Meet the team

Pastor Joe Sanders

Senior Pastor

Joe grew up in central Illinois. He graduated from Lincoln Christian University and Seminary with a B.A. in Ministry and a Master of Divinity degree. He is currently in the project phase of a Doctor of Ministry in Advanced Biblical Preaching at Talbot Theological Seminary. He enjoys all things outdoors, football, reading books, watching movies, and loves doing life with his wife and three children. Joe loves seeing people’s lives transform when they experience the truth, grace, and love of Christ.

Jacob Johanson

Associate Pastor of Adults & Discipleship

Jacob grew up in Danvers, IL. After serving for five years in the United States Marine Corps, he felt God calling him into full-time ministry. He graduated from Southwestern Assemblies of God University with a B.A. in Bible and Theology and a minor in Intercultural Studies and is currently finishing a Masters of Theology degree from Lincoln Christian University and Seminary. He loves spending time with his wife and two kids, and enjoys reading, weight lifting, camping, and training with his arm wrestling team. Jacob is passionate about digging into God’s Word and helping people apply it to their lives.

Emily Laundenslager

Youth Ministry Director

Emily is from the Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania and is an avid Philly sports fan. She attended Cairn University for a B.A. degree in Bible and Youth Ministry and then returned to Cairn for her Masters in Counseling degree. Emily is passionate about discipleship, mental health, developing leaders and telling people about Jesus. When not hanging out with students; she enjoys cooking, traveling, attending sporting events and playing pranks on her coworkers!

Lisa Thomas

Children's Ministry Director
Communications Director

Lisa is from Western Pennsylvania and attended Geneva College for a BS in Chemistry and a MA in Counseling. She did her training for Children's Ministry through KidMin Academy. Her and husband have three children, one boy and two girls, who keep them on their toes. When not at church, she can be found running, hanging out with her family, or helping out with the PTA at her children school. Lisa loves watching seeds being planted in the children's heart and watching grow in their love for Jesus!