In the fall of 2002, a group of families began meeting to pray and discern whether God was leading them to start a church on the west side of Spartanburg. Through this season of prayer, God brought them together with Richard Smith, whom they called to serve as Hope Point’s founding pastor. In early 2003, the group began shaping the vision, mission, and beliefs that would define the church, and Hope Point was given its name, inspired by Romans 15:13.
After months of preparation and meeting together for teaching and prayer, Hope Point held its first public worship service in July of 2003 at Oakbrook Preparatory School. This marked the official launch of the church and the beginning of weekly worship gatherings in Spartanburg.
In May of 2018, Hope Point launched a capital campaign to raise funds toward a permanent facility. The campaign was successful, and the church purchased an old Kia dealership that would become its new home. With the help of Equip Studio and Harper Construction, the building was renovated with a phased plan that allowed for future expansion. Hope Point held its first service in the new building in July of 2019.
Following the move into the new facility, Hope Point experienced significant growth in attendance and ministry impact. To better serve the congregation, the church expanded from one worship service to two, while continuing to plan for future building phases as the original mortgage is paid down.
After more than 22 years of faithful ministry at Hope Point, founding pastor Richard Smith announced his retirement in 2025 and concluded his service as Hope Point’s Lead Teaching Pastor in December.
Richard had helped lead Hope Point from its earliest days as a small group of families seeking God’s direction, through years of growth, ministry expansion, and the move into a permanent church home. His retirement marked the close of an important chapter in the life of Hope Point and the beginning of a season of transition for the church.
We believe that God is at work in a special way during this time of transition and are trusting Him to provide for the needs of this body. The Elders have called the church to prayer and fasting as we recognize the significance of this season, as well as our need for wisdom, patience, and divine guidance.
In January of 2026, Hope Point began a nationwide search for its next Lead Teaching Pastor. The church engaged Slingshot Group to assist with the search, while our elders called the congregation to a season of prayer, fasting, worship, and dependence on the Lord for His direction.
After seven months of prayer and discernment, the elders announced in August that Justin Huffman had been called to serve as Hope Point’s next Lead Teaching Pastor. Justin and his wife, Chau, visited Hope Point in September, giving the church family an opportunity to spend time with them and hear Justin preach.
Justin will begin his ministry at Hope Point in October 2026 as the church enters a new season of ministry together. We are grateful for God’s faithfulness throughout Hope Point’s history and continue to trust Him as we seek to applaud God, follow Christ, and live on mission.
MAN
We believe man was created with the ability to recognize the supreme value of God. He was designed to enjoy and honor God, but has failed to do so through sinful actions and attitudes that are hostile to God. (Gen 1: 26; Rom 1: 21; 5: 12)
THE BIBLE
We believe the Bible is a perfectly inspired revelation of God’s character and purposes and therefore serves as the ultimate foundation for all belief and behavior. (2 Timothy 3:15-17)
GOD
We believe that there is one God who exists and expresses Himself through the three persons of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While God fulfills different purposes through these three members of the Trinity, He is always one God and the only God. (Gen 1: 26; Deut 6:4, Isaiah 45:18; Matt 1: 20-23; 28: 16-19; John 10: 30; Acts 5: 3,4)
CREATION
We believe the universe was created by God’s command, is sustained by His power, and is guided by His sovereign control over all things. As a result of man’s sin, the world has experienced significant damage and thus contributes to man’s suffering on earth. (Gen 1: 1; Jn 1: 1; Prov 21: 1; Is 45: 7; Heb 1: 1-3; Gen 3: 17-18; Rom 8: 20-21)
JESUS CHRIST
We believe Jesus is the Son of God who has existed in equality with God throughout all eternity. He lived for thirty-three years on earth. He was conceived in the womb of a virgin and lived a sinless life that was characterized by great teaching and miracles. At the end of His life He willingly died on a cross to absorb God’s wrath for our sin. He rose from the dead and ascended to heaven to affirm His triumph over evil. (Jn 1: 1-4; Matt 1: 22-23; Phil 2: 5-11; Heb 1: 1-4; Jn 19: 30; Acts 2: 22-24; Rom 4: 25; I Cor 15: 3-4)
SALVATION
We believe God enters into a relationship with all individuals who place their full trust and hope in Jesus Christ. This saving work of God frees the believer from sin’s guilt, sin’s dominance, and eventually sin’s presence. (Eph 2: 8-9; Matt 1:21; Jn 3:16; 14:6; Acts 4:12; Rom 6:11-17; 8:1; 10:9-11; I Pet 3:18; I Jn 3:2)
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe salvation occurs as the Holy Spirit persuades man to receive Christ and empowers him to honor God through obedience and service. (Jn 16: 8; Lk 12: 12; Rom 8: 9-11, 26-27: I Cor 12: 7-11)
THE CHURCH
We believe that all Christ followers are connected invisibly through their faith and visibly in the local church. It is through the body life of the church that believers experience maximum growth as they celebrate and serve the Lord with one another. ( Rom 12: 4-8; I Cor 12: 12-27)
LAST THINGS
We believe Jesus will return from heaven for the purpose of reward and judgment. The church will be brought into the Lord’s presence and live with Him forever. The unbelieving world will experience the painful existence of eternal separation from God’s goodness and beauty. (I Thes 4: 16-17; II Thes 1: 5-9; Rev 20: 11-15; I Cor 15: 51-57; Rev 21: 1-4)
