At Hope United Methodist Church in Whitehouse, Ohio, discipleship is moving beyond Sunday mornings and into the heart of the community. Inspired by John Wesley’s belief that “the world is my parish,” Hope UMC is proving that the Church comes alive when faith looks outward.

Hope UMC’s lead pastor, Warren Clifton, describes how active participation in community engagement has created joy, strengthened faith, and enhanced hope within the congregation and individuals outside the church.

Two ministries—Wiggles and Giggles and Senior Connection—grew out of a Disciple III Bible study, where members prayerfully asked how they might share Christ’s love in new ways. Their answers have transformed Hope into a vibrant community hub.

Once each month, Hope hosts Wiggles and Giggles, a family-friendly worship service designed especially for childcare families. With music, laughter, and a shared meal, it creates a space where young families can experience God’s love in ways that fit their busy lives. What began with a Go Grant from the West Ohio Conference has blossomed into a joyful gathering that bridges church and community.

Another Go Grant helped spark Senior Connection, a warm weekly ministry for older adults that meets every Saturday morning. What started small has become a gathering of companionship, care, and faith—a space where neighbors connect and no one feels alone.

These ministries have grown alongside Hope’s many community partnerships. The church hosts a thriving childcare center, serving 150 children, Cub and Boy Scout troops, the Hope Chest clothing closet, and a “Little Pantry”, offering free groceries every Saturday. The gym buzzes nightly with local teams, and each year, the congregation joins the Rotary Club for a Build-a-Bed project, providing beds and linens for children who have none.

The church is prayerfully discerning a capital campaign to make Hope’s space better-suited for its outward-facing ministries. “We’ve learned that when we open our doors and our hearts, God multiplies what we offer,” he says.

Hope UMC shows what happens when a church embraces community engagement as its true calling. Through worship, service, and shared compassion, this congregation reminds us that hope is more than a name; it’s a mission.