Charles City’s New Hope church welcomes new pastor

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

New Hope Lutheran Church in Charles City has a new pastor — and actually, he’s the congregation’s first pastor.

“It’s a huge thing for us,” said New Hope President Mark Melrose. “For nine years, visitation pastors have been brought in.”

Pastor Isaac Johnson was officially installed on Saturday, and he will be the church’s first permanent pastor.

“It’s a joy for me to be able to be a pastor for New Hope,” Johnson said. “It is a fulfillment of God’s grace and his promises that we are able to be here in Charles City as a family.”

New Hope, affiliated with the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church, started with 8-10 people in 2011, according to Melrose. The church has grown and moved into the former Curves building at 607 North Main a few years ago. Before that, they had Saturday services at the Evangelical Free Church at 523 North Main for several years, as the church let the New Hope congregation use the space.

Johnson and his wife, Kaitlin, have four children, all under age 10, and have bought a home in the community. Johnson said the New Hope congregation has made his family feel more than welcome.

“They’ve welcomed us with open arms,” he said. “It’s a very comfortable place for our children. They’ve been warm and supportive.”

The family comes to Charles City from Bennington, Nebraska, with a population of just under 2,000 people. Johnson grew up in Hillsdale, Michigan, in a town he said was about the same size as Charles City.

“We feel right at home,” Johnson said. “We’re already putting down roots and connecting with people in the community. We are making friends and enjoying our time.”

Johnson graduated from Hillsdale College with degrees in Latin, Greek and music and studied ministry at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He spent two year studying theology in Germany as well.

He said his family has been moving from parish to parish every two years, and they are really looking forward to putting down roots and making a permanent home in Charles City.

“The goal is to be a presence of the hope of Christ in the community,” Johnson said. “I love that New Hope is right downtown, in the midst of the city.”

Johnson said that outside of caring for his children and spending time with his wife, his biggest interest is music. He plays classical guitar, piano and he sings. He expressed interest in getting involved with local music and fine arts organizations once he’s settled into the community.

“I’ve spent a lot of my time studying music and playing music throughout my life,” he said.

Johnson said he is excited to have the opportunity to share the love of Christ and the truth of his word in Charles City.

“We hope to share that and make connections with people through Christ,” Johnson said. “We’re ready and equipped now to serve the people of Charles City, and be there for the hurting and the broken-hearted. We want to support all those who are in need.”

He said he wants New Hope Lutheran Church to be a welcoming place for all.

“If someone needs support, New Hope is a place that is open to them, and is ready to welcome them with open arms,” he said.