Meet the team

Ministry Leaders

Pastor Joe Sanders

Senior Pastor

Joe, a central Illinois native, discovered his ministry passion while serving in a soup kitchen as a teenager before attending Lincoln Christian University and Seminary, earning a B.A. in Ministry and a Master of Divinity. He studied Advanced Biblical preaching at Talbot Theological Seminary and is now pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Ministry Leadership at Liberty University. An avid outdoorsman, Joe enjoys fishing, hunting, and camping, balanced with interests like football, reading, and movies. Family is paramount; he treasures moments with his wife and three children. Guided by his unwavering faith, Joe is committed to sharing Christ's transformative love and grace, inspiring others on their journey with Christ

Jacob Johanson

Associate Pastor of Adults & Discipleship
Interim Youth Ministry Director

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. Since then, he has received a B.A. in Bible and Theology with a minor in Intercultural Studies from Southwestern Assemblies of God University, as well as a Master of Arts in Theology from Lincoln Christian Seminary. He loves spending time with his wife and two kids, and enjoys reading, weightlifting, 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.

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!

Beulah Johanson

Director of Worship Ministry

Beulah was raised on a small farm in central Illinois and earned her B.A. in Church Ministries with a minor in Music from Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Since she was a child, she has been active in music ministry, and she has a passion for helping others connect with God by encouraging a lifestyle of worship. She loves spending time with her husband, Jacob, and two awesome kids, songwriting, flower arranging and crafting.