Our Story

From Humble Beginnings to a Heart for Jacksonville 

Hope Lutheran Church began its journey on November 30, 2008, as a mission plant of Grace Lutheran Church. Originally meeting at Baymeadows Way and later within the Lutheran High School, our founding 32 members were driven by a singular focus: to serve our neighborhood and support Christian education.

When the Lutheran High School eventually closed its doors, the members of Hope didn’t see an end—they saw a new beginning. We found our current home on Philips Highway and, in 2014, called Pastor Patrick McKenzie to help lead our growing family.

A Legacy of Courageous Conversation 

For eight years, Hope was the local home of Lifetree Cafe, a ministry dedicated to the time & place where life meets faith. We didn't shy away from the tough stuff, holding up to three 1 hour sessions a week across two senior centers and our own facility. Our commitment to these courageous discussions was recognized nationally when Hope was named one of only eight "Lifetree Cafes of the Year" recipients out of more than 200 branches nationwide. While the program eventually concluded due to a lack of new materials, the spirit of those sessions—open, honest, and Christ-centered—remains part of our DNA

A Continued Commitment to Healing 

Today, that same commitment to meeting people where they are continues through our Celebrate Recovery ministry. We continue to host weekly meetings, providing a safe, grace-filled space for anyone seeking freedom from life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups.

Keeping Families Together

Our heart for the city also extends to our long-term partnership with Family Promise of Jacksonville. For several years one or two weeks each year, we transform our church home into a residence for families experiencing homelessness. When using our facility no was no longer needed, our members continued to provide warm meals and resources to support Family Promise in their mission to help families remain together while transitioning toward permanent housing and self-sufficiency.  

At Hope, our story is still being written, and there is always room for you in the next chapter.