Hope Bible Church

In the heart of Tampa, find Hope Bible Church. It’s a place with a story as unique as the city itself. Hope Bible Church wasn’t always known by that name. It emerged from a beautiful union of two congregations: Hillsborough Christian Church and Bay Area Community Church (BACC). Hillsborough Christian Church, established in 1956, originally affiliated with the Disciples of Christ. Over the years, it witnessed a vibrant spiritual life, with many coming to faith. Pastors like Mike Arnett, Fred Smith, Claire Berry, and John Comfort guided the congregation. In 1981, a pivotal moment arrived. The church chose to become independent, renaming itself Hillsborough Christian Community Church. The other half of Hope Bible Church’s story begins with BACC in 1986. Affiliated with the Great Commission Association of Churches, BACC focused on community outreach and evangelism. The church nurtured a diverse congregation and equipped many for ministry. After the founding pastor, Gary Osborn, moved to Omaha in 1996, elders Frank Apisa and Gary Galligan led the church. Later, Steve Hogan became teaching pastor. Then, in 2004, something remarkable happened. These two churches, BACC and HCCC, merged to form Hope Bible Church. BACC brought its pastoral leadership, while HCCC offered its established property. United by shared doctrine and a vision to glorify God, they blended together, creating a new chapter in Tampa’s religious landscape. Hope Bible Church stands as a testament to the power of unity and shared purpose.