The Mission of the AME Church is to minister to the social, spiritual, and physical development of all people.
Waldorf African Methodist Episcopal Church began as a vision to plant a worshiping community in Charles County that would preach Christ, cultivate disciples, and serve its neighbors with love. In April 1985, at the 35th Session of the Washington Annual Conference of the Second Episcopal District—under Bishop John Hurst Adams and Presiding Elder Walter Hildebrand—the Conference authorized a new work in Waldorf under the auspices of Allen Chapel AME Church (Washington, D.C.). On Sunday, May 26, 1985, the inaugural worship service convened at Arthur Middleton Elementary School in the St. Charles community. Allen Chapel’s pastor, Rev. Leon Lipscomb, presided; Rev. Ronald A. Boykin, newly appointed, delivered the first sermon; and a small band of believers formally united in fellowship and mission.
The young congregation grew both spiritually and numerically. God added gifted leadership to the work: Rev. Frances Fullwood (1986), Rev. Robbie Morton (1987), and Rev. Charles McNeil (1988) offered preaching, teaching, and pastoral care alongside Rev. Boykin. In 1987 the church began worshiping at John Hanson Middle School, and—through dedicated lay leadership—secured property on Middletown Road toward a future permanent home. Among the lay leaders, Brother Benjamin Watkins is remembered as a driving force in acquiring that land—an early sign of the congregation’s courage and perseverance.
In 1990 the Washington Annual Conference appointed Rev. Christine Moore to shepherd the Waldorf work. During her tenure, initial contact was made with the owner of what would become the church’s first edifice at Washington Square. In 1991 Rev. Donna Butts joined as an associate minister, strengthening pastoral support and discipleship formation.
A defining chapter opened in May 1992 when Rev. George Ray, Sr. was appointed pastor. Under his leadership, the church was formally renamed New Hope AME Church of Waldorf and, that September, moved into its first edifice in Washington Square—later purchasing the facility. Pastor Ray nurtured a congregational spirit summarized in the motto, “A Praying Congregation with a Mind to Work,” and began negotiations with the owners of the former Olympus Gym, paving the way for New Hope’s next move.
In January 2000, Rev. Ray transitioned to glory. The congregation honored his memory by naming the fellowship hall in the current facility the George M. Ray Fellowship Hall. Presiding Elder Goodwin Douglas served as interim pastor from January to June 2000, guiding the church through a sensitive season and helping position the congregation to secure its next home. On June 2, 2000, Rev. Kenneth Young was appointed pastor; Rev. Kimberly Young served as Assistant to the Pastor. By November 2000, New Hope had moved into its current edifice. On January 21, 2005, Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson presided over the burning of the mortgage on the first edifice—a celebratory milestone that testified to God’s provision and the people’s faithful stewardship.
At the 61st Session of the Washington Annual Conference in April 2011, Rev. Dr. Derrick N. Brown was appointed pastor. Together with First Lady Lorraine Brown and their daughters, Tiffani and Tiara, Pastor Brown emphasized robust worship, intentional discipleship, and compassionate service. New Hope articulated its identity as “A Church Changing Lives through the Power of God’s Word,” lived out by Equipping saints to become disciples, Evangelizing the community, and Empowering individuals to fulfill their God-given purpose.
A new chapter in New Hope’s journey opened at the 74th Session of the Washington Annual Conference in April 2024, when Rev. Aaron Tinch was appointed pastor. Serving alongside First Lady Tiffany Verne Tinch and their daughters, Ziza Brooke and Yana Allure, Rev. Tinch has leads the congregation under the banner of “A Practical Approach to Embracing God’s Word.” His leadership emphasizes a faith that is lived daily, connecting the eternal truth of Scripture to the real needs of people.
Today, New Hope continues to embody its Vision Statement: “United in faith, empowered by love, and anchored in the Word…” Guided by Ephesians 4:15–16, the church’s ministry is grounded in six Core Values: Truth, Love, Unity, Growth, Service, and Equipping. These values shape every ministry effort, from worship to outreach, and sustain the congregation’s mission: to grow together in Christ, speak the truth in love, nurture every member, and shine as a beacon of hope and healing in the world. From its earliest days, New Hope’s story has been that of “real people dedicated to the greater glory of God,” who shared burdens and blessings, faced trials with courage, and stood steadfast in witness. That abiding spirit—rooted in prayer, disciplined in service, and anchored in hope—has carried the congregation from a school auditorium to a permanent home, from mission status to a maturing ministry, and from a handful of pioneers to a multigenerational church family. In every season, God has kept covenant with New Hope, shaping a people whose labor in the vineyard continues to touch families, neighborhoods, and the wider region for Christ.