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.
Sara Bunn
P/T Creative Director (Remote)
sbunn@ibcrichmond.org
Bio
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.
Emmi Stephens
Children's Ministry Intern
estephens@ibcrichmond.org
Bio
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!