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For several years Mayra and I have worked in the nonprofit/social services field. We originally had plans to start a consulting firm to nonprofits and eventually a nonprofit-research institute. God had other plans. After serving as part of a launch team at a church plant about a year ago, we were totally transformed by the experience. We realized our call to pursue the formation of a community of faith here in the city we love so much, Manhattan.
What do we envision a church to be in New York City? Well first of all, there are alot of great churches in this beautiful city doing wonderful work. We see our church simply contributing to what God has in mind for the city (the Missio Dei or Mission of God). Our plans to plant a church are not a reaction to what churches are not doing. Nor do we believe we can do it better than others. The call to begin a gathering of faith is about feeling compelled in our hearts to do so.
Here's a little of what we have been imagining together: We imagine a people that:
Desire to be faithful followers of Christ. Church therefore goes beyond just being a place. Rather, it’s about people on a journey with Jesus. Imperfect, yet striving. Broken, yet held together by his grace. Seeking, yet progressively becoming more like him in love for God and others.
We imagine a people that:
Love the city because God loves the city. We love the city because it is a mosaic, a cultural center, and through God’s redemptive work a potential glimpse of what heaven will be like.
We imagine a people that:
Find themselves in a story. In a world where identities and ambitions constantly shift, we can locate ourselves in God’s story and find rest.
We imagine a people that:
Act justly as a call and a way of life. The word justice can often be mired in controversy. It’s often associated with picket signs, or court proceedings. Justice is somewhat broader than this. Theologian N.T. Wright says justice is about "putting the world to rights".
We imagine a people that:
Embrace the beauty of diversity. Genuine connection occurs when we engage the experience of others and find points of convergence through our humanity in Christ.
We imagine a people that:
Are co-creators with God in using their artistic, vocational and academic talents to shape culture.
The Need in New York City:
1. Over 1.5 million people live in Manhattan 2. The Total population of all 5 boroughs is 8 million. 3. In NYC there are only 3,000 churches for 8,000,000 people.
Statistics provided by the Redeemer Church Planting Institute

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Metro Hope will see people, communities and culture changed by the story of Jesus, through a movement leading to spiritual renewal in the personal, social and cultural fabric of New York City and beyond.