David Acton

Lead Pastor
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Pastor David was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He and his wife, Chanelle, met at the University of Florida (Go Gators!). They later both earned their MDiv degrees from Golden Gate Seminary in San Francisco before heading overseas as church planters with the International Mission Board. Their four awesome children were born and raised during their 24 years in Western Europe.

They returned to Cape Coral, Florida, with the goal of leading a local church to live out the same missional mindset that guided their ministry on the mission field. To better lead New Hope Church to follow this vision, David completed a doctorate degree at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, focusing on missional ministry in the local church.

When Pastor David is not at the pulpit, he is probably talking to someone about Jesus, boating or searching for good Cuban food in the area!

Chuck Whiteside

Connections Pastor

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Chuck was radically saved when he when was 24 years old. Shortly after, he moved from Heber Springs, Arkansas, to Fort Myers, where he met his wife Nivia. They have been married 31 years and have five incredible kids; Josiah, Abby, Jacob, Isaac and Jess (Isaac’s wife). He graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic College and later Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Chuck has been blessed to be in ministry since 1989 and has served in churches as Lead Pastor in Texas and Ocala, Florida, as well as Groups Pastor in Ocala and Fort Myers.

His passion for evangelism, revival and communicating God’s Word has been an integral part of his ministry and daily life. Chuck also loves mountain biking, walking, spending time with family and a great story!

Phillip Gonzales

Worship Pastor

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Born in Texas and raised in Florida, Phillip grew up in a ministry family and loved it. Although people would often ask if he planned to follow in the pastoral footsteps of his father, Dr. Mark P. Gonzales, he would always say he'd only do that if God called him directly.

In 2006 God did call, and Phillip surrendered his life to ministry, knowing that for him it would take the form of both service in the Church and missions in the marketplace. Now, after being a Worship Pastor, Church Planter and Lead Pastor, Phillip is honored to serve as a Worship Leader for New Hope Church while also serving as a Ministry Consultant to other churches and a Business Coach and Marketing Consultant as well.

He and his wife Heather live with their three children in Babcock Ranch.

New Hope Church Elders

Dan Sater

Dan and his wife Debbie have been happily married for 38 years. They have two daughters, Danielle and Victoria, and son-in-law Brandon.

Dan helps on Wednesdays, and leads the video-based Adult Bible Study Belong Group on Sunday mornings right after the 9:30 worship service. Danielle helps lead the New Hope Kids Ministry and Debbie serves in the same ministry.

We love our New Hope Family and doing life together!

Ramon Garcia

Ramon was saved by God’s grace while attending a youth event. His coming to the Lord surprised everyone -- including many church members -- after he “casually” showed up, not even planning to attend. 

His passion for the scriptures started early in his Christian life, and he devoted most of his time to the study of the Old Testament and how it shows the consistency of the Trinity. Blessed by many Elders and church leaders who poured onto him, the Lord has allowed Ramon to serve as a leader at each of the churches he has been called to attend and become a member. 

He has been married to Josefina for more than 20 years. Together with their teenagers, Gloria, David and Jose, they moved to Cape Coral in 2016 and later joined New Hope Church. At the forefront of their prayers and priorities is to pass onto the next generation both the gospel of Jesus Christ and a legacy of faith that could empower others to trust, surrender and live for Christ.