Pastor Jacob Tipantasig-Wolverton, born and raised in Benton County, a rural area of the northwest territory of Indiana, is the current Senior Pastor at Naperville Community UMC in Naperville, IL.

He brings over 25 years of experience in leading both traditional and contemporary worship, children’s and youth ministries, adult discipleship, and pastoral ministry. Jacob resides in Naperville, IL with his husband, Luis Tipantasig-Wolverton, where they have two beautiful children, Carter James & Emilia Grace as well as their fur baby Cooper John. Jacob is passionate about faith formation experiences especially Fresh Expressions opportunities that bring together the everyday person with everyday faith.

Jacob holds a Master of Divinity degree from Methodist Theological School of Ohio. He holds both an Associates Degree in Biblical Studies & Bachelor of Ministries from White Horse School of Ministries in West Lafayette, IN.  Jacob also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, IN. His ability to transcend worship styles to meet each group has been a testament to his ministry. His passion to see souls reconciled to the Lord has been seen both nationally and internationally as he has preached and led worship for conferences throughout his ministry. His approach to worship draws from his experiences in creative arts, choral music, tradition and contemporary Christian music, and his love for the Word of God.

Jacob’s desire and passion is to see the next generation embrace their gifts and talents, and to find a love for worship and God that will impact their lives for the future. Jacob believes in a multi-generational worship experience, and holds true to the teachings of Jesus that taught us “let the little children come unto me…”  Jacob encourages everyone, no matter their skill level, to approach worship with a heart to worship our Lord and Savior from a place of gratitude. As a pastor, Jacob’s care for the people has been monumental in navigating the change that has been required during this time in the church. Through the faith formation experiences, sermons, and small group experiences, Jacob helps people begin to live out the mission of God which is to love like Jesus. His life motto is to Love God and Love People.

Jacob’s leadership style stems from the heart of Father and is modeled off of a servant leadership example. He teaches and preaches from a practical demonstration of God’s love, and is gifted in raising up leaders who will share the love of Jesus with everyone through their actions. Jacob is a leader of leaders who has demonstrated a great ability to navigate the church through a three year pandemic. Throughout his entire life, the thread of God has been at work as Jacob has grounded himself in a life of obedience to the nudges of God. The faithfulness of God is a humbling experience, and the testimony of God’s faithfulness with every step that Jacob has taken throughout his life is a source of encouragement.