Adoring Jesus, Loving People & Equipping the Church
Our Ministry Team
Paul Bane, Senior Pastor
Growing up on a 1,100-acre ranch in Eastern Oklahoma taught Senior Pastor Paul Bane the importance of a good character and the benefits of hard work. "That was a lifetime ago, but I have never lost that influence on my life."
His love of sports began at an early age, culminating in playing football for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M junior college and again during his first year at the University of Arkansas. Today, he enjoys several games of early-morning basketball each week at the YMCA.
It was during his early years in college that Paul began sensing God calling him into the ministry. He then turned his attention toward pursuing a Master of Divinity at Oral Roberts School of Theology, at the time, a fully accredited Methodist Seminary. In 1977, he received his first pastorate at Free Methodist Church outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Ten years later, Paul accepted an opportunity to pastor a small church in Brentwood, Tennessee: New Hope Community Church. "At that time, there were 20 families who made up the core of the church, and several are still here today."
Paul and his wife, Cathy, reside in Brentwood and recently celebrated 30 years of marriage. They are proud parents of two grown children (son, Joel, along with his wife, Joanna, and, daughter, Laura, along with her husband, Justin Head).
Joshua 1:8 continues to be a guiding truth for Pastor Paul:
"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
Neil Andrews, Pastor of Worship Arts & Communication
Neil has served as the Pastor of Worship Arts and Communication at New Hope Community Church since 1997. A native of Indiana and a Communication major at Purdue University, he and his family have called Tennessee home since 1992. He came to Nashville through his connections and work as producer, arranger and keyboardist in commercial music and studio work during the late 80's and early 90's in Chicago. Upon settling here, he soon began to sense God leading him in a new direction.
In seeking God's direction, Neil had the opportunity to work with and be mentored by several 'spiritual fathers' who became instrumental in molding his heart and mind toward the calling of "pastor."
"If you would have told me 10 years ago I would be in my present occupation, I wouldn't have believed you."
Neil's metamorphosis at New Hope has evolved from part-time music leader to full-time Pastor of Worship Arts & Communication ministries, which includes shepherding a lay staff of vocalists, instrumentalists, technical arts teams, drama & dance coordinators, in addition to oversight of all printed forms of communication and defacto webmaster.
"The belief we focus on is that worship is a lifestyle. Everything we do is an act of worship 24/7, not just one hour on Sunday mornings."
Neil, his wife, Susan, and their sons, Nathan and Patrick reside in Franklin, Tennessee. Their eldest son, Tyler, along with his wife, Caroline, and their two sons, Ewan and Wyatt also live nearby.
Neil frequently says that as he watches the sunrise, Romans 1:20 always comes to mind:
"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse."
Contact Neil: neil@newhopechurchtn.org
Clay Harlin, Teaching Pastor
Teaching Pastor Clay Harlin grew up in Nashville and has been a resident of Franklin since graduating from David Lipscomb University in 1977. It was May of 1973, early in his college education, that he heard and understood the amazing love of God. He fell in love with Jesus, and the Word of God, so much so that the following year he changed his major to Bible with an emphasis on preaching. Clay did not go into the full-time ministry until 2006, but as an ordained minister he has been actively teaching from the scriptures since 1977.
Professionally, Clay began his career as an Administrative Assistant to the President of Town and Country Realtors in the management and sales of real estate. He was also active in the horse industry since childhood and Harlinsdale Farm before becoming the Sales Manager of Tennessee Uniform and Towel Service. His last position, before the sale of the business in 2006, was the President and CEO, for six years, of Mid South Uniform Service in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Clay feels that his "professional education" has strengthened his understanding of the Bible and knows firsthand how the Lord works through the lives of men and women in the marketplace.
God opened a door for him in April of 2005 to come on staff at New Hope where he was currently serving as an Elder and Adult Bible teacher. He felt that it was a "dream come true" to be able to serve in the area of his passion.
