Leadership

Pastor & Staff

Grayson Albers

Senior Pastor

Pastor Grayson Albers (PG) is our Senior Pastor. He grew up as a pastor's kid in Wisconsin, and he 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, Missouri. 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 a heart for assisting our community, serving on various boards and leading numerous local projects. PG is married to Kimberly, and they enjoy life with their 2 boys and 2 girls. When he is not serving in the Ministry or spending time with his family, he enjoys being 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 Worship since 2018 and is married to Karen. They have  7 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 Resource 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. 

Brenda Whitwell

Business Manager 

[Bio Coming Soon!]

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.

Hannah Johnson

Communications Coordinator 

Hannah serves Immanuel as our Communications Coordinator and works on our bulletins, newsletters, social media and websites. Hannah has been a member of Immanuel for over 10 years and has served in many capacities throughout that time. She graduated from UMHB in 2023 with a degree in music education. In her spare time, Hannah enjoys reading, practicing music, and spending time with her family.

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!