Living Hope Missionary Baptist Church

In 2003, a small seed of faith was planted on the south side of Chicago. This seed, nurtured by Reverend Brad Beier and his wife Shannon, would blossom into the vibrant Living Hope Missionary Baptist Church. The church aimed to bridge two distinct worlds: the intellectual hub of the University of Chicago and the struggling community of Woodlawn just south of it. Living Hope Missionary Baptist Church wasn’t just a place of worship. It was a beacon of hope in a neighborhood grappling with poverty and violence, where unemployment rates were triple the national average. The church’s mission extended beyond Sunday services. They sought to meet the practical needs of their community. They established Hope Works, a community development organization offering employment resources, housing assistance, and even a thrift store to create jobs. The church’s home is a testament to its resilience and transformation. In 2011, they purchased a dilapidated 10,000 square foot building on Cottage Grove Avenue. This building, once an abandoned pool hall featured in the film “The Color of Money”, underwent a remarkable metamorphosis thanks to the dedication of church members and over 3,000 volunteers. The renovated space not only houses the church but also includes four apartment buildings, providing affordable housing for those in need. Living Hope Missionary Baptist Church’s commitment to its community extends to the younger generation. They run a popular six-week summer camp, offering a gospel-based program to neighborhood children at a fraction of the cost of other Chicago camps. The church’s journey embodies the spirit of its name, offering a living hope through faith and action. It continues to be a vital force for good in the Woodlawn community, offering spiritual guidance, practical support, and a sense of belonging to those from many worlds.