About Us
Our Team
Who is on the team?
Church planting is a team effort.
To seek God’s heart and reach a diverse community in Chicago, it takes a diversely gifted, multiethnic, and intergenerational team of men and women serving together. We are a team of imperfect people humbly walking in grace together.
Join our team
Lead Church Planter
Meet Samuel.
Samuel Copeland
Lead Church PlanterSamuel is married to Emily, and together they have three daughters: Ella (5), Eva (3), and Emilia (1). He began his career in nonprofit and development work overseas, then earned an MDiv from Southeastern Seminary after sensing a call to pastoral ministry.
He has a passion for helping others deepen their affections for Jesus, grow in Christ, and worship God in all of life. Samuel is also a huge fan of Liverpool, guitars, and ice cream.
Advisory Team
Mentors, pastors, and church planters.
Garden City is led by our lead pastor and supported by an external Advisory Team — intentionally multiethnic and missionary-minded — as we raise up a congregationally-affirmed team of pastor-elders.
Jon Kelly
Pete Schemm
Allen James