Clay and his wife Faye make their home in Franklin. Their oldest daughter Anna, her husband Steve DuPerrieu, and their son Jack, also live in Franklin. Clay and Faye's son, Capt. C. Talbot Harlin Jr., USMC, and his wife Ashley, live in Beaufort, South Carolina. Meredith, the youngest daughter, her husband Capt. Joel Lomasney, USMC, live in Hampstead, North Carolina.
Ps.9:10 “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Contact Clay: clay@newhopechurchtn.org
Josh Huisman, Youth Pastor
Josh has been working with youth in a variety of ways for almost 10 years. He began his ministry as a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at the University of Mississippi in 1997. This organization provided many opportunities for him to speak to youth groups, meet with students one on one, and to become passionate about his role in the lives of teenagers.
After graduating from college Josh traveled across the country performing original music for churches, youth groups, and festivals. The music was always geared towards young people. In 2003 Josh was offered a full-time Youth Pastor position on the south side of Chicago, Illinois, and this began his work in full-time youth ministry.
On August 28, 2006, Josh became the new Youth Pastor at New Hope. The youth group at New Hope, known as REALITY, meets every Wednesday evening, and also on Sunday mornings. He brings a blend of humor, drama, illustrations, and music to get his points across in each meeting.
God has certainly called Josh to do this work with youth. He came to know Christ at an early age, and has always had a heart for the younger generation. His favorite scripture brings the encouragement and hope that he wants every young person to know.
Josh, wife, Sarah, and sons, Tyler and Jordan, make their home in Nashville, Tennessee.
Romans 8: 28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Contact Josh: pastor.josh@newhopechurchtn.org
Sandy Waight, Children's Director
Sandy came to Christ through the efforts of the local church in her community. She quickly began to work in children's ministry and soon felt led by the Lord to attend the Ashburn Bible Institute in Chicago, IL. During this time, Sandy recognized the call to serve God in Children's Ministry; to reach as many children as possible with the good news that God loves them and has a plan for their lives. From Kid's Church, Sunday school, after school programs, and Awana, God has used Sandy to impact the lives of hundreds of children with the Gospel message. Many of these children are now adults that are on the mission field, serving in the local church, and living committed Christian lives.
Sandy's passion is children; her desire to disciple them is evident as she teaches them the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, serving in the local church, and realizing that God has a special purpose for them.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Sandy, along with her husband, Al, moved from the Chicago area three years ago, and presently reside in Franklin, Tennessee. Together, they have five adult children and 14 wonderful grandchildren.
Contact Sandy: mssandy@newhopechurchtn.org
Janice Garrett, Director, New Hope Child Developmet Center
In Luke 18:16-17, Jesus says to the disciples: "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Janice Garrett’s life-story is a true reflection of Jesus’ love for little children. A native of Nashville, Janice is the middle child born to Harry and Alice Jenkins. She cared for her younger siblings and at age 14 began working as a child-care provider and sensed God placing within her a passion to nurture and educate young children. Along her journey, God placed excellent mentors and professional educators who guided Janice’s child-development career. In addition, she is a graduate of Emmanuel Bible College with a Bachelor of Science degree in ministry, and has numerous child-development credentials including: CDA-Child Development Associate Credential;Technical Certificate-Early Childhood Education; 18 Hrs CEU Credits –Creative Currculum Training; 32 Hrs CEU Credits – Read to Succeed Training; and a member of NAEYC.
With over 30 years experience in child development, education and ministry, Janice whole-heartedly believes children are a heritage of the Lord and enjoys the opportunity to minister to the children entrusted to her care, as well as their families. She sees the need for children to have the opportunity to fulfill their God-given role in their homes, schools, communities, places of worship and society. For this transfer to take place the right hands and apt words must touch their hearts and speak into their lives.
