way of Jesus in every corner of life.
That same movement is still alive today. Downtown Hope exists to see the gospel bring renewal—to people, to neighborhoods, to nations. We long for Annapolis to become a City of Hope: a place where justice and beauty flourish, where neighbors are reconciled, where disciples live missionally in every sphere of life, and where the presence and reign of King Jesus are made visible.
This is not about building a brand or keeping up with trends. It’s about following Jesus together, depending on His Spirit, and seeking His kingdom.
1. We Live by the cross and crown of Jesus
There are no disciples, churches, or movements outside of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We live rooted in Jesus: crucified for our sin, raised to reign, and coming again. The gospel is both simple and profound, forming our identity and fueling our mission. We never outgrow grace; we grow deeper into it.
2. We joyfully open our lives to one another.
We’re not just a crowd; we’re a spiritual family. We believe discipleship happens best in honest, grace-filled communities where people are known, stories are shared, and transformation is walked out together. From living rooms to coffee shops to street corners, we carry each other’s burdens and celebrate each other’s joys.
3. We pray first.
Whether it’s a meal, a crisis, or a business meeting, we communicate with the One who holds us in His hands first. We ask boldly because we believe that he listens and responds. Prayer matters, it’s powerful, and we’ll never stop.
4. We are rooted in scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit.
We are people of the Word and people of the Presence. Scripture is our foundation; the Spirit is our guide. We study deeply, interpret wisely, and obey humbly: trusting God to speak clearly through both His written Word and His active voice. We walk in truth, empowered by grace.
5. We equip everyday people.
Church is not a spectator sport: it’s a team on mission. We train people to discover their gifts, deepen their faith, and step into leadership in everyday life. We grow out at the same time we grow up. We don’t just plant services; we plant people in places where they can multiply.
6. We are disciples who live on mission.
Every believer is a disciple, and every disciple is a missionary. Jesus didn’t call us to play it safe. He sent us out: to our neighborhoods, our workplaces, our families, and to the nations. We believe the gospel is good news for all of life, and we show and tell it wherever we go. Our lives are the mission field. Our homes are outposts of the Kingdom.
7. We reflect heaven on earth.
We are a beautifully diverse, Spirit-filled people: young and old, rich and poor, Black, Brown, and White united by the grace of Jesus. We don’t all look the same or vote the same, but we belong to one another. In a divided world, we’re building a family that looks like heaven.
