Bishop Diante Waldon said the ministry of his church is “to give hope to the hopeless.”

“We are that church for those who are seemingly left behind,” he said.

“We’re accepting to all people in all walks of life.”

Cathedral of Hope is located at 209 Simpson St., in McDonough. Services are held each Sunday at 9:30 a.m., and Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. On Wednesday at 6 p.m., the church hosts a Hope for Recovery program on Facebook.

Waldon and his wife, Pastor Yvette Waldon, founded the non-denominational church in 2002.

The Waldons each grew up in Blacksville. Bishop Waldon was approximately eight years old when he gave his life to Christ, and Pastor Waldon became a Christian at age 12.

They each have a long history with Shiloh Baptist Church in McDonough, which eventually led to their current ministry. Yvette Waldon attended services at Shiloh from birth, and her husband from 1984-99.

Bishop Waldon, 50, began his ministry September 16, 1996, with a sermon titled “What Are You Looking For?” The focus of that message, he said, was on following the will of God.

“We look for different things than He looks for,” he said. “He’s continually searching for those who are lost.”

The bishop said his experiences at Shiloh helped to guide his efforts to plant a church.

“I worked with the youth ministry and children’s ministry at Shiloh, and I heard the voice of God telling me to help people gain a greater relationship with Him,” he said.

Cathedral of Hope began with 11 people, and has grown steadily over the years, to approximately 75 members. Bishop Waldon said the church strives to make use of people’s abilities, whatever they might be.

“We seek out people’s talent, whether they are sharpened or not,” said Waldon. “We utilize the Word of God to help people realize the potential that we see in them. Some churches have people try out for the praise team. We take volunteers and sharpen the gifts that they have. They don’t have to hit all the notes perfectly.”

Cathedral of Hope hosts a School of the Word program, as well as weekly Bible studies, ministerial training and individual therapy and counseling sessions. The church offers community events including a Seasoned Saints Bible Study, and an Easter Egg Hunt and Dinner in the spring.

The church also hosts a Mental Health Awareness Fair during the month of May. Bishop Waldon said during the event, the church provides mental health counselors, anger management, suicide prevention, and information from the National Association on Mental Health.

“At our Mental Health Fair, we have staff on standby to guide individuals that day and every day, to let them know that those services are available all the time,” he said.

The church hosts a Hope for Recovery program, for individuals struggling with addiction, and Lighthouse Lessons each Wednesday night. Pastor Waldon said the latter program is designed as a “midweek check-in,” offering spiritual encouragement before Sunday morning.

“We all have responsibilities, and life is hard,” she said. “Sometimes you need that refuel, that refreshing so you can make it through the rest of the week.”

The church also offers Vacation Bible School, a Back to School Rally, and Christmas Festival and Toy Drive each year. Bishop Waldon said such events are crucial for the church itself, and for the local community.

“Churches should give back to the community,” he said. “Those are needed services.”

The church will soon begin preparations for its annual Holy Tree event, scheduled for October 30 from 1-5 p.m. Bishop Waldon described the Holy Tree as the church’s “alternative” to Halloween.

“We will be giving out candy and playing games with children as well as adults,” he said. “Our mental health services will be available that day as well.”

Gladys Guallett, 66, of McDonough began attending Cathedral of Hope two years ago. Referring to it as “the little church that could,” Guallett said the church has a heart for the community.

“As quiet as it is kept, the Cathedral of Hope is small in size but mighty in heart,” said Guallett of McDonough, who regularly attends services there. “The Cathedral of Hope Church believes in fervently teaching God’s word through scriptures, deeds and lifestyles. They have committed themselves to reaching those whom traditional churches have left behind, remaining accessible to God’s people, equipped to empower and alert to rise to action.”

Bishop Waldon said his ministry is centered on building a better community and a better life in Christ. He strives to do this by “helping people understand the mission He came to complete, and showing the people the love of Jesus Christ.”

For more information, call the church at 678-756-3066.