STAFF
Lead Pastor
Pastor Chris came to Emmanuel in July of 2017 to serve as the Pastor of Family Life and became lead pastor in 2021. Having served the previous 16 years at Free Methodist educational institutions, Greenville University and Central Christian College of Kansas. A native of Bethany, IL, Pastor Chris has a B.S. in Youth Ministry from Greenville University and an M.Ed. in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University. Pastor Chris, and his wife Leah, have three children (Sawyer, Lucy and Madelyn).
Connectional Ministries
Pastor Mark served as lead pastor at Emmanuel from1985 - 2021, - before it was called Emmanuel! He began serving as Pastor of Connectional Ministries in May of 2021. He graduated from Greenville University in 1982 and Asbury Theological Seminary in 1985. He and His wife Kathy have four children - Lydia (married to Josh), Nathan (married to Analee), Matthew and Daton, as well as 2 grandchild (Faye & Arthur)
COMMUNICATIONS
Emily has been a regular part of Emmanuel her entire life. She attended Greenville College and graduated in 2013 with a B.S in Adult Fitness. Before joining the staff at EFMC, Emily worked at a physical therapy office for 5 years and enjoyed meeting many people in the Alton community. She now hopes to transition into a role that allows her to help build the communication throughout the community here at Emmanuel. She and her husband, Eric, have 2 daughters (Elaina and Eilah)
CHILDREN'S Ministry
Leah is a 1998 graduate of Cornerstone University and received a Master's in Educational Ministry from Huntington University in 2003. She previously served for 9 years in Christian Higher Education, including two Free Methodist colleges (Greenville and Central). Leah served for 3 years as the Director of Early Childhood Ministry at the McPherson Free Methodist Church, in McPherson, KS.
Leah coordinates our Godly Play ministry during 2nd service as well as our Connect Kids ministry on Sunday nights.
Worship ministries
Jennie has been an active part of life at Emmanuel since just before her 16th birthday in January of 2003. After studying music education at Asbury College she returned to Illinois and graduated from SIUE with a degree in Elementary Education. Jennie has worked for 12 years as a full time music teacher while participating and ministering in many ways at Emmanuel on the worship team and in youth ministry. Currently she has made the transition to full time stay at home mom. She is thrilled to serve in the role of worship director at Emmanuel and looks forward to many years of ministry and life with our church family. She and her husband Josh have their hands and hearts full with their daughters Julie & Ellie, and their twin boys Will, & Wyatt.
