Emmaus is led by a group of pastors – no single person is in charge. This structure promotes an attitude of encouragement and accountability rather than the “pass the buck” mentality. Each pastor brings his own unique gifts and insights. Pastors don’t have specific titles. While each pastor has his own area of responsibility, pastors are encouraged to help with all of the ministries.
Cameron Stanton
One of the most frustrating and beautiful things about life is its uncertainty. Growing up in the small town of Ash Grove, Missouri, I thought I pretty much had my life planned out. Problem was, I forgot to see if God had the same plans. After a few attempts at going my own way, I finally realized that God had a different direction for me. Initially, I felt that I didn’t posess the qualities of a pastor. I still feel that I am lacking in so many ways. However, I wouldn’t change where God has me for anything. God has brought me so many blessings through the church – friendships, family, and my wife to name a few. And now, I am looking forward to the blessings to come through Emmaus.
Chad Killingsworth
Growing up as a pastor’s kid, I saw both the good and the bad of ministry. I learned to love being part of intimate worship services rich with the power of God. At the same time I learned to hate the power struggles and political maneuvering so prevalent among church workers and staff. Why does ministry have to involve such attitudes?
Being part of Emmaus gave me the chance to help shape a church without all the politics. Worship and ministry should be about God – not about who’s in charge. Is it really possible to have a group of people who are more concerned with doing the right thing than with a set of rules? We designed Emmaus from the ground up to foster a politics free atmosphere. That’s why there isn’t one single person in charge – we built in accountability even at the top. In the long run though, it will depend on everyone to keep Emmaus focused upward and not inward.
Clint Coyan
I grew up in a great Christian home and went to Church nearly every week with my family. My parents always did their best to teach me that my relationship with God was important and crucial, but that was the problem.I would go to church and go through the motions, and I never had a true deep and meaningful relationship with Christ.During college God used a couple life events and people to help my realize I needed to give God all of my life and truly get to know him. Since then I have been on a great jouney in my walk with he Lord that has been amazing. My wife and I worked with Campus Crusade for Chrst andwere able to travel around the world doing ministry and now, to Emmaus.
I am so blessed by Emmaus and am excited to be a part of ministering to the people of Emmaus.I’m passionate about helping men know what it really means to be a man and I’m passionate about helping others realize that Jesusis the answer in every situation that life brings…in Him we are complete.
Kent Shelton
God had repeatedly placed me at the limits of my comfort zones. From 3 years of youth ministry,to walking away completely and venturing into the business world, doing what comes easy has seldom been a luxury I’ve been able to afford. Through it all I’ve maintained a passion for people and for Christ. I guess the two go hand in hand (working with middle schoolers was a little bit of a stretch, though).
It’s been a tough lesson to learn but I’m slowly figuring out that my abilities to impress and to influence pale in comparison to what Christ is capable of doing through me when I let him. I almost feel spoiled because I get to work along-side three of my closest friends who constantly remind me that God fills in the gaps. Ministry at Emmaus will never be easy because it involves people’s lives, and those are always complex. But, I couldn’t imagine anything in the world I would rather be a part of.
Ron Vandever
As a kid growing up in Walla Walla, Washington, I experienced the mighty power of Christ in my life. Even though I did not start regularly attending church until I was 14, God showed Himself to me when I was just 4 years old. Somehow someway the creator of the universe showed me at a young age that He had great plans for me.
Being a part of Emmaus is just an opportunity to be a part of what God is doing in other areas of Springfield and other places around the world. I believe that the church exists to show the great power, love, forgiveness, and mercy of Christ. I believe that with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and grace of Christ, we will see great things at Emmaus and I am just thankful to be a part of the amazing mystery of life.
Consultant Pastors
As if five pastors wasn’t enough – we added more. Too often church leaders get so close to an issue they can’t see the big picture. We miss the forest for the trees. Our consultant pastors help give us that missing perspective. While you might see them around from time to time – these pastors have other ministries and responsibilites. Consultant pastors provide much needed outside viewpoints and advice for the pastors of Emmaus.
- Clay Anderson – Upon This Rock International
- Gary Killingsworth – Global Impact Ministries