He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:3
Hope is focused on gathering people and building a vibrant community centred on a relationship with Jesus. As we look ahead, we wholeheartedly believe in a bright future for Hope Church.
If you call Hope your home church, you have the opportunity to be part of the next exciting season of growth and impact. Together, we can continue to share hope, love, and faith with our community and beyond!
MISSION VISION & VALUESSTATEMENT OF BELIEFSVIEW OUR MISSION VISION & VALUESVIEW OUR STATEMENT OF BELIEFSMay the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
ROMANS 15:13 NIV
Mark and Samantha love people and desire to see them develop a personal relationship with Jesus. They want to pastor a church where people can genuinely say, “Those individuals love God and love each other.”
Pastor Mark McDowell has 25 years of church ministry leadership experience, serving at Harvest Christian in Papakura for 12 years as Youth Pastor and Campus Pastor. Mark and Samantha planted Hope Church in 2012. Samantha is a primary school teacher in the Franklin district.
They have four beautiful kids: Ella, Noah, Levi, and Josiah.
The McDowell Family
From left: Levi, Samantha, Josiah, Ella, Noah, and Ps Mark
Hope Church firmly upholds the significance of leadership as exemplified in the Bible.
Consequently, we have established clear responsibilities and accountabilities to ensure there is always an appropriate level of oversight for authority and safeguarding.
The key layers of our church oversight are:
Lead Pastors
Core Leaders Team
Spiritual Oversight
Trust Board
C3 Church Oversight
Every individual involved in our church leadership is personally dedicated to the mission of Hope Church and embodies the callings, talents, and Christ-focused lives as outlined in scripture.
Our Spiritual oversight, Trustee team, and C3 Oversight ultimately appoint and may remove the Lead Pastors.
Hope Church is led by Lead Pastor Mark McDowell
The Core Leader Team works under the direction of the lead pastor, playing a crucial role in the effective day-to-day management and operations of Hope Church. Their responsibilities encompass four key areas of focus: Gatherings, Small Groups, supporting ministries, and missions.
The Core Leadership Team is made up of:
• Ps Mark McDowell & Ps Laura McDowell
The Lead Pastor and Core leadership team receive vital support from our spiritual oversight. This oversight is dedicated to providing spiritual covering and guidance through prayer, wisdom, and prophetic insights.
Spiritual Oversight is made up of:
• Ps Ken Harrison
• Ps Wayne Peat
Strengthening our governance and providing another layer of oversight and accountability are our C3 Church oversight. These are well-respected senior leaders appointed by C3 Pacific.
The Spiritual oversight and Trustee Team may call upon our C3 Oversight for advice and recommendations on matters of accountability relating to the Lead Pastors. They may also be called upon by the Lead Pastor for major decisions regarding Hope Church’s direction.
Spiritual Oversight is made up of:
• Ps Alan & Elena Hood (C3 City Church Tauranga),
• Ps Tamati & Tess Cameron (C3 Tauranga)
The Trust Board plays a vital role in safeguarding and guiding significant decisions that affect Hope Church. Trustees are appointed by the Lead Pastor, in collaboration with spiritual oversight, to promote a balanced and thoughtful governance approach.
They are responsible for overseeing the church’s legal, financial, and health and safety obligations, as well as making crucial decisions on major asset acquisitions, funding strategies, and the approval of the annual budget.
Trust Board members:
• Neville Tapp
• Errol Kewoen
• Vicki Moss
• Ps Mark Mc Dowell
The McDowell Family
From left: Levi, Samantha, Josiah, Ella, Noah, and Ps Mark
