Why plant in Hampton Roads?
Our Why
We have a strong sense of calling to this region. Out of the 1.8 million people who call Hampton Roads home, hundreds of thousands have no affiliation with a church. We want to help them experience God’s grace through a life-giving church like Lifepoint.
For the churches already doing good work here, we hope to work alongside them to see the entire region blessed in tangible, powerful ways.
More personally, we just have a deep love for the people here. Jessica grew up in Hampton Roads and still has family in the area. Having roots in Newport News, Hampton, Virginia Beach, and especially Chesapeake, we feel a special pull to this community. We’re at home in the culture and among the people of the 757.
For the churches already doing good work here, we hope to work alongside them to see the entire region blessed in tangible, powerful ways.
More personally, we just have a deep love for the people here. Jessica grew up in Hampton Roads and still has family in the area. Having roots in Newport News, Hampton, Virginia Beach, and especially Chesapeake, we feel a special pull to this community. We’re at home in the culture and among the people of the 757.
Why the old Regal Cinemas in Greenrbier?
We love the 757 and believe God wants to do something special in all 7 cities. At this particular location in the old Regal Theater in Greenbrier, we are at a crossroads for Chesapeake, Norfolk and Virginia Beach. This theater was visited for nearly 30 years by thousands of families across the region. Unfortunately it closed and was vacant for nearly 2 years. But our vision is to bring life back to the building and from this building, bring life and the hope of Jesus to the community.
Its Beauty & Strengths:
- A Hub for Families:
- Hampton Roads is known as one of the best places in Virginia to raise a family, attracting people who are looking to put down deep roots.
- Central Location & Growth:
- As one of the fastest-growing cities in the Commonwealth, it is a dynamic and expanding community. Its central location makes it a vital connector for the entire Hampton Roads region.
- A Proud Military Community:
- It is a proud home to thousands of military families. Service members from every branch and their loved ones live in our neighborhoods, enriching our community.
- Natural Beauty:
- From the boaters on the Intracoastal Waterway to the trails of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, the city possesses a unique and cherished natural beauty.
- Growing Diversity:
- It’s an increasingly diverse city where people from all walks of life choose to live.
Its Brokenness & Needs:
- Spiritual Disconnection:
- Like much of Hampton Roads, a majority of residents have no active church connection, often navigating life’s biggest challenges without a community of faith.
- Suburban Struggles:
- Behind the picture of suburban life, many individuals and families experience isolation, the pressure of keeping up, and the struggle to connect in a fast-growing city.
- Hidden Poverty:
- The city’s prosperity can mask the needs of many. Nearly 1 in 12 residents live below the poverty line, a reality that includes thousands of children.
- Support for our Heroes:
- With so many active-duty personnel and veterans, many of our neighbors are dealing with the unseen wounds of service, like PTSD, and require steadfast community support.