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Our Leadership Team

Because nothing effects everything like leadership, one of our highest priorities is to identify, develop, and care for leaders who shepherd people with both integrity of heart and skillful hands (Psalm 78:70-72).

And because we live in a fallen world, we take great care to continually improve our practices to ensure the right leaders are in the right positions, wise checks and balances are in place, and healthy boundaries are maintained.

Pastor Chris

Founding and Senior Pastor

Chris Studenski provides visionary and supervisory leadership for ECC’s staff and congregation. He holds a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies from Bethel Seminary and was ordained by the Evangelical Covenant Church. Prior to founding ECC, Pastor Chris served at a Gospel Mission in Minneapolis, on the Board of a Children’s Home in Mexico, at a small church in a small town, at a larger church in a larger town, and in two multi-site churches in the Twin Cities. He’s worked closely with most major denominations and draws from the best that each has to offer. Today, he enjoys spending time with his family, serving our church, visiting his friends in Juarez, being outdoors, competitive sports, learning from other leaders, investing in the next generation, crafting elevated content and experiences, and helping people become more like Jesus. Pastor Chris has two adult daughters and lives in Shoreview with his wife Laura (Emmanuel’s Co-founder).

Elder Board

Emmanuel members call a Senior Pastor and elect Elders to serve as representatives of the church. Together, the Senior Pastor and Elders comprise our Elder Board. This plurality of carefully vetted leaders ensures healthy checks and balances. The Elder Board is charged with the responsibility to see that our common mission is pursued and that ministry is carried out in a wise, God-honoring way.

Email the Elder Board
  • Josh Anand Elder, Chair
  • Kim Gayner Elder, Secretary
  • Lori Hansen Elder
  • Jeff House Elder, Vice-chair
  • Steve Kruger Elder
  • Mary Lakner Elder
  • Jordan Luhmann Elder, Treasurer

Senior Leadership Team

The Senior Leadership Team works together to set priorities and make decisions that are aligned with our mission, vision, and values. Their primary responsibility is to our church as a whole. Their secondary responsibility is to the departments they represent.

Our Staff

Emmanuel is blessed with an amazing staff! Our staff members are empowered to build teams and carry out ministry.

Community Life

Kids, Tweens, Teens

Operations

Worship Arts

Pastoral Relations Committee

The Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC) administers the Senior Pastor’s performance review and may be called upon to mediate specific congregational concerns.

Email the Pastoral Relations Committee
  • Donna Gapinski
  • David Hanson
  • Nate Morris
  • Terry Storsved

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee prayerfully submits candidates for Emmanuel’s representative boards and other open positions assigned to it by the Elder Board and/or Senior Pastor.

  • Justin Alstad
  • SaraBeth Aune
  • Rachel Bolte
  • Jeff House
  • Graham Jenich
  • Abel Matuz
  • Jim Nimlos
  • Shauna Richardson
  • Maggie Rocke
  • Beth Stadler
  • Jeremy Vuong