Hope Church houses two congregations: the Fairfield County Chinese Community Church (FCCCC) and the Evangelical Free Church (EFC). The EFC is a network of over 1,300 churches across America. Like the FCCCC, the Hope Evangelical Free Church posts a detailed statement of faith on its Web site, describing the congregation as committed to the Bible as God’s authoritative word, and free from denominational worship. Hope Evangelical takes pride in the varied backgrounds of its members, most of whom have gravitated toward it from other churches. Ted Hartlett, for example, was raised as a Catholic, but now serves as Hope Evangelical’s Worship Director.
There are several programs of worship at Hope Evangelical, including MOPs International, an organization of Mothers Of Preschoolers that meets on a bimonthly basis. The church places an emphasis on Bible study groups, which are available for men, women, and children. Specifically for children, there are activities, Bible study groups, and a summer camp known as “Son Rock.”
Hope Evangelical’s Web site provides information about the events, programs, and spiritual goals of the organization. The site also provides background information for key staff, such as Senior Pastor Dave Gish and Children’s Ministry Director Christine McArdle.