Hope Church

Story & Beliefs

WHO WE ARE

OUR STORY

Hope Church is part of the Assemblies of God movement, with roots stretching back to the early Pentecostal movement in the UK. The church began in 1901 as a small prayer gathering in a home, later becoming Hebron Pentecostal Fellowship, one of the first Pentecostal assemblies in Portsmouth. Over the decades, the church moved locations and evolved in name and mission, becoming King’s Church as it focused on serving the Somerstown community through outreach, children’s ministries, and practical support such as launching the city’s first foodbank. In 2014, the church made its home in St Peter’s Church, continuing a long legacy of ministry in the area.

In 2024, Josh Binstead was commissioned as Lead Pastor alongside a new team of Elders. In 2025, the church was renamed Hope Church, marking a new chapter while building on its rich heritage. Today, Hope Church remains committed to its Pentecostal foundations as an Assemblies of God church, with a vision to serve its community and follow where the Spirit is leading.

Our Vision communicates why we exist as a church:
We exist To Know and Make Known the Restorative Love of Jesus
At Hope Church, we are passionate about people encountering the greatness and power of God in a life-changing way. Our vision is to play our part in seeing a revival of faith in Jesus Christ, celebrating the ongoing work of God’s love, grace, and miracles as living realities, not just ancient stories. We strive to be a vibrant, Spirit-filled community where the presence of the Holy Spirit brings hope and renewal. Inspired by Romans 15:13, we want everyone to "overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit," believing that this generation will see, experience, and share the active work of God in their lives and the restoration of the communities in which we live and work.
Our mission at Hope Church is threefold: Presence, Transformation, and Mission
Prioritising the Presence of God
We are seeking to continuously prioritise the presence and power of God to move in Portsmouth through a culture of prayer and worship. We do this intentionally by creating opportunities to be with Jesus throughout the week and on Sundays.
Being Transformed into the Likeness of Jesus
We want to learn how to walk daily in the way of Jesus, growing our faith and being strengthened through living life in community. Over time, we want to become like Jesus, living out His ways and following His calling on our lives.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit into Mission
We are seeking to partner with God to see lives restored and for the Father’s kingdom to come here, in Portsmouth, as it is in heaven. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we want to do what Jesus did, walking alongside each other, to see the spiritual and social landscape of Portsmouth transformed.