Bobbie Jo was born and raised in Minnesota. She was rescued by Jesus in high school, which radically transformed her life (ask her about it, she would love to share how God showed up). In college, God called Bobbie Jo to ministry. Ultimately, she graduated with a B.A. in Missional Ministries from Bethel University. Bobbie Jo and John (yes, our John, the Director of Children and Family Ministries) got married and moved to Chicago before starting seminary at North Park Theological Seminary. Bobbie Jo received her M.A. in Christian Formation. When she is not at church, she is likely, drinking coffee, reading, hiking, cooking, or spending time with friends.
Email Bobbie Jo: office@thenewcom.com
With a BA in Biblical and Theological Studies & a minor in Christian Reconciliation Studies and nearly a decade of ministry experience, John is deeply passionate about Jesus & justice being advanced in the church and in the neighborhood. Having served in a number of capacities mentoring, coaching, and teaching children, youth & college students, John believes that the discipleship of children is a two way street that deeply forms our faith as much as it deeply forms the faith of children. In particular, John passionately believes that the answers to many of our contemporary issues lie in empowering and unlocking the Next Generation. John & Bobbie Jo are originally from the Minneapolis area of Minnesota, moved to Chicago shortly after getting married in 2020 and now reside in the Avondale neighborhood.
Email John: John@thenewcom.com
Carlton Coleman hails from Rockford, IL – home of Cheap Trick and the Rockford Peaches. He has a heart for ministry and a passion to lead God’s people into the Lord’s presence through sincere worship and praise. Over the past 20+ years, Carlton has served in many Worship Ministry capacities from Worship Leader to Minister of Music. He’s also had the privilege of sharing the stage with artists such as Fred Hammond, PFR, and DC Talk. A former Judson (University) College Alum, Carlton serves as a Worship Leader and keyboardist for New Community.
Email Carlton: Carlton@thenewcom.com
Jessica Renteria is from Sycamore, IL, where she lived with her parents and younger brother until she went to college at North Park University. During her undergrad, Jessica doubled majored in Youth Ministry and Biblical-Theological Studies. Throughout her undergrad, she served and led middle schoolers and high schoolers in three different ministries. Currently, Jessica is pursuing her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. It was during these opportunities that Jessica felt a strong calling and passion in serving and leading youth. As a result, Jessica prayed for God to open an opportunity to serve and lead youth in the Chicago, IL, area. As the Director of Youth Ministries at NewCom, Jessica desires to lead youth to grow deeper in their relationship with God and to participate in God’s work in our world. When Jessica is not working at NewCom, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching movies, going to coffee shops, and working out.
Email Jessica: Jessica@thenewcom.com
Tim White comes from Waukegan, IL, where he currently resides with his amazing wife and four children. His passion is to equip God’s people to live as God’s people, to become fully mature in the knowledge of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16). Tim has been a part of New Community since April of 2009, serving in various ministry capacities over the years. He received his M.A. in Christian Formation from North Park Theological Seminary. As Care Minister, Tim serves the church through preaching, teaching, pastoral care and counseling, and premarital counseling.
Email Tim: care@thenewcom.com
The Leadership Team is a group of lay leaders who oversee church membership, finances, and staff-related matters. The membership of New Community elects the Leadership Team to serve as representatives of the congregation in overseeing the spiritual welfare and business affairs of the church in collaboration with the Lead Pastor. Each Leadership Team member serves a minimum of two years, and is available to discuss issues that pertain to church business matters. To contact one of our Leadership Team members, please email LeadershipTeam@thenewcom.com.
Current Leadership Team Members
We have reserved parking on W. Logan Blvd, designated with orange cones between N. Francisco Ave. and Sacramento Ave. Parking is also available on W. Schubert Ave., Sacramento Ave. and W. Diversey Ave. within approximately 2 blocks of our church.
