Our Vision
Hope City Church exists to help people find hope in Jesus, grow in faith, and live with purpose. Whether you are new to church, returning to faith, or looking for a place to belong, our heart is to create a church family where people can encounter God, build community, and take their next step with Jesus.
Our vision is simple: So that people apart from God find hope in Jesus Christ.
Our vision is simple: So that people apart from God find hope in Jesus Christ.
Our Beliefs
These are the foundational beliefs we hold, tried and true, as we engage our world.
The Bible
We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God and that men were moved by the Spirit of God to write the very words of Scripture. Therefore, we believe the Bible is without error.
God
We believe in one personal God who exists eternally in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, equal in power, authority, and glory.
Jesus
We believe Jesus Christ to be the virgin-born Son of God who lived in flesh, died for the sins of the world, was buried, rose again bodily, and ascended to the Father.
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit who regenerates and indwells every believer in Jesus, assures us of our salvation, guides us into all truth, glorifies Jesus, and convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He comforts us, gives us spiritual gifts, and empowers us for service.
Mankind
We believe that all people were created in the image of God to have fellowship with him but became alienated in that relationship through sinful disobedience. As a result, people are incapable of regaining a right relationship with God through their own efforts.
Salvation
We believe that the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the only way for the forgiveness of sin. God freely offers salvation to those who place their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as sufficient payment for their sin. Salvation cannot be earned, it is a gift from God.
The Church
We believe in the universal church, the body of Christ, of which Jesus Christ is the head. The members of the church are those who have trusted by faith in the finished work of Christ. The purpose of the church is to glorify God by loving him, obeying him, and bringing the gospel to the world.
Eternity
We believe in the personal, visible return of Christ to the earth and the establishing of his Kingdom, in the resurrection of the body, and the final judgment. We believe that our eternal destination of either heaven or hell is determined by our response to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Values
Encounter God
We believe people are changed in the presence of Jesus.
Build Family
We believe no one was meant to follow Jesus alone.
Live on Mission
We believe every person has a purpose and every life can make a difference.
We believe people are changed in the presence of Jesus.
Build Family
We believe no one was meant to follow Jesus alone.
Live on Mission
We believe every person has a purpose and every life can make a difference.
HEART OF THE MATTER
We create an atmosphere where people can connect with God. It’s all about Jesus.
AN EMPTY SEAT ISA SERIOUS MATTER
Every chair represents a life that can be changed through the hope given by Jesus. We seek to fill each one.
KNOWN BY WHAT WE ARE FOR
We invite everyone to have their own experience with Jesus. We do not put barriers between Him and the world. Salvation is for everyone.
STRENGTH IS FOR SERVICE
We actively pursue opportunities to personally connect with and serve others. We believe in community.
PIONEER AGAIN
We initiate a culture characterized by innovation. We are unafraid to fail.
WITNESS MY REVIVAL
We seek for and celebrate the blessing of God working in our lives.
GENEROSITY IS OUR PRIVILEGE
We freely receive, so we freely give. Our response to God’s irrational grace is a life of irrational generosity. We choose to be generous with our time, energy and finances.
Our Pastors
Pastor James Epperly
Pastor James Epperly carries a clear calling to lead people into a deeper relationship with God through authentic encounters with Jesus. With a heart for revival, a passion for the local church, and a desire to see lives transformed by the Gospel, James helps guide the heart and direction of Hope City Church.
James began leading worship at the age of 8 and founded his first congregation at 19. For more than two decades, he has planted and developed churches, preached the Word of God, raised up leaders, and given his life to building ministries that point people to Jesus.
He is also the founder of Pioneer Television Network and hosts Good Morning LIVE, Pioneer Today, and The James Epperly Show, reaching viewers across multiple platforms with faith-filled content and biblical encouragement.
James and his wife, Sarah, are the proud parents of five children: Jeremiah, Judith, Loretta, Robert, and Jubilee.
James began leading worship at the age of 8 and founded his first congregation at 19. For more than two decades, he has planted and developed churches, preached the Word of God, raised up leaders, and given his life to building ministries that point people to Jesus.
He is also the founder of Pioneer Television Network and hosts Good Morning LIVE, Pioneer Today, and The James Epperly Show, reaching viewers across multiple platforms with faith-filled content and biblical encouragement.
James and his wife, Sarah, are the proud parents of five children: Jeremiah, Judith, Loretta, Robert, and Jubilee.
Pastor Bob Drescher
Pastor Bob Drescher faithfully pastored Columbia First Assembly of God for 30 years. In 2026, Columbia Assembly merged with Hope City Church, becoming one congregation with a shared heart to reach people, strengthen families, and serve the Lancaster region.
Pastor Bob continues to serve the Hope City family through pastoral care, teaching, wisdom, and encouragement. His years of faithful ministry and love for people are a meaningful part of the foundation God is building on in this new season.
Pastor Bob and his wife, Sally, reside in Columbia, PA. When he is not serving the church, he enjoys spending time fishing.
Pastor Bob continues to serve the Hope City family through pastoral care, teaching, wisdom, and encouragement. His years of faithful ministry and love for people are a meaningful part of the foundation God is building on in this new season.
Pastor Bob and his wife, Sally, reside in Columbia, PA. When he is not serving the church, he enjoys spending time fishing.