Jerry has been serving the Quad Cities as a Pastor since 2004. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Ministry Leadership. He earned an MBA from the University of Phoenix and an undergraduate degree from Western Illinois University and Black Hawk College. Jerry retired from John Deere and the Military before he stepped into full-time ministry. He has served at New Hope in Coal Valley, First Congregation (SBC) in Kewanee, and First Baptist in Orion, IL. Jerry and his wife Amy live in Coal Valley. They have four children, six grandchildren and a big golden-shepherd named Scout. Jerry grew up in Detroit, traveled the world over, he has a heart of an evangelist, enjoys technology and spending time in God's wonderful creation.
John 3:30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
Pastor (Emeritus)
Jon Sedgwick
As of October 13, 2025, Pastor Jon has accepted a new calling in Missouri. We will miss him greatly and wish him well.
Jon served as the pastor at New Hope since January 2017. Before settling in Coal Valley, he and his wife, Rhadonda, spent eight years involved in church planting through the Send Network of the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. He has also served as pastor of churches in Missouri and Tennessee.
Rhadonda is a gifted creative, using her talents as a food photographer for online food bloggers. Jon enjoys woodworking and often assists Rhadonda with her photography projects. Together, they share a love for the outdoors, playing various games, and connecting with their community by demonstrating the love of Christ.
They are proud parents of three married children who all reside in Missouri. Their family also includes three granddaughters and two step-grandchildren, who bring them immense joy.
