Pastor Biographies

Pastor Rich Cortese

Prior to his role as founding pastor of Garden City Church, Pastor Rich (and Nadine) served at Calvary Christian Church in Lynnfield, MA for over 8 years. In his role as senior associate Pastor Rich was responsible for overseeing the evangelism and discipleship as well a ministry to married couples.

Rich is a graduate of Trinity Bible College (B.A.) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div). He and his wife, Nadine, have been married for more that twenty years. They have three children: Adam, Gordon, and Victoria. They love pizza and movies, cookouts, and just about anything that makes them laugh.

In addition, Rich is an avid NY Giants fan and roots for the Yankees whenever he can. When he is not hanging out with his family you can find him enjoying a cup of coffee at Starbucks, Panera or even Dunkin Donuts. Pastor Rich loves reading the Bible and just about anything by John Piper, C. S. Lewis, Tim Keller, and Eugene Petersen. If he had an iPod you would find it loaded with music from Charlie Hall (his favorite), Passion, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Jeremy Camp and maybe a song or two from Deep Purple, Jeff Beck, or Tony Bennett. (I know that last one doesn't make sense.)

Recently graduating with his Masters of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Pastor Jeff has been serving as an Intern at Garden City Church and been a regular volunteer with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship including staffing a five week missions trip to Kenya.

Originally from Chicago and a graduate of Northern Illinois University, Pastor Jeff has now lived in New England for three years and enjoys the natural beauty and unique historical experiences that New England has to offer.  He looks forward to spending more time hiking in the whites, playing ultimate Frisbee, eating cold spaghetti, and working with the high school and college students of Beverly and the surrounding areas.