our leaders
Lead Pastor
Dr. John & Janice Pelonero
New Covenant Church was founded in 1985 under the leadership of Dr. John Pelonero. The Lord led him from West Islip, NY to Gastonia to begin a work where the life-changing presence of God changes and transforms a city. His vision also includes the building of a Bible college, and planting churches locally, and abroad.
Pastor John graduated from Lee College in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He obtained his Masters of Divinity in Biblical and Pastoral Studies in 1983 from School of Theology in Cleveland, Tn. In 2010, he received his Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership, Communication, and Administration from Louisiana Baptist University.
Pastor John and Janice Pelonero, serve together as the Senior Pastors of New Covenant Church.
Youth Leader
James Prince
James Prince serves as our youth leader.
James has a bachelor degree in Educational Studies from Belmont Abbey College as well as a master’s degree in Biblical Studies from Crowns College. James has an extensive education history teaching kids from elementary to high school!
His heart is to help young people seek the truth about the Jesus and show them that the Lord has made a way for each of them on this path called life!
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Pastor Mike & Christy Moss
Pastor Christy Moss serves as the Christian Education Director.
She oversees K-12 and college and career. She is a graduate of Gaston College with an Associate's Degree in Paralegal, and has Children's Ministry training under Willie George Ministries.
Christy has a heart to reach the churched, and un-churched kids with the Gospel that points them to a lifelong commitment to Christ! Together, Christy and her husband, Mike, lead the children's ministry.
Creative media/production director
Logan DePalma
Logan DePalma serves as our Creative media and production director.
Logan’s passion is to create a distraction-free, Christ-driven, welcoming atmosphere for anyone that encounters NCC online or on a Sunday morning.
Worship & Young families PAstor
Pastor Mark & Nichole Ryder
Pastor Mark Ryder serves as the Worship & Young Families Pastor.
In 2008 he graduated from MSU with a Ministry Degree.
Mark's passion and desire is to lead people into the life-changing presence of God through a biblical example of worship. Praise builds faith, faith creates miracles, and miracles glorify God! Together Mark and Nichole lead the Young Families Life Group.
Follow-up/outreach pastor
Pastor Joan Grigg
Pastor Joan serves as our Follow-up and outreach pastor.
Pastor Joan has been preaching for 46 years all over the country. She genuinely loves people and wants to be an encouragement to them in their daily life. Her heart’s desire is to see everyone saved and growing in a personal relationship with Christ and His word!