Gabe’s heart is for Oakland—a city he loves deeply and feels called to serve through gospel-centered, community-rooted ministry. A graduate of UC Berkeley and Western Seminary, he’s passionate about helping people encounter Jesus and grow their faith in meaningful, everyday ways. As Lead Pastor at New City, Gabe is committed to building a church that reflects God’s heart for this beautiful, complex city and its people.

He lives in Oakland with his wife, Kari, and their three kids Brandon, Ana, and Micah. He enjoys exploring the Bay Area, discovering new coffee shops, cheering on the Warriors, reading (and sharing) great books, and fly fishing whenever he can.

Luke and his family moved to Oakland in the summer of 2024 and quickly fell in love with the city. He brings years of pastoral and church planting experience to his role and is passionate about helping people from all backgrounds discover and experience the story of Jesus—who He is, what He’s done, and how it changes everything.

Some of Luke’s favorite things include dating his wife, Lindsay, and spending time with their three kids: fishing with Elijah, trying new foods with Olivia, and exploring photography with Bella. He also enjoys evening walks, good conversation, and slow moments that make space for connection.

Kari leads New City’s Hospitality Team as well as our local outreach and justice initiatives. Since moving to Oakland in 2020 with her husband, Gabe, and their three children to help plant New City, she has worked to foster meaningful partnerships across the East Bay. She studied Psychology at Trinity Western University and began a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy before pausing to focus on family and ministry. Her work is shaped by a desire to see needs met and people flourishing in mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

She enjoys baking, hiking East Bay trails, and riding her Peloton. The Garcias live in the Laurel district, where they find joy in building relationships and serving their neighborhood.

Jelisa is passionate about helping children and families feel safe, seen, and spiritually nurtured. With a B.A. in Africana Studies and Journalism and two decades’ experience in early childhood education, curriculum development, and family discipleship, her ministry is shaped by a desire to create theologically rich, developmentally thoughtful environments where children encounter God’s love and truth in meaningful ways.

Jelisa lives with her husband, Galen, and their two boys in San Leandro, where the everyday rhythms of family life continually inform and inspire her ministry to children and parents. She loves hiking, being alone (introverted mamas understand!), and nerding out over all things stationary/journaling/planner related.