“God has positioned me in the role of spiritual leader in the childcare field to help propel teachers to join Him in His work and plan for each boy and girl He places in our path.” – Janice Garrett, Director, New Hope Child Development Center
Mother of DeAnthony Sr., La Shanda, Robert II, and Daniel, grandmother of Kyndal and DeAnthony II, Janice and husband, Robert Sr., make their home in Nashville, Tennessee.
Contact Janice: Janice@newhopechurchtn.org
Evelyn Collom, Founder Telecare Ministry
The telephone ministry of Telecare began in a 4,000-member church in Pomona, California. Enlisted to help make phone calls to each family in order to update records and computerize the church system, Evelyn became very aware of members needs that were not being met by the church body. Evelyn could not rest knowing that God was birthing a new ministry, and calling her to be its chief architect. With the blessing of the church leaders, Evelyn developed a ministry system called Telecare whereby church members are checked-on with a regular phone call from a Teleminister (a well-screened church member and believer who will listen to and individuals needs and prayer requests; pray with the person; read an encouraging Scripture verses to the member; as well as be a conduit between a hurting or in-need individual who may have physical needs the church body can meet).
Of Telecare, Evelyn says, "It's a quiet ministry that enhances the congregations opportunities to get involved in ministry in unique and life-giving ways."
In 2003, Evelyn was invited to begin Telecare at New Hope Community Church. She works with numerous volunteer Teleministers in making sure the body of New Hope is working as Jesus taught.
Romans 12:4-5 "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
Contact Evelyn: evelyn.collom@newhopechurchtn.org
Debra Read, Administrative Assistant to Pastor Paul
Debra grew up in the beautiful countryside of Connecticut. She attended Wamogo Regional High School where she thoroughly enjoyed and excelled in her business classes. Her first full-time secretarial position was for Aetna Life & Casualty in Hartford, Connecticut. It was there that she met her future husband Bob. They dated for one year and were married on Valentine's Day in 1976. Debra shares that her husband's personality was one of the things that attracted her to him and, after all these years of marriage, they are still laughing! She credits God for truly blessing their marriage in more ways than one.
Throughout her 20's and 30's, Debra thought what made her a Christian was the fact that she went to church occasionally and was a "good person". She did not know the truth. After Debra became a Christian at age 40, she readily shares how God freed her from the panic and anxiety she suffered from for eighteen years; how He gave her a new strength and peace that she had never experienced before.
Along with her husband and daughter, Jennifer, Debra moved to Franklin, Tennessee in 1992. She began working for New Hope as their part-time secretary in 1998, and soon became a full-time administrative assistant to the Senior Pastor. Debra shares that she was confident that New Hope is where God wanted her to serve Him. She adds, "It is normally awkward beginning a new job. From the first day at New Hope, it was like putting on a comfortable pair of slippers . . . I had such a sense of peace!"
Debra and Bob became official members of New Hope in October of 2006, and are excited to be a part of this warm and friendly church family. They reside in Brentwood, Tennessee, enjoy their beautiful lake home about two hours from Nashville, and look forward to visits with their daughter who attends college in Canada.
Contact Debra: debra.read@newhopechurchtn.org
Marcia Tambellini, Bookkeeper
Marcia currently serves as bookkeeper for New Hope Community Church and New Hope Child Development Center. She grew up in Southern Illinois and received her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Southern Illinois University. Marcia's previous experience has included working in public accounting, banking and as a bookkeeper.
She credits her strong Christian upbringing for the faith she holds dear today. "What a pleasure is has been for me that my Christian journey has been enriched by the warm friendships I've enjoyed as a staff member here at NHCC."
Marcia makes her home in Franklin, Tennessee with her "4 men" husband, Richard, and sons: Charlie, Christian and Lewis. The Tambellini's are very involved in Boy Scouts and serving their community. They are members of Holy Family Catholic Church.
Marcia's life-verse is Luke 1:38 "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your Word," and she prays the Lord will give her the grace and courage to embrace her call and mission as a daughter of God, just as Mary did.
Contact Marcia at marcia.acct@newhopechurchtn.org