Meet our Pastors
Jordan Fanara
Lead Pastor
jfanara@ibcrichmond.org
Bio
Jordan is committed to shepherding Immanuel Baptist Church through sound, biblical preaching. He deeply desires to know and love the people God has graciously placed under his leadership.
He is passionate about introducing lost souls to Jesus and discipling new believers within a healthy church community.
Jordan is a native of Santa Clara, California. He and his wife, Jessica, met in church nursery, and they were married in 2011. They are proud parents of four children: Kendall, Morgan, Carter, and Avery.
Beyond his ministry work, Jordan enjoys biking with his boxer dog, Rocky, taking book recommendations, baseball, family time, and welcoming guests into their family home.
Education:
• B.S. in Education
• M.A. in Pastoral Counseling
Thomas Long
Student Ministries Pastor
tlong@ibcrichmond.org
Bio
As Student Ministries Pastor, Thomas’s focus is to train up and disciple the youth at Immanuel Baptist Church in the ways that they should go (Proverbs 22:6). His desire is to teach the youth how to be a gospel witness in their communities, and to make disciples who make disciples (Acts 1:8, Ephesians 4:16, Romans 10:14-15). This is born out of the belief that our students do not have to wait until they are older to love, worship, and serve the Lord.
Before serving at Immanuel Thomas served as youth director for a church in the Lynchburg area for a year and a half and as a graduate student assistant at Liberty University for two years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and a master’s degree in Christian Leadership and Church Ministry from Liberty University.
In addition to ministry, Thomas enjoys cooking, model building, reading, playing video games, and gardening. He and his wife, Jessica, enjoy spending time trying out new recipes, traveling to new places, visiting local restaurants, playing with their pets, and spending quiet moments together. Thomas and Jessica grew up in Powhatan and are enjoying doing life in the Richmond area again.
Education:
• B.A. in Biblical Studies, Liberty University
• M.Div in Christian Leadership and Church Ministry, Liberty University
Meet Our Staff
Judi Bowman
P/T Financial Admin (Remote)
jbowman@ibcrichmond.org
Bio
“I am delighted to have a supporting role to the work that is happening in the body of Christ here at Immanuel!”
In her spare time, Judi enjoys creating art of all kinds, spending time outdoors—walking, camping, gardening, discovering, and being with her family making the best memories together. She and her husband, Rennie, are privileged to be able to homeschool their four kids as they seek to raise children who would follow and honor God.
Gary Chaulklin
Technology Director
Bio
Gary supports staff with computer issues, acquires and maintains church technology equipment (such as computers, backup systems and network equipment) and works on projects such as the move of the sanctuary audio/visual operation to its new location.
“This is the best job I have ever had. I enjoy the variety of technology here at Immanuel. But the best part is working with the staff. They are a joy!”
In his spare time, Gary also enjoys playing chess and reading. You may know Gary’s wonderful wife, Liza, and their children, Rachel, Matthew, and Joshua.
Kelly Ober
Office Manager
kober@ibcrichmond.org
Bio
Kelly joined our Immanuel Staff in 2025 as Office Manager. Her responsibilities include overseeing the day to day operations of the office, management of the facilities, and administrative support for the ministries of IBC. Kelly’s background includes a range of diverse experiences including sales, corporate recruiting, and office management.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, exercising, and attending Liberty University football games. Go Flames!
Kelly and her husband, Keith, have been members of IBC since 2010. They have two adult children, Kevin and Kathleen, who grew up at IBC.
Sara Bunn
P/T Creative Director (Remote)
sbunn@ibcrichmond.org
Bio
Sara officially joined church staff in 2019. She works a few hours each week to manage the church website, email newsletter, app, social pages, and assist with print and communications for special projects and events.
“I am grateful to collaborate with a wonderful team of people who sincerely love the Lord and enjoy serving our church family. It is a blessing to hear the prayers of our pastors and staff during the weekly staff meeting.”
Sara enjoys serving the church in this way, along with her digital communications work with Capitol Ministries.
Sara grew up as an Army Brat in Germany where she came to know the Lord as a teenager and developed a heart for serving in any way God guides, especially in the little, unseen ways, “until the whole world hears” (Matthew 24:14).
“I initially found out about Immanuel by looking it up online maaaaaany years ago, so it is fun that this has come full circle. :)”
Sara met Peter here, in Immanuel’s “College Bereans” class in 2003, and they have one son—Jesse. Some things they enjoy: homeschooling, geocaching, disc golf, traveling, playing games with friends and family.
Caleb Low
Ministry Director
clow@ibcrichmond.org
Bio
Caleb joined Immanuel’s staff in 2025 and stepped right into leading worship, reigniting the choir, and planning community outreach events like our Christmas programs and “Trunk-or-Treat.” Help him out by volunteering for the next event!
Bio coming soon.
Emmi Stephens
Children's Ministry Director
estephens@ibcrichmond.org
Bio
Emmi serves as the Children’s Ministry Director at Immanuel, where she coordinates all children’s activities and oversees Sunday and Wednesday night curriculum. Her greatest joy is seeing children accept Jesus into their hearts, grow in their understanding of God, and stand firm on the truths of His Word.
Emmi began attending Immanuel in 2010 and officially came on staff as an intern in 2023. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Pensacola Christian College, a background she now uses to bring creativity, structure, and biblical truth to the classrooms at church.
I am passionate about connecting generations within the church, believing that the body of Christ functions best when people of all ages come together in faith, fellowship, and service.
Outside of ministry Emmi enjoys running, hiking, and soccer!