Concord Fortress of Hope Church sits at 11700 Grandview Road in south Kansas City, Missouri, in the Ruskin Heights and Hickman Mills area it has been called to serve since 1987. Under the leadership of Senior Pastor Ronald Lindsay, the congregation has grown from six charter members meeting in homes to a body of more than 1,900 believers with over forty active ministries. Its motto, "Building Lives for Ministry," captures both its origin story and its current direction.
Three Moves and One Vision
Concord began as a kitchen-table vision. Six charter members, including Pastor Lindsay, his wife, his parents, his older sister, and another couple, gathered in homes to lay the groundwork for a church built on harmony and unity. On February 5, 1987, at a special service held at the Southtown YMCA on Wornall Road, the body was officially organized under Pastor Earl Abel, and Ronald R. Lindsay was installed as pastor.
By spring 1988 the thirty believers had moved to 7424 East 107th Street, a 250-seat facility that quickly became a hub for family conferences, a childcare center, revivals, and musicals that reached beyond the walls of what members called "the little white church." As the congregation swelled past 500 with twenty ministries, the limitations of that space became clear. On November 15, 1995, the first "Operation Nehemiah" meeting voted to pursue a new home under the rallying cry "Build Walls for Ministry."
Five acres of undeveloped land were purchased in the spring of 1996, and the first service at 7710 East 102nd Street was held on Sunday, November 1, 1998. Two Sunday services overflowed, parking reached capacity even with the addition of a satellite site, and the leadership cast a longer vision. They bought roughly sixteen acres at 109th and West Longview Parkway for a three-phase project anchored by a 32,000-square-foot family worship center with about 500 parking spaces. That completed facility is the present home of the church, and additional phases will bring a youth-oriented education center.
What the Church Believes
The congregation's centerpiece scripture is II Timothy 2:15. Members affirm the inerrancy of Scripture and the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, with the Godhead - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - at the core of belief. The church embraces the autonomy of the local body to meet the needs of its congregation and community as it is led by the Spirit through the Word. Concord sees itself as commissioned to teach and preach Christ to the hurting, needy, and disenfranchised in the Ruskin Heights and Hickman Mills communities, raising both spiritual and physical standards of living through the power of the Holy Spirit.
A Weekly Rhythm Centered on the Word
Sunday worship is the anchor of the week at Concord. Services begin at 10 a.m. and are offered both in person and through a livestream. Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. bring in-person Bible study. Twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 a.m., a prayer call gathers members by phone (dial 844-854-2222, PIN 560952). The church also sends text reminders to those who opt in by texting MEMBER or VISITOR to 816-494-1901.
Music is a significant part of worship at Concord. A dedicated Music Ministry and an Artistic Faith Dance Ministry lift up Christ through songs and movement, and services are covered under CCLI license #11359370. Visitors who want a feel for the room can watch recent services online, including a "Chiefs Sunday" celebration with the Kansas City community.
Ministries for Every Age and Stage
More than forty ministries serve the congregation and the surrounding community. For children, K.I.D.S. Under Construction ministers to pre-K through fifth graders. The Youth Ministry provides sound biblical principles to the next generation, and the A/V Ministry supports the technical side of services. Adult life is covered by the Men of Faith ministry, Faithful Mothers of Wisdom for older women mentoring younger ones, and a Single Mothers Ministry that encourages, disciples, and ministers to single moms.
Hospitality, transportation, and welcoming are taken seriously. The Morning Glory Ministry handles hospitality, the Parking and Transportation Team keeps things orderly on Sundays, and Adult Ushers serve as doorkeepers. The F4 Ministry brings together faith, fitness, fellowship, and fun. The Baptism and New Life Ministry blesses babies and helps new believers honor the sacrament of baptism. The Witnesses for Christ Ministry focuses on sharing God's plan of salvation. God's Healthy Hearts offers medical aid support for those in need.
A Pastor with Civic Reach
Senior Pastor Ronald Lindsay has led Concord for more than twenty-two years and is described by the church as a visionary known for integrity and humility. He is chairman of the board of Hope Community Development Corporation, a regional organization working to develop the South Kansas City area, and serves as a board member of the Eastland division of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. In partnership with A Call to Oneness and the Missouri Department of Transportation, he led a local effort that trained more than 1,500 Kansas City residents for the Commercial Driver's License exam, generating employment opportunities for the community.
Coming for a Visit
Concord Fortress of Hope welcomes newcomers with a "come as you are" spirit. One first-time guest put it this way: "They are very caring and welcome everyone with open arms. It's been years since I've been to a church and I'm glad I came to this place." A Visitors page outlines what to expect on a first Sunday, and online forms are available for baptism, baby blessings, new membership, and joining a ministry.
Practical Details
The church is located at 11700 Grandview Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64137. The mailing address is PO Box 9781, Kansas City, Missouri 64134. The office can be reached at 816-761-1909 or info@cforthope.org. Giving can be done through a giving form, Cash App at $concordkc, or text-to-give at 816-207-2060.