History of Hope Bible Church:

Pastor Leake went to The Master’s Seminary not knowing where God would lead him, and having no expectation of planting a church. However, while he was in seminary, God gave him a growing burden for church planting, and the need seemed particularly evident back home in Maryland. That conclusion was particularly reinforced by Roger and Robin Zeender’s encouragement during this time. Not having any support from other churches or organizations, he shared his burden with Alan, whom he eventually convinced to help him plant a church. Even before returning to Maryland, Tom then communicated his vision with many friends and ministry contacts, challenging them to help plant the church. Although many were encouraging, only the Leakes, Plumleys, Zeenders, and two other families committed to the church plant by January 1997. During the six months leading to the Leakes’ return from California, Tom and Alan led this core group (using taped or written messages from Tom and other forms of communication) in planning for the formal start of the church.

The Leakes returned to Maryland in early July of 1997, and the inaugural service of the new church was held on July 13th. In the beginning, our name was Grace Discipleship Church. We met in a small commercial space on Main Street in Laurel, which was owned by and graciously made available to us by Robin Zeender’s dad, Elmer Williams, who also had a heart for church planting. Membership and attendance grew very slowly for the first couple of years; although the Lord added 5 more families the first year, we were still very small. We focused on the basics: worship, preaching and teaching the word, fellowship, and evangelism. For the first several years, we shared a fellowship lunch together every Sunday, building strong relationships.

In October of 1999, we moved to Fulton Elementary School and around that time changed our name to Hope Bible Church. Slowly more and more people came, attracted to the small church with strong Bible teaching and a caring family atmosphere. Growth increased and ministries expanded more steadily in the ensuing years, and have continued to do so. Now with over 250 people, it has become clear that God is building Hope Bible Church in His own sovereign way for His glory. We are actively preparing for what we believe will be a dynamic, God-honoring, Bible-centered ministry for many years to come. We are delighted that you are considering joining with us in this great work!