About Us

Where did New Hope come from?

In 1989, Rev. Dan Thompson was an Associate Pastor at First Assembly in Leavenworth, KS. Rev. Thompson and the church felt the ned for another church in Leavenworth. Through much prayer, First Assembly gave birth to New Hope and began to mother it. Rev. Thompson was still being supported by First Assembly for a couple of years. As the church began to grow and support its ministries and pastor, First Assembly began to release it's hold of New Hope.

Downtown Outreach started on September 3, 1989. The fitrst service was held at Immaculata High School at 6th and Shawnee in Leavenworth. There were 16 people in attendance.

The Catholic School Board objected to the church meeting at Immaculata, so the church had to find another location. The next service was held in the gym at St. Paul Lutheran Church. St. Paul continued to be the chirch home until June, 1990. At that time, the church moved to 430 Miami. At that time the name was changed to New Hope Christian Assembly of God. New Hope became a separate entity on January 5, 1992; First Assembly no longer was needed to pay the pastor's salary or expenses of the church. Sunday School started on March 1, 1992. At that time children's crusades, community food closet and other outreach ministries also began. We also began the search for a new location and a better building.

On April 15, 1992, the move was made to 526 Delaware. This move was made after extensive remodeling and a lot of hard work to the building. The first service was held April 19, 1992 - Easter Sunday. On April 22, 1992, New Hope received their Certificate of Affiliation. The church was still an infant and many battles were ahead.

On March 7, 1993, Pastor Dan resigned to answer the call to missions. The Thompson's final Sunday as pastor was March 28, 1992. During April and May the church board conducted services and searched for a new pastor. On May 16, 1993, Darold and RichaLee Bunce, along with their twin sons, Michael and Matthew, came to try out as pastor. They were voted in with 100% of the vote. They came to be our pastors on June 20, 1993.

In August of 1995, the church rented and remodeled the other half of that present location. The name was changed at that time to New Hope Assembly of God. God continued to bless the church and as a result of that blessing there was growth. A search for a permanent location was under way prior to this but the doors were always closed. Finally, in April of 1996, a door that was previously shut by God opened. The Church of the Open Door contacted our church about purchasing their building. The asking price was almost have of what it had been previously. After much remodeling by the New Hope family, the first service was held May 12, 1996. On October 4, 1998, the church was flooded. The church undertook a major construction project. That project was competed with minimal contractor help but with hel from over 100 volunteers from the church.

God has perfect timing. We attempted to purchase a 10-acre tract of land in 1999, but the day after the church voted to buy the land, it was sold to another organization. At the start of 2000, the church purchased that 10 acres which included a parsonage. We were finally able to start construction. Also in 2000, First Assembly voted to merge with New Hope. It was their vision as well to see a new building that would better reach this community. Shortly there after construction began on a 15,000 sq. ft. building. This new tool was build by God through the hands of man,. Over 140 volunteer workers put in more than 12,000 hours. Our first sevice in the new building was November 18, 2001. Within that first week we were able to rejoice with the angels as souls were saved. In 2004 we added a 2,500 sq. ft. children's chapel and additional classrooms. We are so thankful that God has blessed us tremendously in being able to reach this community.

While the church's finances were modest in the beginning and the pastor only received a part-time wage, the church grew. There were new ministries and needs always presenting themselves. In 1999, the church was able to place on staff a full-time paid youth pastor. In 2006, we added a full-time paid children's pastor

God has blessed this church with great growth and many workers. Ministries for children, youth, men adn women were further developed. God has many other ministries being formed. There is a great unity and love at New hope. With that and the vision God has instilled, the future hold exciting possiblities. But much of that is up to you.