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

As Pastor of Discipleship, Jon’s focus is teaching and equipping the saints to grow in their faith in Christ and do the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12). He desires every member actively form redemptive relationships with unbelievers and committed to disciple-making relationships with fellow believers (Matthew 28:19-20).

Pastor Jon’s background as a small business operator for 15 years and a church planter for 9 years gives him some unique insights on the challenges of living the Christian life and reaching the lost with the Gospel. He is passionate about Christian hospitality and fellowship.

In addition to ministry, Pastor Jon enjoys singing, watching basketball and football, hunting, and exercising. He and his wife, Liz, love to spend time together taking walks, eating good food, and sipping on espresso. They also enjoy keeping up with their 3 children who are in college and pursuing careers.

Education:
• B.S. in Productions and Operations Management, Bob Jones University
• M.Min, Piedmont International University

Joelle works on a variety of tasks and projects throughout the church campus, serving on the Facilities team with Scott Morris, Facilities Director.

In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, taking pictures, vacationing at the beach, making memories with friends, and getting involved in the occasional deep, theological conversation. 🙂

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.

You can find Emmi in the office on Mondays. In the absence of a Children’s Ministry Director, her role falls under the leadership of our Student Ministries Pastor, Thomas Long.

There is no such thing as a “normal day” when it comes to ministry hehe, but here are a few of the things I do throughout the day: restock snacks, create an email with the following Sunday’s schedule, reach out to new families who may be interested in helping, and collaborate with the staff to create fun events!

One of the things Emmi loves about this role is the opportunity to communicate with church members on a regular basis.

I get to be involved with every generation in the church, from children to parents and volunteers! I have always loved intergenerational ministry and serving as an intern has given me the opportunity to connect generations! Isn’t that what the Gospel looks like!

In Emmi’s free time, she enjoys spending time with family, playing soccer, running and hiking. She is a recent graduate of Pensacola Christian College in Florida, so she has become a beach LOVER!

I spent most of my weekends collecting shells at the beach and watching the sun rise and set over the ocean. God is truly an amazing creator and I am always excited for an opportunity to explore his handiwork!

“I am delighted to have a supporting role to the work that is happening in the body of Christ here at Immanuel!”