James Pittman, Jr., Senior Pastor
James grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. After graduating high school, he left for Washington, D.C., to attend Howard University. While studying premed there, he realized there was a greater disease than that of the body — the disease of the soul. Toward the end of his sophomore year, he began to grow in his faith and learn the value of discipleship through the Navigators Ministry.
After graduating with a B.S. in Biology, James moved to the Chicago area in 1995 to attend Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He graduated from Trinity with a Masters of Divinity. Since that time, James has devoted his whole being to Jesus Christ. He lives for and serves not only the Lord but His people.
Teri Paulson, Music Director & Discipleship
Teri Paulson became a follower of Christ in the year 2000 after becoming convinced that Christianity is true and convicted about her own sin and need for God. Teri and her husband have been married since 1988 and have two children. She has served as Music Director at New Hope since August of 2013, leading the congregation from the piano in a variety of musical genres ranging from hymns to contemporary worship songs. She has had many jobs in her life, but leading the music at New Hope is her favorite. “I can’t think of anything or anyone better to sing about than our Lord. He changed my life,” she says.
Eric Jenkins, Deacon Board & Treasurer
Although he grew up “in church,” Eric didn’t realize his need for Christ until his freshman year in choir at Illinois State University, where he was subsequently involved in discipleship through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. After graduation, Eric involved himself with new members, teens, and men’s ministry. Vocationally, Eric worked in several areas of corporate finance, now retired. He is married to Lisajoy, the love of his life, and they have 6 children and 5 grandchildren.
Steve Papale, Elder in Training
During his career as an options trader, Steve realized that the trappings of this world did not satisfy, so he began a search for something more, starting with the religion of his youth, Catholicism, and then into Buddhism, New Age, and Scientology. In the early 2000’s he bought a Bible and started to read, later joining a large church. During a difficult period in the late 2000’s he realized he was a cultural Christian, saying all the right things but living much like the world. It was during this time that he was born again and became a true follower of Jesus Christ.
He graduated from MTI Bible College and spent 2 years in the CS Lewis Institute Fellows Program in Chicago. Steve has two sons and daughters-in-law: Matt and Sydney, and Alec and Emily. He is a part time real estate investor, driving instructor, and Adjunct Professor of Economics at Cornerstone University.
Rick Coelen, Deacon Board
I had everything I wanted in life: money, status, and a dream job as Tennis Director at an exclusive indoor racquet club. Outward appearances were deceiving; inwardly my life was a mess and my marriage in disarray. After a friend shared the Gospel with me in 1977, I turned my life over to Jesus Christ who transformed my entire being.
Soon the Lord opened doors to preach in the nursing homes and teach Sunday School, and I joined a “Fisherman’s Club” to learn how to share the Gospel. The Lord opened doors to preach for 18 years in the Cook County Correctional System and Pacific Garden Mission. My beautiful and godly wife, Mary Ellen and I have led small groups for years along with premarital counseling. My passion is teaching, preaching, evangelism, and Bible prophecy.
Andrew Neumayer, Head Deacon
Chris Kobbs, Deacon Board
Shortly after the birth of my daughter, I struggled. During a sermon on 1 Peter 4, I realized I am that sinner. I finally understood the Good News that Jesus is God and His death on the cross was to cover my sin. Sharing the good news of God’s grace continues to humble me every day.
Ray Schwarz, Deacon Board
Ron Smith, Deacon
I gave my life to Jesus 10 years ago. I had attended a church in Arlington Heights until the start of Covid when the church stopped doing in-person services. Not long after the closing, I came to New Hope which had reopened and have been here since. I love my church family at New Hope. They are dedicated to the true Word and our one true God. The pastor and staff are amazing and love serving the Lord and community. I have owned my own business for over 28 years, have been with my wonderful wife for 48 years, and have 3 sons and 3 grandchildren whom I love dearly.
May Kobbs, Financial Administrator
Alma Nsalah, Office Clerk