As Senior Pastor, Michael serves the church by preaching and providing vision and leadership. To shepherd the flock, he desires to know and love the people he leads (1 Thessalonians 2:8).

Pastor Michael holds degrees in biblical studies, theology, higher education, and a Ph.D. in leadership. He serves as a Trustee at Virginia Beach Theological Seminary (Virginia Beach, VA) and on the Elected Council of Baptist Mid-Missions (Cleveland, OH).

In addition to ministry, Pastor Michael is an avid reader and learner. Marathon running, coffee, cribbage, Paw Patrol, and the Cincinnati Reds are a few of his favorite things. He and his wife, Sarah, homeschool their three children and seek to love their neighbors through Christian hospitality.

Education:
B.A. in Biblical Studies, Piedmont International University
M.Div., Virginia Beach Theological Seminary
Th.M. in Systematic Theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Th.M. in Higher Education, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Ph.D. in Leadership, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

JoAnne has served on our church facilities team since 2018.

I also enjoy hiking and birdwatching.

JoAnne has a daughter, Rebekah, and they enjoy their bird named Rio!

Sara joined as part-time church staff in 2019 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 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.

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

Scott Morris started working with Immanuel in 2014, working on painting and cleaning projects throughout the church and annex. He began his work as Senior Church Facilities Technician in 2018.

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.”

Brenda has been on staff at Immanuel since 1991, first as our part-time Receptionist, then as a full-time Administrative Assistant in 1996.

Brenda takes care of church finance and office details and helps staff and church members with a variety of projects and needs.

I most enjoy interacting with, and getting to know, my church family.

In her spare time, Brenda enjoys crafting and spending time with her family, including her husband, Mike; kids, Kristi, Jeremy & Megan; and grandson, Abraham.

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. 

Gloria has been on staff at Immanuel since 2012 and has quite a variety of tasks from day-to-day. Sunday mornings are for checking in with all the teachers and programs to say, “Hi!” and see if they need anything.

I will sit in classrooms and sing along with our kids; or listen to the Bible lesson with the children; or assist during craft time.

Gloria also checks in with our babies and toddlers on Sundays, and enjoys conversations with parents.

Wednesdays include checking in with our Word of Life Leaders and Nursery, then assisting wherever needed.

Gloria also recruits volunteers and coordinates Vacation Bible School, special children’s programs, Operation Christmas Child, and many community service opportunities, reaching out to our neighbors in nursing homes, elementary schools, fire stations, and the community center.

All in all, my days are spent serving the needs of our children and parents in our church, and as a liason in our local community.

In her spare time, Gloria enjoys reading, running, biking, and cooking, spending time with friends at the beach, Busch Gardens, the park, or the mall – as well as the peace and quiet as the morning dawns:

I like to sit on my deck and enjoy the peace and quiet as the morning dawns or as the stars twinkle in the sky at night. I enjoy embracing life in the present.

Tom has been a part of the family of IBC since 1981. During this time he has served as an elder and teacher in every age group from one-year-olds to adults, with his favorite being teaching Biblical world view to youth. In his current position with Men’s Ministry:

My passion is helping men to understand how to APPLY biblical principles to their own lives in a way that demonstrates God’s love to their families, their church, and their work communities.

In addition to the joy of talking with men over occasional lunches or breakfasts, Tom very much enjoys the curriculum evaluation and selection; the facilitation; and the planning associated with our men’s Bible study.

Tom worked in Project Management in IT systems for forty-five years and is now retired. He has more time to enjoy being with his wife of 47 years, time in the mountains, reading, cooking meat, and visiting his two daughters and their families, not the least of which is his six grandchildren. A new pleasure in life is having the grandchildren who can drive and drop by for conversation and food reinforcements!