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

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

Paul serves as Immanuel’s Church Administrator and Missions Director.

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!

Sara 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.