Question 1

What is Partnership?

Accepted Answer

Partnership is a fresh expression of what we once called “membership.”

It’s an annual commitment to follow Jesus together with this specific community—for the sake of others. As Partners, we unify around a shared statement of faith, mission, vision, and values.

It is our primary pathway for discipleship.

Question 2

Why become a Partner?

Accepted Answer

Unity –
To align with others around “spurring one another on” toward the same things. We hold to this spirit:
“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, charity.” - Augustine

Leadership –
To participate in appointing Elders, to serve in leadership roles, and to welcome spiritual accountability and authority

Commitment –
To commit to a specific local community—bearing with one another in love, mutually serving and receiving as a vital part of a body.

Question 3

Not ready to be a Partner?

Accepted Answer

We’re so glad you’re here and love that you are taking this commitment seriously. We want you to keep attending, building relationships, and taking steps to follow Jesus with us. We realize this can (and should) raise many questions, so please reach out any time.

Question 4

What am I committing to?

Accepted Answer

You’re committing to live out your discipleship in deep connection with this community—through your time, energy, relationships, and spiritual growth.

This includes inviting spiritual authority and accountability into your life, and opting into our Partner Touchpoints:

– Partner Course
– Partner Covenant
– Partner Gatherings
– Partner Communication

Question 5

What if I'm currently a Member?

Accepted Answer

When we introduced Partnership in 2023, we invited all existing Members to complete the Partner Course before 2027. At that point, the term "Member" will be fully replaced by "Partner."

Here are the key things changing:
– Clarified mission, vision, and values
– Partner Touchpoints (Course, Covenant, Gatherings, Communication)
– 3-Year Migration Period from Membership to Partnership

Question 6

Is Church Membership Biblical?

Accepted Answer

The Bible doesn’t explicitly use the term “membership”. But the practice of committed participation in a local body—marked by mutual care, accountability, and leadership—is deeply biblical. (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12 & 5, Galatians 6, 1 Peter 5, Hebrews 3)

Partnership is simply our way of pursuing this intentionally.

Question 7

Is becoming a Partner necessary?

Accepted Answer

An official title does not make someone magically more spiritual or closer to God. The higher value is living out the biblical commands of being a part of the body of Christ.

We believe Partnership is the best way to pursue these things as a part of our community of believers.

Question 8

How is this different from previous Membership?

Accepted Answer

We’re pursuing the same biblical goals—just in a clearer, more intentional way.

As our church grew, our former ways of “membership” became less effective: some of our most involved people weren’t members, and many members were no longer actively engaged.

Question 9

Why not just eliminate Membership?

Accepted Answer

We believe Partnership is valuable as a clear and helpful framework for unity, leadership, and commitment to best pursue biblical community.

Question 10

What are the Partner Touchpoints?

Accepted Answer

Partner Course –
Our first Touchpoint—an overview of what it means to be a Partner at New Hope—our mission, vision, and values.

Partner Covenant –
A signed commitment—first completed after the course—to follow Jesus together for the sake of others. Renewed annually every April.

Partner Gatherings –
Three gatherings each year (Fall, Spring, Summer) with all Partners to unify around mission and vision, celebrate stories of movement, and worship Jesus together.

Partner Communication –
Special announcements and a regular Partner Newsletter to stay connected, informed, and unified (coming soon).

Question 11

How can I take the Partner Course?

Accepted Answer

As Partner Course approaches, your location’s registration link will be available under Next Steps right here on New Hope Now!

If you don’t see a registration link, stay tuned—we’ll share details in-service and online as soon as registration opens.

Question 12

What is New Hope's mission and vision?

Accepted Answer

Our mission is making disciples of Jesus who are for the sake of others. Our vision is seeing a greater movement of Jesus in each new generation.

You can learn about who we are, what we believe, and so much more by visiting our website a few links up!

Question 13

When should I arrive on Sunday?

Accepted Answer

We have multiple service times across three campuses! Once you’ve chosen your preferred campus and service time, we recommend arriving around 10-15 minutes early. This will give you plenty of time to navigate the campus, get your child(ren) checked into New Hope Kids, grab a coffee, or connect with other people here at New Hope!

Question 14

Where do I go when I get there?

Accepted Answer

We understand that showing up to a new place for the first time can be a bit intimidating! When you arrive at any campus, feel free to head straight for the Connect Center. This is a space dedicated to getting your questions answered, kids checked in, and an opportunity to meet a staff member or incredible volunteer! Need help finding the Connect Center? Ask a greeter as you arrive! They’d be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

You can also head straight to New Hope Coffee Co, where the team is hard at work preparing free hot coffee! In the middle of the lobby are entrances to the auditorium! We'd love for you to stop by the Connect Center before or after service to let us know you're new to New Hope!

Question 15

Do you offer anything for my kids on Sundays?

Accepted Answer

NH Kids is offered every Sunday Morning – at all campuses and service times, for all kids, Babies – 5th Grade!

If your child has never attended NH Kids, stop by the Connect Center or a New Here Station when you arrive so that they can get you checked in for the very fist time. Afterwards, you will be able to use a Self Check-In Station – logging in with an adult household member's phone number.

In addition to our on-campus security, and the training and background checks of all Staff and Kids Volunteers, our secure check-in system allows only the parent/guardian checking in their child to pick them up during or after service!

Question 16

Do Jr High and High School students gather on Sunday Mornings?

Accepted Answer

Most of our Youth Gatherings take place outside of the Sunday Morning gathering! Jr High meets during the 8:45AM service time at our Effingham Campus.

All other campuses and ministries gather at other times. You can learn more by visiting New Hope Youth's website down below.

Question 17

What does it mean that New Hope is a multisite church?

Accepted Answer

New Hope is one church gathering in multiple locations! We have locations in Effingham, Newton, and Shelbyville.

At every campus, you can expect to engage each week with live worship, a powerful message from one of our teaching pastors, and plenty of other opportunities to gather intentionally as a faith community in Kids, Youth, and Adults!

Question 18

I’ve been attending but have never taken a first step. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

We completely understand how hard it can sometimes be to take that first step! The very first step we recommend is filling out a Connect Card! This is the best way for us to know that you’re joining us and want to take a step. Someone from our team can then reach out to you and see how we can help.

Another great first step is joining a Serve Team. Serving alongside other people here at New Hope is one of the best ways to make a connection and get to know others!

You can fill out a Connect Card by tapping the link at the top of this section.

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