About Hope Community Church
Hope Community Church was founded on May 27, 2015, by the late Pastor Samuel D. Jackson, his wife Luz Jackson, and a small group of faithful visionaries. With the blessing and support of Grace Church in Racine, Wisconsin, Hope began as a church plant with a clear calling: to form a multicultural congregation that would live on mission—sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with the world while cultivating a caring community of many cultures.
During the summer of 2015, the founding members met for organizational gatherings and prayer. In September of that year, the congregation began meeting for worship at the Youth for Christ building on Carpenter Avenue in Racine, while Bible studies were hosted in various homes throughout the community. From the very beginning, Hope was marked by heartfelt worship, gospel-centered teaching, and a commitment to unity in diversity.
Our Mission and Identity
Hope Community Church exists to embody and proclaim the hope of Christ. We are a congregation that reflects our community—somewhat suburban with an intentional urban reach. Our members come from a variety of ethnicities, backgrounds, and perspectives, yet we are united as followers of Jesus Christ.
We are committed to:
Hope is not bound by uniformity but united in faith, devoted to the Great Commandment: to love God completely with heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love others as ourselves.
A Miraculous Beginning
In February 2016, through extraordinary faith and sacrificial generosity, Hope Community Church obtained its first building—an outcome that seemed highly unlikely for a newly formed congregation without established membership or long-term financial history.
Several individuals who believed in the vision made courageous commitments by purchasing certificates of deposit at Tri-City National Bank to serve as collateral for the church’s mortgage for three years. These faithful partners included:
John and Ellen Johnson; Pastor Samuel and Luz Jackson; James and Jean Abegglen; Richard and Alberta Hempel; Lawrence and Patricia Tolson; John and Phyllis Hassenthaler; Howard Anderson; Tad Ballantyne; George Nicks, Sr.; Minnie Jackson; and Derek and Ruku Young.
In addition, Tad Ballantyne and George Nicks, Sr. pledged real estate property as collateral. Jean Abegglen and Alberta Hempel sacrificially gave up their real estate commissions to assist in the purchase of the building.
Through this remarkable demonstration of unity and faith, the mortgage was secured on February 7, 2016. Our first worship service in the new building was held on Valentine’s Day—February 14, 2016—a fitting reminder that Hope was established through love, sacrifice, and trust in God’s provision.
Growth, Partnership, and Perseverance
Hope continued to grow and flourish. In 2017, we hosted our first Vacation Bible School. In 2019, Calvary Baptist Church of Sedalia, Missouri, partnered with us to assist with building improvements. We received ongoing encouragement and support from the Minnesota/Wisconsin Baptist Convention, Lakeland Baptist Association, Grace Church, and many individuals who believed in our mission.
The congregation became known for warm hospitality and vibrant fellowship, including monthly congregational meals that fostered community connection.
A Season of Testing
Like many churches, Hope faced profound challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, services transitioned online to ensure safety and continuity in worship.
Tragically, on May 1, 2020, Pastor Samuel D. Jackson went home to be with the Lord after battling chronic illness. His passing marked a deeply difficult season for our church family. Yet even in grief, God’s sustaining grace was evident. Retired pastor Arne Gulbrandsen faithfully preached during the immediate transition, followed by speakers from within the congregation and the broader community.
On December 1, 2020, Pastor Carl Griffin began serving as Interim Pastor. Through his leadership, Hope navigated a period of healing and structural strengthening. He faithfully preached the Word, provided pastoral stability, and helped update the church’s constitution and bylaws. His tenure concluded on June 19, 2022, leaving the church well-positioned for its next chapter.
A New Chapter
On March 6, 2023, Donald L. Bennett began serving as Senior Pastor of Hope Community Church. Under his leadership, Hope continues to pursue its calling—to preach the Word of God, cultivate disciples, serve the community, and live as a beacon of reconciliation and hope.
As we look ahead, we remain confident that the same God who planted Hope, sustained Hope, and carried Hope through seasons of growth and grief will continue to lead us by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our story is still being written—and we invite you to be part of it.
Hope Community Church was founded on May 27, 2015, by the late Pastor Samuel D. Jackson, his wife Luz Jackson, and a small group of faithful visionaries. With the blessing and support of Grace Church in Racine, Wisconsin, Hope began as a church plant with a clear calling: to form a multicultural congregation that would live on mission—sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with the world while cultivating a caring community of many cultures.
