OUR MISSION:
Emmanuel is a great church, with loving people who want to journey together as we learn how to live like Jesus.
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Much of our philosophy of ministry is intergenerational, which means that we grow best in an environment that reflects a Godly family dynamic. In the Bible, families consisted of Grand-parents, parents and children. Our ministries at Emmanuel reflect that, as we try to learn from each other, because each one is of tremendous importance and we can all learn from each other, at any age.
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We consider ourselves to be a River Church where God's resources and blessings flow in, so we can send them back out to be used by those who seek to build the Kingdom of God. That may be in our own church, our denomination or other ministries in the riverbed or around the world.
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Emmanuel is blessed to be a member of the Free Methodist Church USA.
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Most of the times in which we gather together is focused on Sundays so families are free to disciple one another in their homes and in home groups that meet throughout the week. Our Sunday service times are at 8:00am and 10:30am, with Sunday school at 9:15am. We have classes for all ages. We also have a special time for children 3yrs - 7yrs called "Godly Play". Some churches may call it Children's church but to us it is very different. This is a very "low tech" but very hands-on approach to teaching kids about God and Jesus' church. They are called out of the service after the 2nd song so they get a chance to experience worship with the whole church. ​
ZACH DAVIS
Zach Davis came to Emmanuel in 2025 to serve as the Next Gen Pastor. He was born in Decatur, IL, and later moved to Cerro Gordo, IL. Zach earned a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from Greenville University, where he met his wife Laura. After graduating, he served as Youth Director at Living Word Church in Wildwood, MO, before completing a Master of Divinity at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago. He later served as Youth and Associate Pastor at Grace Church in Nashville, IL. Laura teaches High School Spanish, and they have a young son, Elias. Zach has a passion for investing in the next generation, building relationships, and discipling students and families. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, fishing, being outdoors, and spending time with loved ones.
EMILY McAFEE
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. In 2021, she transitioned into a role that has allowed her to help build the communication throughout the community here at Emmanuel.
She and her husband, Eric, have 2 daughters (Elaina and Eilah).
CHRIS SMITH
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.
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Pastor Chris serves on a number of conference and community boards and committees.
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Pastor Chris, and his wife Leah, have three children (Sawyer, Lucy and Madelyn).
LEAH SMITH
Leah is a graduate of Cornerstone University and has a Master's in Educational Ministry from Huntington University. She previously worked 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. ​​
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Leah directs our children's ministries and In 2025, expanded her role by assuming leadership over the spiritual formation at Emmanuel. She provides leadership over our discipleship programs, including Sunday School, Connect Groups and Volunteer as Ministry programs.
ANNIE GALLAHER
Annie grew up in Brighton, IL and has long been a part of the Emmanuel family. She began leading worship as a teen and continued to lead as a college student. Annie is a gifted vocalist and teacher.
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Annie is currently a student at SIUE majoring in music education. She will graduate this spring and is engaged to be married in July.