About Our Church

The Star of Hope Baptist Church (SHBC) is a Christ-centered, Bible-based church that believes in the pre-eminence of Christ; the supreme authority of God; and the inerrancy and infallibility of God’s Word. We enjoy a rich heritage that places GOD FIRST, seen through our: faith; Christian commitment; missionary outreach; concern for the community; perseverance; and love. We attempt to dispense the grace and mercy of God as we advance His purposes for the sake of His Name. Our sincere desire is to humbly carry out the ministry of Jesus Christ and glorify God through the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in our hearts.

Star of Hope began over one hundred years ago when a few Christian men and women met to organize a Church. (press to get a more complete description of the church’s history). Since that small beginning GOD has blessed Star of Hope abundantly. The church has become more ethnically diverse and better able to address the needs of a multifaceted, multi-cultural and multi-generational congregation. Although more than 100 years have come and gone, the goals of the church remain the same: to exalt Christ, to edify believers, and to reach the community and the world through Christian ministries.

SHBC is an active collaborative partner with schools, churches and civic associations in the Northeast Section of Philadelphia. We are members of the Northeast Services Team (NESTco); thus ensuring service and involvement in the community. As well we are committed to ministering to those in need through a weekly food pantry; services to single parents; ministry to cancer victims; and many many other outreach efforts.

Even during the pandemic the church keeps the congregation connected and engaged. Currently, the church regularly convenes church-wide prayer four times weekly; church-wide Bible studies twice weekly; monthly women’s Bible fellowship; Sunday School; monthly men’s Bible fellowship; and regular youth programs that include cooking classes, art classes and drama. These are virtual ministries in which members and non-members alike can participate. Morning worship services occur every Sunday at 10:00 and 11:30 AM.

The Star of Hope Baptist Church mission and overarching goal is to advance the cause of Christ in this troubled world - one person at a time. To God Be The Glory!

About Our Pastor

REV. HUBERT B. BARNES has served as Pastor of the Star of Hope Baptist Church for more than three decades. While at Star of Hope, Pastor Barnes has been used by God to lead many souls to Christ; and advance the word of God through teaching and preaching the gospel.

Pastor Barnes was raised in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania.  (press here for a more complete biography of Pastor Barnes). He confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized by the late Pastor A.E. Atkins at the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Lansdowne. He has been married to the former Evelyn Warfield (press here to get a more complete biography of Rev Evelyn Barnes) since 1971. Together they are proud parents to three children, a son-in-law and daughter-in-law. They also have five lovely grandchildren whom they cherish.

Rev. Barnes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lincoln University in Lincoln University, Pa. and a Law Degree from the Villanova University School of Law. He later graduated from Cairn University with a Master of Divinity.

If Pastor Barnes were asked to capture his life in a few words, he would simply quote his favorite scripture: 

“We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.” John 9:4

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