Leadership

Pastor & Staff

Grayson Albers

Senior Pastor

Pastor Grayson Albers (PG) is our Senior Pastor. PG was born in Ohio, but, living in a pastor's family, at the age of 5, found himself quickly in Wisconsin (where he would call home), where he lived till his time at the Seminary. PG is married to Kimberly, and they enjoy life with their 4 children (2 boys and 2 girls). PG received his bachelor's degree from Concordia University-Wisconsin with a focus on biblical languages and pre-seminary studies. From there, PG received a four-year Masters of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary St. Louis, MO. God then called him here to Immanuel in 2011, and he has been here ever since. Throughout his time here at ILM, he has been youth and young families pastor, site pastor, and now senior pastor. PG has experience in helping and serving our community by serving on various boards and leading projects for the community. He enjoys leading bible study and teaching those about our Savior Jesus. Then, when he is not enjoying the Ministry or time with his family, he finds himself in the woods, either hiking at state parks, or hunting whatever is in season.

Robin Smith

Director of Worship

Robin has been our Director of Worshipsince 2018 and is married to Karen They have  seven adult children, and 10 wonderful grandchildren.  Robin has a Bachelors Degree of Music Education from Baylor University and a Masters in Organizational Leadership and Human Resouirce Development from Abilene Christian University.  He is passionate about heart-felt worship, expressing the beauty of Christ, and leadership development.  In his spare time he loves music, reading, and sports. 

Corrie Ganger

Minister of Family Life 

Corrie is long time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.  She  grew up in Rogers and is a graduate of  UMHB.  She taught for 31 years before retiring in 2019 and joining the ILM staff as Marca’s assistant.  Corrie love’s spending time with her family, watching sports (go Cowboys and Spurs) reading and singing. 

Nikki Hernandez

Business Manager 

Nikki serves as the business manager for Immanuel Lutheran Church and helps to make sure the books are balanced and the bills are paid. She and her husband have three sweet daughters and a host of farm animals they love to care for. In her spare time, Nikki enjoys camping, boating, and all things “outdoorsy” with her family. (Yes, outdoorsy is a word. You should add it to your vocabulary!) 

Malinda Averill

Assimilation Coordinator

Malinda serves Immanuel as Assimilation Coordinator. She has been a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church for many years, and has served as a leader on several of boards, including the Board of Directors. In her free time, Malinda loves meeting and serving people in the surrounding community.

Jennifer Benson

Director of Communications 

Jennifer serves Immanuel as our Director of Communications and works on our bulletins, newsletters, social media and websites. Jennifer has son, Derek who is working on his doctorate at the University of Arizona and daughter, Gabi who go attends to Abilene Christian. her Husband Sean is a professor of English at UMHB. Jen likes to read, stay active and do sudoku.

Avery Pavliska

Director
Bright Beginnings Mother's Day Out

Avery and her family are members of Immanuel Lutheran Church and grew up in Temple. Avery has her Bachelor’s degree in Education and Master’s degree in Educational Technology, both from Texas A&M University. Gig’Em! Avery serves as the Director for Bright Beginnings Mother’s Day Out and the Family Life representative on the Belton campus. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Steven, and their three busy kids, Weston, Granger, and Sloan. You can usually find her on a football field, basketball gym, or soccer field!