Pastor Jess Knauft

Our mission statement at Immanuel is "to live in Christ...to offer hope to all." In Colossians 2:6-7 we read:

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

This call to vibrant passionate spirituality involves taking seriously the call to sit at the feet of Jesus and be his disciple (Matthew 28:19). It is the reason why our church places such a high value on preaching (Word & Sacraments), teaching and accountability groups that have a prayer and transformational perspective.

The second part of Immanuel's mission statement is to "offer hope to all."  I have a passion to help people find God's very best plan for their life. Jeremiah 29:11 states:

For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

This passion, to offer a meaningful theology of hope, flows into working to make sure that all my Sunday messages and various teaching sessions are relevant for those who are going through life and all of its complexities.

Besides public speaking, counseling and teaching various classes, I am involved in the day to day administrative aspect of the church - e.g. making sure our various ministries and programs effectively connect with the heartfelt needs of people. I believe in lifting people up, with the grace of God, so they can be a blessing to others.