Why HopePointe?
We believe HopePointe reflects both our church’s history and our vision for the future. Since its founding, the Church of the Nazarene has held to the conviction that the true hope of the world is found in a life transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. This hope is not a fleeting feeling but a continual reality as we surrender our hearts to the purifying work of the Holy Spirit.
In 2025, we still hold to this truth. Our desire is that, from the very first interaction someone has with our church, they would know that there is hope—hope that meets them in the midst of brokenness, hope that points them to Jesus. The name HopePointe helps us communicate this life-giving truth to our community.
In 2025, we still hold to this truth. Our desire is that, from the very first interaction someone has with our church, they would know that there is hope—hope that meets them in the midst of brokenness, hope that points them to Jesus. The name HopePointe helps us communicate this life-giving truth to our community.
Hope Is Our Heritage
Greenville First Church of the Nazarene was organized in 1946. Like many of our churches in South Carolina during that time, our beginnings were rooted in a tent revival campaign. From gathering in the living room of one of our faithful members to our current location at 1201 Haywood Road, our church has been blessed with 77 years of fruitful ministry in the Upstate of South Carolina.
Our Mission
Rooted in HOPE we help others experience the transforming love of CHRIST.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are we changing our name?
For almost two years, we’ve been reflecting on our identity and mission, asking, "Who are we, and who do we want to be for our community?" As a result, we determined that the initials “GFN Church” often leave people asking questions about what it stands for. While we know that GFN stands for Greenville First Nazarene with an emphasis on God, Family, and Neighbor, we discovered that it wasn’t always easy to communicate the meaning succinctly.
Are we leaving the Church of the Nazarene?
Not at all. With this name change, our official name will be HopePointe Church of the Nazarene. The name "HopePointe" was chosen because it reflects our deep commitment to being a place where people find hope in Christ and are pointed toward His transformative love. It encapsulates our mission to be a beacon of light for our community, offering spiritual renewal and direction. This is how our sign facing Haywood Road will read. We believe the message of heart holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit is the hope that transforms broken lives. HopePointe clearly points to this message, which we have been preaching for over 77 years.
HopePointe Church will continue to:
-Support our Nazarene global missionaries through the World Evangelism Fund.
-Contribute to building projects on the mission field through the Alabaster Offering.
-Send our kids and teens to camps through our South Carolina District.
-Encourage young adults to attend Trevecca Nazarene University as their college of choice.
HopePointe Church will continue to:
-Support our Nazarene global missionaries through the World Evangelism Fund.
-Contribute to building projects on the mission field through the Alabaster Offering.
-Send our kids and teens to camps through our South Carolina District.
-Encourage young adults to attend Trevecca Nazarene University as their college of choice.
Speaking of history, are we walking away from 77 years of legacy?
Hope is our heritage. The church we are today is a direct result of the faithfulness of those who have come before us. From the tent revival on Green Street near the famous Coffee Pot restaurant and meetings in the living room of Bessie Smith to our previous locations near Judson Mill and Lowndes Hill Road, every step has been vital to shaping who God is calling us to be today and in the years to come.
How will this affect our worship services or ministries?
Nothing will change regarding our worship services, ministries, or outreach efforts. This name change is about better expressing who we already are and where God is leading us.
How can I help with this transition?
You can help by:
-Praying for a smooth transition and for our church to continue making an impact.
-Embracing the new name and using it when referring to the church.
-Spreading the word and inviting others to experience HopePointe Church with you.
-Praying for a smooth transition and for our church to continue making an impact.
-Embracing the new name and using it when referring to the church.
-Spreading the word and inviting others to experience HopePointe Church with you.
What if people still call it GFN Church?
It’s natural for a name change to take time. We encourage everyone to start using HopePointe Church, but we understand that the transition will be gradual. The most important thing is that we remain united in our mission, regardless of the name.
How does this change reflect our mission of being ‘FOR THE Upstate’?
HopePointe Church continues to be FOR THE Upstate by sharing the hope of Jesus in tangible ways—through worship, outreach, discipleship, and community engagement. The name change reinforces our commitment to being a beacon of hope for those in need.
