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.

Kari oversees and supports our ministry leaders at New City. 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. She loves hiking, being alone (introverted mamas understand!), and nerding out over all things stationary/journaling/planner related.

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 He 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 and good conversation.

Jason’s heart for music and worship was cultivated at an early age; he grew up surrounded by music on both sides of his family, in his community, and within the church. In his role as Worship Director, he loves sharing the good news of the gospel through song and is passionate about helping cultivate an atmosphere where people of all walks of life get to experience the presence of God.

A native of Chicago, Jason along with his wife Eraina and their four children have been blessed to be part of the NCC Oakland community since relocating to the Bay Area in 2024—and we are so grateful to have them!

Adriel has been part of NCC since 2021. A follower of Christ since the age of 17, he has developed a heart for loving God, loving people, and equipping the next generation. He is passionate about helping students grow in their relationship with Jesus and encouraging them to impact their families, schools, and communities for His glory.

Adriel enjoys spending time with his wife, Shekia, and their two children, Railyn and AJ. In his free time, he loves studying, boxing, cycling, and exploring technology. A self-proclaimed people person, Adriel especially enjoys connecting with others over a good meal or a cup of coffee.