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 most interested in Theology. I love learning about God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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.

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

Liz started as a junior church pianist at 12 years old. By 15, she was regularly playing for worship services. All of her early music teachers were church musicians, which she considers a great blessing. Along the way, Liz learned to play woodwind instruments, percussion, and organ. She is a 1991 graduate of Bob Jones University in piano pedagogy. She learned choir leadership under the direction of Dr. Fred Coleman at BJU and Mr. Larry Carrier at Morningside Baptist Church.

Liz’s music ministry experience includes teaching music to students of all ages in studio, classroom, and choir settings, serving as church pianist at Community Baptist Church in Bradenton, Florida, and leading as Music Director at Evangel Baptist Church in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Liz also organized the church music as she and Jon planted LifeSpring Baptist Church in Arkansas.

All of her training and experience prepared Liz for a role as Immanuel’s Music Director.

Mondays and Sundays are my busy days, at IBC. Monday morning begins with Staff prayer and planning meetings, then I spend time studying the Pastor’s upcoming message text, so the worship music may complement the sermon. From there, I choose music, arrange for the musicians and rehearsal times, prepare copies of music for each musician, and make the projection for each service. Toward the end of the week, I wrap up final details and set up the order of service, and make sure things are ready for Sunday. Sunday is the day of action! I arrive extra early, to make sure things are up and running, before rehearsals with the worship team prior to Sunday School. Lots of other rehearsals happen on Sunday morning and evening, also, including choir.

Scott Morris started working with Immanuel in 2014, working on painting and cleaning projects throughout the church and annex. His work on the church facilities team began in 2018 and has now taken the lead as Church Facilities Director.

A typical day for Scott includes cleaning and setting up rooms across the whole church for a wide variety of activities and events. He is responsible for maintaining the entire facility and makes sure all is functioning properly, making minor repairs where necessary. He coordinates daily with staff, church leaders, and church members in preparation for activities and events and welcomes you to send him a message when needed.

“I enjoy serving our IBC family and love to see people enjoying fellowship together, worshiping the Lord.”

“Laura and I enjoy many outdoor activities including kayaking, hiking and bicycling. I’m also an avid fan of many University of Virginia Cavaliers sports.”