Discover Hope
“For I know the plans I have for you, ” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
Jeremiah 29:11
Our Visions, Values & Beliefs
Our History
Hope Church San Antonio was officially “planted” by the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and held their first worship service on Palm Sunday April 16, 2000. Our founding pastor, Rev. Tom Masterson, along with Associate Pastor Rev. Darden Caylor and approximately 20 families set out to establish the first EPC church in the San Antonio area.
Our first location was Redland Hall which is now home to La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant on Redland Road. Hope Church moved to Bush Middle School and met there from 2002 – 2012. Our first building was built on 10 acres land located off 1604 near Redland Road. Hope Church purchased a building and 5 acres and moved to their current and permanent location in summer of 2017, located 18850 Redland Road, 78259.
Our Pastors
Rev. Tom Masterson
Senior Pastor
An accomplished sinner, Tom is the founding pastor of Hope Church. Prior to San Antonio, Tom served for 5 years at New Harvest EPC in St. Louis, MO and was Director of Youth Ministries for 2 years at Christ EPC in Houston, TX. He and his wife Kathy are both graduates of The University of the South (’89), Sewanee, TN, graduating with a BA in religious studies. Tom received a MDiv (’97) from Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, MO.
Tom enjoys fly fishing, sports, Johnny Cash, grilling, cigars, wine, bourbon tasting and deep theological discussions! He is passionate about serving his community locally and globally including our ‘sister church’ in central Cuba. A native Texan, Tom enjoys studying history and proudly wears his cowboy hat.
“What I absolutely love about Hope is the collection of genuine people that God has gathered together here. The souls that make up Hope Church are warm, and defined by Grace.”
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1
Rev. Darden Caylor
Assistant Pastor
Darden has a BA from Univ. of Northern Iowa (’93) and a MDiv from from Covenant Theological Seminary (’97) in St. Louis. He and his wife Belinda helped launch Hope Church and he served as Associate Pastor for 7 years. Moving back to St. Louis, Darden established Mercy Road Church and served as Pastor for 9 years then joined Refuge Church as Executive Pastor for 4 years. With joy, Darden returned to San Antonio and resumed his role as Associate Pastor in January 2023 at Hope.
Darden is passionate about worship, owning over 30+ insturments. He believes worship it is not about performance; it is about inviting people into authentically engaging in music that allows them to connect with God.
“The essentials of faith are important at Hope and yet, there is freedom in non-essentials, creating a relaxed environment that allows Hope to be assessable to everyone.” Darden is passionate about community and fellowship. He and Belinda consider their home a place of refuge for hurting people, while also a place of fun!
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossians 3:13
Our Elders
Our elders serve as spiritual leaders, nurturing and guiding our congregation to grow in their relationship with God and one another. They seek to follow our vision and core values with obedience to Christ.
And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:42-45
Our Deacons
Our Deacons oversee the practical care for our congregation. They have a heart as servant-leaders and play a vital role in demonstrating Christ’s love and compassion to both the congregation and the wider community.
The first duty of a Deacon is to provide sympathy and service to those in need.
Acts 6:1-4
