Who We Are

New Life Portage Park is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-generational community of faith that is seeking as Christ followers to live out our faith journey in such a way that we have a positive influence on in our homes, workplaces, classrooms, and entire community.  New Life Portage Park was launched with a core of people from the Jefferson Park location which is only 1.5 miles away.  We work closely together to make a difference on the northwest side of Chicago.

 

New Life Community Church is a non-denominational Christian church and we currently meet at 15 campuses in and around the city of Chicago (see map). Close to 4000 people worship at one of our 27 weekend worship services each Sunday. We are passionate about helping people reconnect with God and seeing lives transformed.

 

On Sundays we meet for worship and teaching in larger gatherings, and during the week we meet in small groups in homes or other meeting places.

Vision

Our vision and passion is to help people truly know God in such a way that it revolutionizes their lives and has a ripple effect to their friends and families and community.

As a church with multiple locations throughout the city, we have a vision not to be one giant mega church but to make a difference in many communities across all of Chicago.

The Team
Asa App
Location Pastor

Asa grew up in Mexico where his parents are involved in missions work. He and his wife Elizabeth received degrees from Moody Bible Institute, and have served on staff at New Life Community Church since 1993. He is a dynamic worship leader, has helped raise one of the strongest youth ministries in Chicago, pioneered a marriage mentoring ministry called FUSION, and is now pastoring and shepherding a multi-ethnic congregation in the Jefferson Park community where they presently live with their four children.


John Craelius
Worship Leader

John Craelius was born in Chicago. He was fortunate to be adopted and raised in a Christian home and accepted Christ at an early age. When he was eight, John and his family went to Mexico City helping missionaries with C.A.M. International for a short time. It was during high school that John rededicated his life to the Lord and was baptized. John attended Word of Life Bible Institute and has a diploma in biblical studies (he was also a featured soloist for the school). He attended Liberty University (on a full scholarship) for music performance and music education. Continuing his education in Chicago, John earned a diploma in Computer Business Systems graduating first in his class. John was the music and worship director at Midwest Bible Church for over six years before joining New Life Jefferson Park.


Elizabeth Castillo
Office Manager

Elizabeth, known as Liz, was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in the Lake View community. She has a variety of administrative experience, including having worked for ten years as Director of Operations in the School of Computer Science at DePaul University, where she obtained her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. She holds her B.A. in Organizational Management through Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa. She also helped her husband Tony manage a variety of family run businesses. She has been a licensed real estate agent in Illinois for the past 16 years. Liz currently resides in the Jefferson Park community along with her husband Tony and two daughters. She accepted the Lord in 1984 at Moody Church in Chicago, and since that time has served on several worship teams and in various ministries. She is currently working part-time as Office Manager for New Life Jefferson Park and serves the church in various capacities as needed. She currently serves on the worship team and enjoys worshipping in Spanish and English.


 
Copyright 2012 New Life Community Church