"New Hope Community Church exists to make competent, confident, and committed disciples of Jesus Christ who will do the work of God's kingdom in our community and in the world."
New Hope Community Church began in 1983 as a small group meeting in Pastor John Tigner's home. After about four weeks, the group moved their meetings to the banquet room of the Essex House. The church grew quickly during the two years it met there, with an effective advertisement campaign and faithfulness to the Word of God.
Through what Pastor John called a modern day miracle, New Hope purchased a plot of land on Ave. J and 5th St. East. While meeting in a church building on Lancaster Blvd. and then in Desert Community Church (next door to the purchased property), the plans and construction for a new building were underway. The original building was completed in 1988, and "Occupation Sunday" took place in June of that year. A new section was built on the south-west corner of the building in 2003 to serve as an all-purpose room ("the Celebration Room").
Pastor John led the church from its beginning in 1983 to his retirement in July of 2007. Preaching faithfully the Word of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ, he personally touched the many members of the church throughout that time as well as many who heard him on the radio or attended the numerous weddings and funerals he led. He is currently New Hope's Pastor Emeritus.
His wife, Jacquie Tigner, has served as the music director since the formation of the church, leading a number of gifted and faithful volunteers in the choir. She also served as church secretary until Jaye Newe was asked to serve in that position in 2005.
Iris Mears was called to serve as Christian Education director in 2002 and has served ever since to lead a team of dedicated teachers and committee members in teaching our children about the grace and love of God.
Associate pastors who have helped lead New Hope over the years include: Kevin De Vera (who was called to serve as a missionary to Russia), Drew Warden (who was called to serve as an elementary school teacher and is currently our young adult leader), Dennis Heathcock, Steve Newe (who is currently our youth pastor), and Thomas McCall. In 2003, Pastor Tigner called Ryan Parish from Hope International University to become associate pastor. Ryan served primarily as youth pastor until Pastor John's retirement in 2007; he then accepted the call to serve as New Hope's lead pastor.
New Hope had the great joy of celebrating her 25th anniversary on October 26th, 2008. Pastor Emeritus John Tigner preached the gospel message once again and many shared in a great time of reflection and fellowship after the morning service.
