For forty-seven years, our church has served the Washington and Baltimore region as a spiritual well of revival, discipleship, healing, and biblical teaching. We are committed to establishing people in their identity, strengthening families, raising leaders, and awakening cities and nations to the reality of Jesus Christ.

A Vision of Hope (1953–1985)

Hope Christian Church—originally Christian Hope Center—began with a prophetic end-times vision God gave to Jean Hawkins in 1953. In that vision, Jean saw scenes of war, confusion, addiction, and brokenness, and people searching desperately for answers. The Lord spoke to her that a time was coming when people would need a ministry that would provide practical care, spiritual truth, and real hope. Jean married David Longobardo in 1970, and together they served in ministry on the West Coast before relocating to Maryland. In April 1979, they launched Christian Hope Center at Eastern Junior High School in Silver Spring with a heart to “Reach the Word with Hope.” Jean went home to be with the Lord in 1985, and Pastor David later transitioned to new ministry assignments. The church then entered a season of seeking new pastoral leadership.

A New Era of Leadership (1988–2020)

In 1988, Pastor Harry and Pastor Vivian M. Jackson, then leading Christian Hope Center (Now Hope Church) in Painted Post, NY answered God’s call to Maryland. Their ministry already included a thriving church, radio station, and elementary school, recognized as one of the first multiethnic congregations in their region.

Under their leadership, God expanded the work:

• Hope Christian Church grew from 200 to more than 3,000 members
• Bishop Jackson became a national and international voice for evangelism, reconciliation, discipleship, and healing
• He ministered in nations such as Argentina, England, Germany, India, Russia, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and South Africa
• Dr. Vivian Jackson provided essential pastoral, educational, and executive leadership, championing families, education, and biblical foundations

Dr. Vivian M. Jackson went home to be with the Lord on April 2, 2018. Bishop Harry R. Jackson, Jr. went home to be with the Lord on November 9, 2020.

Their legacy of bold faith, reconciliation, healing, and regional transformation continues to shape Hope Christian Church.

The Legacy Continues (2021–Present)

Following pastoral training and preparation for succession, Michele Jackson, daughter of Bishop Harry and Dr. Vivian, was ordained as Pastor in January 2019.

Following Bishop Jackson’s passing, Michele was set in as Senior Pastor by the Board of Trustees and Bishop Bill Hamon November 11, 2020. Apostle Michele Jackson was ordained into apostolic ministry by Dr. Bill Hamon in February 2023.

A worshipper, intercessor, and student of Scripture, Apostle Jackson carries a passion to see people healed, whole, and equipped to fulfill their God-given purpose. Under her leadership, Hope continues to grow as a regional revival center marked by prayer, worship, discipleship, and the presence of God.

What began as a prophetic word in 1953 and took root in 1979 has now become 47 years of ministry impacting families, leaders, and communities across the Washington–Baltimore region.