Our Story

In 2001 Matt and Elaine Tipton moved to New Orleans for Seminary.  They chose New Orleans because Matt's family is from the city.  From 2001 to 2005 Matt served as a Student Minister in New Orleans, LA. God used the Tipton's to see many young people come to know Christ.

In August 2005 Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans forcing the Tipton's out of the city.  For five years they lived and served in student ministry in Nashville, TN.

In the fall of 2009, in response to God's leading Matt and Elaine began to make preparations to move back to New Orleans and plant Hope Church.  They relocated back to New Orleans in January of 2010, returning with two children, Anna Claire (4) and David (1).

The Sunday after the New Orleans Saints won the Super Bowl in 2010 the Tipton family gathered with two college students (Angela Leblanc and Alicia Austin) to pray.  Over the course of 2010 they continued to meet and pray and study scripture together every Sunday evening.  Over the course of the year a group of young adults from around the city were gathered together to plant Hope Church.  During those times of prayer and study God began to shape a vision in the minds and hearts of those gathered for a church that would focus on making disciples, serving others and multiplying impact around the city.

In the Spring of 2011, in response to a 40 day season of fasting and prayer, Hope Church made some strategic changes.  We moved from on regular environment (our Hope Communities) to two.  On May 8, 2011 they came together for their first Hope City Gathering at the Best Western Landmark Hotel in the center of Metairie, LA. 

We are looking forward to seeing how God writes the story of Hope Church in the coming months and years.