Elevate Hope
Called to Serve, Committed to Community, Created to Love
First of all
Elevate Hope
We are a community of authentic believers, committed to witnessing a city transformed by the life changing reality of the Gospel.
Not to mention
Our Mission
At Elevate, we are dedicated to fulfilling Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations. Our mission is to serve, build community, and love others as Christ loves us.
And let's not forget
Our Vision
Our vision is to witness a city transformed by the life-changing reality of the Gospel. We strive to create a community of authentic believers who share the love of Christ with those around them.
About Elevate Hope
Elevate Hope is a community of authentic believers dedicated to fulfilling Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations. Our vision is to witness a city transformed by the life changing reality of the Gospel.
Church Leaders
We have made quality our habit. It’s not something that we just strive for – we live by this principle every day.
Rev. Dr. James E. Hunt
Senior Pastor
Pastor Hunt is a passionate preacher, professor and social justice activist that is highly regarded for his work in the church and community. He is married to the vivacious and lovely Veronica Hunt. They are the proud parents of two wonderful sons, Matthew and Joshua. The apple of their eyes are their two adorable grandchildren, Taliyah and Treshon.
Proudly serving our country, Pastor Hunt retired from the U.S Navy as a Senior Chief Petty Officer serving in various leadership and management roles. He also worked at Health Care Service Corporation as Director of Business Planning and Program Management Office. An ardent community advocate, Pastor Hunt serves on various boards and chairs multiple committees. He has established mentoring programs for local schools and has served on multiple school boards.
Pastor Hunt received his Bachelor's degree in Communications from Roosevelt University in Chicago, a Master's of Art degrees in Communication from the University of Oklahoma and a Doctorate of Education degree in Adult Education from Northern Illinois University.
Rev. Joseph M. Johnson, MLM
Associate Pastor
Pastor Joe is an innovative preacher that enjoys sharing his faith while equipping others. He is married to his childhood friend and sweetheart LaToya, whom he has known since he was eight. They are the proud parents of six children: Joe jr., Amber, Kaitlyn, Aaron, Micah and Noah.
Pastor Joe has served as a youth pastor, church planter and lead pastor for various congregations. He is a sought after speaker, consultant and ministry trainer. He presently works as a hospice chaplain and provides trainings to chaplain interns and residents. As an advocate for youth, Pastor Joe has served as a mentor for various schools systems and Lincoln's Challenge.
Ministry and education are life-long passions, but Pastor Joe credits the lessons he learned from his mother Emily to be his greatest teacher. He holds a Christian Ministry degree from Trinity International University and a Masters of Leadership in Ministry from Judson University. Pastor Joe has completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and a residency program at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, IL earning him chaplain II status.
Rev. Charles Cooper Jr, Executive Pastor of Operations
Leadership Team
Rev. Michael G. Cooper, Executive Pastor of Online Church