Who We Are
Hope Moravian Church is a Christ‑centered community committed to worship, fellowship, and service. We gather to grow in faith, support one another, and share God’s love with our neighbors in Hope and beyond. Our congregation values simplicity, hospitality, and a deep sense of belonging, qualities that have shaped our life together for generations.
We believe in living out our mission every day: Sharing the Good News of Jesus one life at a time. Whether you’re exploring faith, returning to church, or looking for a place to call home, you’re welcome here.
Meet the Staff
Paster
Rev. Eric Renner
Music & Worship Leader
Dale Secreast
Administrative Support
Lauri Ray Hendershot
Preschool Director
Jenny Wallace
Our Moravian History
Hope Moravian Church has deep roots in the town of Hope, Indiana, and its story is closely tied to the founding of the community itself. The town was established in 1830 by a group of Moravian settlers who were seeking a place to build a community grounded in faith, education, and shared purpose. From the very beginning, worship, fellowship, and service were central to life in Hope, and the Moravian Church quickly became a gathering place for both spiritual growth and community connection.
In its early years, the congregation met in simple spaces as the town grew around it. As more families settled in the area, the church expanded its ministries, offering worship services, education, and outreach that reflected the Moravian values of simplicity, unity, and love in action. Music, fellowship, and hospitality became defining features of the congregation, shaping a church culture that welcomed neighbors and supported one another through every season of life.
Over the decades, Hope Moravian Church continued to grow and adapt. Buildings were added and renovated, ministries expanded, and new generations stepped into leadership. The church became known not only for its worship and teaching but also for its commitment to serving the community — through youth programs, music ministries, mission work, and practical support for families in need.
Throughout its history, the congregation has remained deeply connected to the wider Moravian Church, one of the oldest Protestant denominations in the world. This heritage is reflected in the church’s traditions, symbols, and emphasis on living out faith through love, service, and unity. The Moravian star, the Advent and Christmas traditions, and the focus on community life continue to shape the identity of Hope Moravian today.
As part of preserving this history, our church also maintains a searchable online record of our cemetery for those researching loved ones or exploring family history. You can access the burial search tool here: burialsearch.com/195
History of the Moravian Church
The Moravian Church, also known as the Unitas Fratrum or “Unity of the Brethren,” is one of the oldest Protestant denominations in the world. Its roots trace back to the early 1400s in what is now the Czech Republic, where followers of reformer Jan Hus sought a simpler, more Christ‑centered expression of faith long before the Protestant Reformation began. These early believers emphasized personal devotion, community life, and living out the teachings of Jesus in everyday actions.
Despite facing persecution, the movement endured. In 1722, a small group of Moravian refugees found safety on the estate of Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf in Saxony, Germany. There they established the community of Herrnhut, which became the spiritual home of the renewed Moravian Church. From Herrnhut grew a vibrant, mission‑focused movement known for its deep prayer life, unity, and commitment to spreading the gospel.
The Moravians became pioneers in global missions, sending workers around the world long before most churches considered such efforts. They traveled to the Caribbean, Africa, North and South America, and many other regions, sharing Christ’s love through service, education, and community building. Their work was marked by humility, compassion, and a willingness to live among the people they served.
Moravian worship and community life developed rich traditions that continue today. The Moravian star symbolizes Christ as the Light of the World. Lovefeasts bring people together in fellowship and unity. Music plays a central role in worship, reflecting the church’s belief that faith is expressed not only in words but in joyful praise. The motto “In essentials, unity; in non‑essentials, liberty; in all things, love” captures the spirit of Moravian faith and practice.
Today, the Moravian Church remains a global community grounded in the same values that shaped its beginnings: simplicity, service, fellowship, and a deep devotion to Christ. Congregations around the world continue the work of sharing God’s love through worship, education, mission, and compassionate outreach. Hope Moravian Church is part of this enduring story, carrying forward a heritage of faith that has touched lives for more than five centuries.