During the summer of 2015, the founding members met for organizational gatherings and prayer. In September of that year, the congregation began meeting for worship at the Youth for Christ building on Carpenter Avenue in Racine, while Bible studies were hosted in various homes throughout the community. From the very beginning, Hope was marked by heartfelt worship, gospel-centered teaching, and a commitment to unity in diversity.
Our Mission and Identity
Hope Community Church exists to embody and proclaim the hope of Christ. We are a congregation that reflects our community—somewhat suburban with an intentional urban reach. Our members come from a variety of ethnicities, backgrounds, and perspectives, yet we are united as followers of Jesus Christ.
We are committed to:
- Growing in personal faith and devotion to God in Christ
- Proclaiming the Gospel faithfully
- Living with compassionate involvement in our community
- Embracing unity and diversity as gifts from God
- Living out the ministry of reconciliation
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind... Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37, 39 CSB)
Hope is not bound by uniformity but united in faith, devoted to the Great Commandment: to love God completely with heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love others as ourselves.
A Miraculous Beginning
In February 2016, through extraordinary faith and sacrificial generosity, Hope Community Church obtained its first building—an outcome that seemed highly unlikely for a newly formed congregation without established membership or long-term financial history.
Several individuals who believed in the vision made courageous commitments by purchasing certificates of deposit at Tri-City National Bank to serve as collateral for the church’s mortgage for three years. These faithful partners included:
John and Ellen Johnson; Pastor Samuel and Luz Jackson; James and Jean Abegglen; Richard and Alberta Hempel; Lawrence and Patricia Tolson; John and Phyllis Hassenthaler; Howard Anderson; Tad Ballantyne; George Nicks, Sr.; Minnie Jackson; and Derek and Ruku Young.
In addition, Tad Ballantyne and George Nicks, Sr. pledged real estate property as collateral. Jean Abegglen and Alberta Hempel sacrificially gave up their real estate commissions to assist in the purchase of the building.
Through this remarkable demonstration of unity and faith, the mortgage was secured on February 7, 2016. Our first worship service in the new building was held on Valentine’s Day—February 14, 2016—a fitting reminder that Hope was established through love, sacrifice, and trust in God’s provision.
Growth, Partnership, and Perseverance
Hope continued to grow and flourish. In 2017, we hosted our first Vacation Bible School. In 2019, Calvary Baptist Church of Sedalia, Missouri, partnered with us to assist with building improvements. We received ongoing encouragement and support from the Minnesota/Wisconsin Baptist Convention, Lakeland Baptist Association, Grace Church, and many individuals who believed in our mission.
The congregation became known for warm hospitality and vibrant fellowship, including monthly congregational meals that fostered community connection.
A Season of Testing
Like many churches, Hope faced profound challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, services transitioned online to ensure safety and continuity in worship.
Tragically, on May 1, 2020, Pastor Samuel D. Jackson went home to be with the Lord after battling chronic illness. His passing marked a deeply difficult season for our church family. Yet even in grief, God’s sustaining grace was evident. Retired pastor Arne Gulbrandsen faithfully preached during the immediate transition, followed by speakers from within the congregation and the broader community.
On December 1, 2020, Pastor Carl Griffin began serving as Interim Pastor. Through his leadership, Hope navigated a period of healing and structural strengthening. He faithfully preached the Word, provided pastoral stability, and helped update the church’s constitution and bylaws. His tenure concluded on June 19, 2022, leaving the church well-positioned for its next chapter.
A New Chapter
On March 6, 2023, Donald L. Bennett began serving as Senior Pastor of Hope Community Church. Under his leadership, Hope continues to pursue its calling—to preach the Word of God, cultivate disciples, serve the community, and live as a beacon of reconciliation and hope.
As we look ahead, we remain confident that the same God who planted Hope, sustained Hope, and carried Hope through seasons of growth and grief will continue to lead us by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our story is still being written—and we invite you to be part of it.
Expanding the vision...
As we continue along the path that God has given us to trek, we always look to Him for Provision, Power, and Protection!
Where we are headed...
We are moving forward with renewed vigor in reaching and discipling people of all ages and backgrounds. By strengthening current and future relationships, fostering mentorship, and strengthening and creating new meaningful ministry opportunities, we will continue to build a thriving community where individuals and families can grow, serve, and flourish in Christ together.
Be a part of our story...
Join us every Sunday as we gather to worship together at Sunday school (9:00 am) and Morning Worship (10 am.)
Join us every Sunday as we gather to worship together at 9:00 am (Sunday school) and 10 am (Worship Service).
Meet our leaders.
don & katherine bennett
Pastor and Wife
elder tolson
Elder
elder nfor
Elder
Bill gustin
Music Director