Our Leaders
Pastor/Elders
Brad Guenther Pastor
Brad and Terri grew up in the Capital District. They have two school-aged children. Brad is a graduate of the University at Albany and Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, NC.
Interests: Running; reading (theology, history, and fiction); and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Kristopher Rexius Elder (Administration), Adult Discipleship Teacher
Kristopher and Jennifer moved to the Capital District in 2006. He is employed by Sabic Innovative Plastics in Delmar and is a proud graduate of Purdue University. He and Jennifer have one daughter.
Interests: Cooking, world travel, soccer, and Purdue athletics.
Kevin Booth Elder (Discipleship); Youth Sunday School Teacher
Kevin is from Pittsburgh (and a proud Steelers fan) but has been part of Immanuel from almost the start. He works at Regeneron in Rensselaer. He and his wife, Meg, have two children.
Interests: Shooting, hunting, all things outdoors, and being Immanuel’s resident builder of things heavier than they need to be.
Scott Bieg Elder (Connections); Averill Park Community Group Leader
Scott is a lifelong resident of New York, having grown up in Rensselaer County. He is a graduate of Niagara University. He and Heidi have three children, two of whom are grown, and three grandchildren. They enjoy motorcycling, running and family time. Scott and Heidi have been blessed to call Immanuel their home since 2007.
Larry Pitts Elder (Communications)
Larry, his wife Cindy, and their two children Jacob and Emily have worshiped at Immanuel since 2011. They love music, laughter, reading, exploring God's creation and opening their home to everyone.
Larry grew up in East Greenbush and is the Director of Design at Plug Power, where he has developed hydrogen power technology since 1998.
Deacons
Lori Risley Deaconess
Lori and her husband Jeff reside in Village of Nassau where they brought up two lovely daughters. Lori has a masters degree in education and taught English for twelve years before becoming a childcare provider. She loves music, and sings regularly on the worship team at Immanuel.
Interests: Ireland, writing children’s stories, reading (preferably at oceanside), and spending time with friends and family.
Staff / Ministry Leaders
Amy Blankenship Church Administrator
Amy and her husband Jon grew up in Guilderland and currently live in North Greenbush. They have two grown children, Skylar and Jon.
Interests: Spending time with family, cooking, and hiking.
Mark Halsey Worship Leader
Mark has been serving at Immanuel since January of 2017. He lives in North Greenbush with his wife Priscilla, and 3 kids. Mark graduated from Grace Bible College in Grand Rapids, with a Bachelor of Music degree. He is the head school bus driver for the East Greenbush Central school district and has worked there since 1999. Mark and Priscilla also own and operate Gene’s Fish Fry in East Greenbush. In their free time they enjoy traveling, trips to Broadway, and quality time with the family. Favorite verse, Isaiah 43:1-7.
Terri Guenther Director of Children's Ministry
Terri is an occupational therapist at a local school district. She grew up in Clifton Park and is a graduate of Russell Sage College in Troy. She and Brad have been married for over 20 years.