Our Leadership

Immanuel Church is a Jesus-led, elder and board-governed, and congregationally accountable church. Our leadership is team-based, relational, and committed to following Jesus with humility, integrity, and courage.

Elders

The Council of Elders provides spiritual leadership and oversight for Immanuel Church. Together with the Lead Pastor, the elders guide our church in faithfulness to Jesus, nurturing spiritual health, and providing direction for ministry.

The elders are responsible for:

  • Leading in matters of doctrine, direction, and discipline

  • Overseeing church ministries and the work of deacons

  • Shepherding the church with wisdom and humility

  • Supporting and evaluating church staff, including the Lead Pastor

  • Ensuring we remain aligned with our mission and faithful to Scripture

Elders are shepherds, called to serve, protect, and care for the spiritual wellbeing of the Immanuel Church family. The Council includes at least three members, including the Lead Pastor.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors oversees the business operations, finances, and legal stewardship of Immanuel Church. While the elders lead the church spiritually, the board ensures that our church functions with integrity, transparency, and wise financial management.

The board is responsible for:

  • Approving the annual budget and major financial decisions

  • Managing risk, compliance, and legal responsibilities

  • Overseeing staff compensation and benefits

  • Supporting the elders and Lead Pastor in organizational planning

  • Helping shape long-term strategy and vision implementation

Like the elders, the board is comprised of trusted, spiritually mature leaders committed to the health and mission of Immanuel Church.

Deacons

At Immanuel Church, deacons serve the practical and personal needs of our church family. Their role is one of care, compassion, and support—helping embody the love of Jesus in tangible ways.

Deacons care for people through:

  • Prayer and encouragement

  • Hospital and home visits

  • Meeting needs within the congregation

Our deacons serve as trusted, humble leaders who help ensure no one walks through hardship alone. We are actively preparing to commission our first deacons this fall.

Lead Pastor

Keith Burney

Keith is the Lead Pastor of Immanuel Church. He’s passionate about helping people live with and live like Jesus. 

He’s been married to his wife for over a decade, and they have two amazing daughters.

Keith has served in a variety of ministry and leadership roles over the past two decades. He spent almost a decade in corporate leadership before transitioning to ministry full-time in 2013. 

He holds a Master of Theological Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, an MBA from Wake Forest University, and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Adams State University.

Currently, Keith is prayerfully identifying elder, board member, and deacon nominees—leaders who will share in the church’s governance, care, and spiritual direction.

Want to know more?

Reach out to us at info@immanuelclt.org and we will be happy to help you find answers and learn more about our church.