About HOP
Our Mission
is pretty straightforward...
Love People.
Make Disciples.
When asked what the greatest commandment was, Christ offered the foundation for our mission as a body of believers. “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22, 37-40)
Later, in some of the most famous final words in history, Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19,20) We’re taking our marching orders as a body of believers straight from Christ’s words.
Our heart is to love God through our worship on Wednesday and Sundays as well as through every event, activity, Bible Study, and use of our resources. We purpose to love people locally and globally with every resource God has placed in our stewardship. Finally, through all of our services, events, Bible studies, teaching, and musical worship, we seek to disciple believers in their walk with the Lord.
Our Beliefs
Meet the Pastor: Jeff Olver
Pastor Jeff and his family have attended HOP since 2006, serving in a variety of roles. Jeff and Sarah served as Directors of Canal Lake Bible Camp before Jeff stepped into the role of youth pastor in 2014. Jeff was called to serve as our senior pastor in 2020. Together with his wife, Pastor Jeff and Sarah have two grown sons, a daughter-in-law, several chickens, a cat and a dog. Most importantly, they have a passion for seeing people live out of the truth of who they are in Christ, for loving our community, and for reaching the world with the life changing hope of the gospel of Jesus.
Our Team
Tom Miller
Associate Pastor
Pastor Tom entered full-time ministry at HOP in August of 2023. He was born and raised in the mountains of North Georgia. Tom and his wife, Becky, moved back to Blairsville in 2017 to raise their two daughters, Sutton and Maddox. Tom loves seeing people come to know Christ, then grow in their knowledge and faith in Him. In his free time, Tom enjoys spending time with family, hunting, and fellowshipping with Christ’s church.
Peter Kough
Youth Pastor
Before serving with us Pastor Peter was on staff with the Woodlands Camp team and served as an intern for Concord Baptist Church in Cleveland, GA. He loves spending time with people, sharing a good meal, and watching a great flick. He is married to Meagan and they both enjoy music and sports.
Darryl Flake
Christian Education Director
Pastor Darryl was called to full-time pastorate here in December 2000. He was formerly with a local manufacturing company, and was a youth pastor in Colorado. He is married to Colleen and they have two children, Courtney and Charis.
Mildred LeCroy
Minister of Music
Mildred was called to full-time music ministry in January 1995 after serving 4 years in a part-time role. She has been in music ministry most of her life. She was married to Nelson, who went home to be with the Lord in 2007. Together, they ministered more than 50 years. Mildred has two children, Daryll and Syd, and one grandchild.
Our Story
In 1952, several like-minded individuals were led to form a non-denominational fellowship for the worship of our Lord and Savior. At that time, it was decided that the doctrine of the church would be 1. No book but the Bible. 2. No law but love; and 3. No membership but fellowship. Based on these principles, the church was founded, the property donated, and the work of the Lord has flourished.
One of the first outreach ministries of the church was Canal Lake Bible Camp. A ministry that began in 1954 and continues today as a major ministry of the church, welcoming over 700 campers over the course of 4 camp weeks.
Much has changed over the years, but much continues to be the same as we seek to love God, love people, and make disciples.
(Photo) House of Prayer, 1953