Our Lead Pastor
Dr. E. Dale Locke
Founding & Lead Pastor
Dale, our lead pastor, is the husband of one incredible wife, Beth, and the dad to two beautiful girls, Haley and Shelley! A native Floridian and long-time resident of Palm Beach County, Dale is a graduate of John I Leonard High School and Palm Beach Atlantic University. He has a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Biblical Preaching and Christian Church Leadership, also from Asbury. In his spare time, Dale enjoys hanging out with the Locke girls, reading history, listening to all kinds of music, and running. He’s also been known to hope and dream, often with unmet expectations, about the Atlanta Braves and the Florida Gators…
Welcome from Dale
For over twenty-five years, Community of Hope has been reaching the people of Palm Beach County, one heart at a time. A ministry that began in our living room in 1996 has blossomed into a church of hundreds, with all of us coming together to fulfill the purpose God has given our church family. We believe that church is more than a Christian meeting. We exist to “interest disinterested people in Jesus Christ, and grow them into fully devoted followers of Him.” This mission statement has served as a rudder, carefully guiding our growing church for almost a decade and providing direction to this very day.
As a guest, please know that our church is uniquely focused on and committed to the two components of our mission. Even during your first visit, you’ll find a place warmly receptive to people with no church background. A place of both casual dress and relaxed atmosphere, Community of Hope is a place filled with genuinely loving people. The musical style is something you’ll likely be familiar with and the messages are built around a desire to help you understand and connect God’s truth to your life.
But that’s not all. We are committed to helping people grow into fully devoted followers of Christ. Through our small group ministry and intentional discipleship approach, we have found that both people investigating the truth of Christianity, as well as mature believers, have found a home at Community of Hope.
Before I close, let me extend a warm invitation for you drop by the “New Here?” area in the lobby near our coffee bar. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about our church, meet the staff and some others, and have your questions answered…we also have a small gift for you!
At Community of Hope, we’re working to be a kind of church described in the New Testament; a place of relevant teaching, rich and meaningful friendships, and compassionate ministry to the community and the world. This is our dream, and we invite you to dream it with us.
Cordially,
E. Dale Locke
Lead Pastor