A NEW CONGREGATION WORSHIPING AT
404 N. PRESIDENT IN WHEATON
LAUNCHING ON EASTER 2026
THE MISSION
HELPIng PEOPLE FOLLOW JESUS
THE VISION
A new church to reach more people with the gospel
Living Hope Chapel will worship on Sunday mornings with live preaching and singing.
This church will proclaim the Gospel, equip disciples, restore the broken and send out believers.
Our aim is to reach the surround neighborhood with the Gospel - and grow a new church in Wheaton.
THE DETAILS
SUNDAY MORNING
Vibe: Casual, family friendly, welcoming, and neighborhood focused.
Music: live leadership – youthful, modern, passionate with hymns and classics mixed in.
Preaching: John Vandervelde will be the primary preacher for the first 8-12 months. Eventually a new pastor will be hired.
Kids Ministry: Initially offering nursery (birth - 2) and pre-school (3-K). Elementary kids will be in service with their families. Each week a kid specific service guide and activity, that matches the sermon and scripture, will be provided to kids. Services will be family friendly.
Service Times: We will launch with 2 service times: 9:30am and 11:00am.
OTHER PROGRAMMING
Care Center: offering a care center experience similar to GEBC will begin in April, on a different day of the week than GEBC.
Youth Ministry: Youth will be a part of Reckless and Recess at GEBC. Initially, Sunday morning Recess will not be offered at 404.
Adult Sunday School: Due to space limitations this his programming will come after the initial launch.
THE LAUNCH TEAM
A Launch Team Member joins a dedicated group of individuals committed to starting a new church from the ground up. Unlike a long-term core group or paid staff, the launch team focuses on the pre-launch and initial launch phases, helping transition the church into a thriving worshipping community. Launch team members are pioneers who embrace the challenges of church planting to reach unreached people with the Gospel. Our goal is to have 75 total people on our launch team.
LAUNCH TEAM REQUIREMENTS
Sunday Morning Commitment: At least 2 Sundays a month from Easter to Christmas 2026
Launch Meetings: Jan. 25 - 7p // Feb. 10 - 7p // Feb. 22- 7p // March 15 - 7p // March 25- 7p
3/28 - Soft Launch on Sunday morning.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Embrace and Champion the Vision — Fully align with the God-given vision for 404 North. Actively cast this vision to others through personal conversations, invitations, and community engagement.
Pray and Seek God's Guidance — Participate regularly in team prayer meetings. Pray for 404 North, the community, team members, and potential attendees.
Engage in Outreach and Evangelism — Build relationships in the community, invite friends/family/neighbors to services, and to participate in other church events. Share your faith with those in the neighborhood/community.
Serve Practically for Launch Preparation — Contribute to hands-on tasks such as setting up/taking down, organizing events, hospitality (greeting, follow-up), children's ministry support, and worship team participation.
Attend and Contribute to Team Meetings — Commit to regular launch team gatherings for training, vision casting, discipleship, team building, and planning. These may include Bible study, skill development, and practice runs for services.
Live Missionally — Model faith, serving others, and inviting people into the church's story.
Commit Time and Resources — Dedicate significant time and energy to launching and growing a new church. Be willing to sacrifice, serve, and work hard.
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE LAUNCH TEAM? Contact John Vandervelde: john@gebible.org
THE NEXT STEPS
LAUNCH TEAM MEETING : FEBRUARY 10 @7pm - AT GEBC!
All are invited! Come on out to get plugged in and serve!