About Us
Our Pastor
Jerry Stepp
Lead Pastor
My name is Pastor Jerry Stepp. Born March 1971. Married to my bride and best friend Rhonda since 1989. I was Eternally saved June 1st 1986. Called to preach in 1992, and became a Pastor in 2001. We were introduced to our church family through a mutual friend who had stated that First Baptist needed pulpit supply. Pastor Bill Barrow had become very sickly and was unable to Minister from time to time. God had to work all this out,"my intentions were leading me to South Carolina". Unfortunately, during this time Pastor Bill passed away and we continued to fill the pulpit from time to time and help them in any way we possibly could. It was on the drive home from SC that the Lord prepared my heart to Pastor First Baptist (14 hours of open road will give you all the time you need to hear from The Lord Jesus Christ). Upon getting home I called the Pulpit committee to see if the position was still open and they said yes. Just a few weeks later we were 100% voted in as the Pastor and we took the position as Full time Pastor January 2016. We are so blessed by the hand of God to be here at First Baptist, as well as the abundant kindnesses of our members. They have welcomed Rhonda and I in with open arms. We look forward to the years ahead as to what the Lord will do! In the mean time, we are Trusting and Obeying, because there is no other way. Pastor Jerry & Rhonda Stepp
Our Staff
Perry & Kim Gamble
My name is Kim and my husband Perry and I have been lifelong members of the First Baptist Church of New Chicago. My dad, Pastor Bill Barrow was our former Pastor here so I have been here most of my life. We love our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, our church & church family. It has been my privilege to serve the Lord the past (__) years as the Church Secretary. We thank God for all the many blessings in our lives & look forward to his return. While we wait for his glorious appearing, we pray that many souls will come to know him as their personal Savior.
Judy Stone
I have attended services at our church since I've been in the sixth grade. Our former pastor, Rev. Bob Lamb, explained God‘s plan of salvation to me when I was 16 years old and led me to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rev. Lamb encouraged me to become involved in every part of our church, and I did! It endeared New Chicago Baptist Church to me and it continues to hold a very special part of my heart. Growing up in our church I was blessed to have many wonderful Sunday School teachers who instilled in me a deep and abiding love for the Bible and its many wonderful stories. In my teens, I was blessed to be given the opportunity to share these amazing stories with a Sunday school class of my own! After all these years I am still blessed with the opportunity of teaching a Sunday school class as I have continued to“tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love!” God’s word is ever fresh and ever new and its stories remain exciting! I love and adore the children in our class and I am so grateful for my faithful helper, Rhonda Stepp! Many years ago, God placed a desire in my heart to do something special for the seniors in our church. After much prayer, a plan developed for a monthly fellowship with a good lunch, friendships, games, prayers and devotions. I am so thankful to Vicki Reed who worked along side me to put the fellowships together for the first few years. Also, I am thankful for the many workers and helpers, who gave out their time and talents in making the fellowship fun and successful. God blessed us with being able to support missionaries to the Lakota Nation Indian Reservation in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, and to bless others through a shoebox ministry. Through the years, we have lost so many of our beloved seniors and no longer have a monthly meeting. We still try to keep our seniors engaged with friends and fellowship with lunch at area restaurants each month! My husband, James, and I count it a privilege and a blessing to have the opportunity of serving God by working in and around the church, wherever needed, and to be of help to our beloved House of Worship!
Erica Stephens
I am married to David and we have a son William. I accepted Christ as my Saviour at the age of 12 while attending a Monday evening youth group ran by Betsy Shadley. Brother Jim Halcomb was a guest speaker that night and led me to the Lord in class room of our church on October 25, 1994.
I began occasionally filling in for both piano and organ when I was in high school and currently plays piano at our services and I started playing the piano at church
at the age of 5.
Beth & Mike Dahlgren
Beth Beth is proud to say that she is a born again Christian. She was saved during a Wednesday night service after a very dear friend, Julia Warwick, showed her the Scriptures about salvation. That night, Beth asked Jesus to come into her heart and save her soul. Beth faithfully serves at First Baptist Church of New Chicago as part of the decorating committee, where she works to honor and show reverence to the Lord through beautiful decorations for the church. She is also the musical director for Vacation Bible School and loves seeing children sing and dance as they learn about Jesus. Beth believes the Lord has placed these responsibilities on her heart, and she strives to do each one to the best of her ability. She loves seeing the finished decorations and especially enjoys watching young children have fun at church while learning about Jesus. Her greatest desire is to see children come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. ⸻ Mike Mike is an active member of First Baptist Church of New Chicago, where he gave his heart to the Lord during a Sunday service while Pastor Bill Barrow was preaching. Shortly after accepting Jesus Christ as his one and only Savior, Mike followed the Lord in baptism. Mike faithfully serves the church by taking care of the sound systems and video equipment, and he also serves as the song leader. His love for music began in childhood, and in his twenties he started singing regularly. His favorite style of music is good old-fashioned Gospel harmony. Mike sings for the Lord and seeks to follow wherever God leads him, always striving to do his best in serving Him. In addition to music ministry, Mike has a background in construction, which allows him to help with many church projects and improvements.
Susi Thompson
Susie has been a faithful member of First Baptist Church of New Chicago since her teenage years. She was led to the Lord by Pastor Bill Barrow during a Sunday morning service, and since then has dedicated her life to serving Jesus and others through many areas of ministry. Throughout her Christian life, Susie has had a special love for working with children. She has faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher, and currently serves alongside Beth in the music department at Vacation Bible School. Together, they love singing about Jesus and dancing along with all the children as they learn about God’s love. Susie is also a valued member of the church decorating committee and has helped decorate the church for many years. From holidays to special seasons throughout the year, she uses her creativity and talents to make the church beautiful and welcoming for everyone. Susie loves the Lord and loves serving Him, and God has truly blessed her with many wonderful opportunities to share His love through her faithful service.
