Help for today . . . New Hope for tomorrow
Welcome! If you’re looking for a place to belong or have been searching for answers to life’s questions, you’ve come to the right place! We are striving to become the church described in the Bible — a church with relevant teaching, heartfelt and inspiring worship, honest and enduring friendships, empowering prayer and shared joy, with compassionate care and service for those in need. In short, we desire to have the kind of contagious Christianity that can influence and encourage the entire community one life at a time! Bring your gifts to be used by God. Join a bunch of ordinary people sharing God’s extraordinary grace.
Our History
Our church began nearly fifty years ago in Westlake Village in a partnership with the United Methodist Church and Temple Adot Elohim of Westlake Village. We were aptly named at the time, Westlake Lutheran Church. We worshiped together for many years in the buildings of the United Methodist Church until 1994 when we moved to a commercial building in Westlake Village. In 2010 we purchased our current building and moved to Agoura Hills. Following the move, we spent the next year and a half studying potential new names for our church. In September 2011, after prayerful consideration, our church voted to change its name from Westlake Lutheran Church to New Hope Lutheran Church. We are the same great family of faith but in a new location with a new name. We feel “New Hope” is a good name to describe what we are trying to provide through this church family and building.
Church Oversight
New Hope is a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. ELCA congregations are centers for evangelical mission, where people of faith celebrate, learn and connect with one another and others around the world through service and weekly worship.
The ELCA is divided into regions, and the regions are divided into smaller divisions called synods. New Hope is part of the Southwest California Synod, which covers five counties and stretches from Bakersfield to Los Angeles, to the border of Orange County and San Bernardino. The headquarters of the Southwest California Synod is the Lutheran Center in Glendale.
In addition to the guidance provided by the ELCA, New Hope Lutheran Church is led by a group of elected committee members, each concentrating in specific ministry areas along with guidance provided by our Pastor.
New Hope for All
Many people utilize our location for recitals, children’s programs, and twelve step and other support group meetings each week. Hundreds of people come into our building seeking hope and a new beginning. We trust you will find it here as well. May God bless you in your journey with Him to find new hope through Christ.