JEFF CARTWRIGHT
Head Pastor
I've been married for 28 years to the love of my life, Sharon and we have 2 beautiful daughters, Emma and Abigail. Dayton is the perfect city: plenty to do but not so large that you get lost and have to deal with crazy traffic.
I love New Hope because it is about the most real place I know. You come as you are and you are who you are and you're welcomed as you are and I love that.
My greatest passion in life is helping other people make a connection to Jesus and to others who will love them and walk with them on their journey.
Philippians 4:6-7 says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I love this verse for lots of reasons but knowing that in Christ I can find peace when I lay my burdens before Him is an incredible thing.
Meet the Team
Church Administrator
Michelle "Shelley" James
About Shelley...
I grew up in Warren, PA. I came to a Sunday night service to hear a message and did I ever. Pastor Jeff asked us if we had a God job. I realized I did not so I got one in the office helping to organize some files. Glory be to God because He put me right where I needed to right when I needed to be there. Now my God job comes with a paycheck.
Where would I most like to visit?
I would like to one day visit down under...Sydney Australia
Bookkeeper
Sharon Millsap
About Sharon...
I grew up in rural New York. I started coming to New Hope because of my husband. Don was playing in the band and I knew Pastor Jeff from our Otterbein days. What New Hope is doing for the neighborhood is such a good thing! Giving people a place to learn about Jesus Christ and his love for them and worship Him.
Where would I most like to visit?
I hope one day to visit Yellowstone National Park.
Janitorial Services
Destiny Ligier
About Destiny
I grew up in Dayton, OH. I was invited to services by Pastor Jeff Cartwright and I loved it here. I signed up for numerous volunteer opportunities, which led to a job offer cleaning the church. The people here at New Hope are genuine and will go the extra mile to make you feel welcome and loved.
Where would I most like to visit?
I hope to one day visit the Maldives for the ocean views or Egypt for exploring.
Children's Minsitry Director
Kellin Kumanchik
About Kellin...
I grew up in Fairborn, OH. I worked as a hospital Chaplain for 5 years in both Virginia and Ohio. After my son was born, I took time to discern where God was leading me in this new journey of life. Once I visited New Hope, I fell in love with the church and what the Spirit is doing here. It was then that I felt called to the church to serve in the youth ministry. This is a place where you can be yourself without shame or having to hide the parts of you that you don't like. Here you are loved no matter what.
Where would I most like to visit?
I hope to one day to go to the Bahamas and swim with the pigs.
Worship Director
Kareem Powell
About Kareem...
I grew up in Miamisburg, OH. How I got to New Hope is a crazy and random story so it can only be God. After that I just kept coming back and they let me in. What I love about this church is that it's real. When it's time to worship we throw it ALL down on the altar. The prayer and praise part of the service is HOLY.
Where would I most like to visit?
I hope to one day visit the Steinway & Sons factory in Queens, NY where you find the best pianos in the world.
