THE GRACE-BASED LOCAL CHURCH AS A TRANSFORMATIONAL COMMUNITY OF GRACE
One of the many reasons God invented the local church was to display the glory of His grace by transforming isolated individuals into one, new, dynamic people- the robust and growing family of God: a “household of faith” is how the Bible puts it (Gal. 6.10). We are a common people with a common purpose who are together building a common place. We do, however, have one thing about us that is unique (even compelling). We have a great King: we have Christ. And we have great hope about his power to transform lives! Believing and practicing the gospel in its biblical fullness can heal and mature anyone, any church and any community.
“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” (Rom 5.5-6).
Scott Cook, Senior Pastor
Pastor Scott Cook and his wife, Karen, were married in 1995. They have 3 children – Kayla, Nicole, and Colin. After playing professional soccer for seven years, Scott sensed a strong calling into the ministry. In the year 2000, Scott graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC, with a Masters of Divinity and was ordained as a PCA minister in 2001. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Ministry from Covenant Theological Seminary. His special ministry interests include the gospel, the condition of the human heart, church planting, and culture. With 3 kids and a growing church, Scott says he’s never bored. He is a huge Washington Redskins fan and realizes that is a risky thing to admit.
Timothy M. Sharpe, Assistant Pastor
Originally from the Northern Virginia suburbs of DC, Tim Sharpe serves as the Director of Worship and Family Ministries at Christ Our Hope. Tim studied music at James Madison University, and graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando with Masters degrees in Counseling and Divinity. He is excited to serve the body, helping each member to live for God’s glory in all things. Tim is also an active reader, runner, and pop culture scholar.